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Rolando S. Gregorio
PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL
He will remain at his post
in Hawaii for three years.

Diplomat praises isle
Filipinos’ closeness

Young and old are familiar
with native customs, he says

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

Compared to his previous posts in Washington, D.C., and Bangkok, new Philippine Consul General Rolando S. Gregorio describes the Filipino community in Hawaii as active and cohesive.

"They take pride to be of help and render community service," he said.

"In Bangkok and Washington, D.C., they get together and do some projects, but not as much as I've seen here so far."

At an annual function of the Ilocos Surian Association of Hawaii in November, Gregorio noticed that both young and old generations are familiar with native dances such as the tinikling (bamboo dance) and itik itik (duck dance), as well as native Filipino songs.

The closeness to the mother country is more intense in Hawaii, he said.

Gregorio, who succeeded Minerva Jean A. Falcon as Philippine consul general of Honolulu, began his position Nov. 2 and will remain in Hawaii for three years.

Since being appointed consul general, Gregorio has been meeting with members of 16 Filipino organizations and getting accustomed to Hawaii.

"Personally, I agree with the weather," said Gregorio, who was born and raised in Manila and is now living in Waialae Iki.

Gregorio said he is also impressed with the cultural, economic and emotional ties Filipinos in Hawaii have to the Philippines. He praised members of the Filipino community such as Dr. Jorge Camara, who participates in the Aloha Medical Mission to assist ill patients in the Philippines.

As consul general, Gregorio hopes to strengthen the business trade between Hawaii and the Philippines by promoting Filipino products such as processed foods, handicrafts and garments. He also hopes to build up fraternal relations.

Gregorio joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1978. Before arriving in Hawaii, he was executive director of the office of the undersecretary for migrant workers for the foreign affairs department in Manila.

Gregorio received his bachelor's degree in foreign service and journalism in 1963 and attained a law degree at the Lyceum of the Philippines in 1967.

He and his wife, Marie, have two sons, Ronald, 31, and Romano, 29.