Fil-Ams gush over GMA at White House

It is often said in the Philippines that with millions of Filipinos working overseas, you will find Filipinos almost anywhere in the world.

During President Arroyo’s visit to the White House as a guest of US President George W. Bush, that seemed to be true.

In spite of her hectic schedule, Mrs. Arroyo still found time to give the handful of ranking Filipino-Americans working on staff at America’s seat of power an audience.

As for the Filipino-Americans, like Susan Ralston, executive assistant to presidential adviser Carl Rove, they may be Americans, but deep down they are still Filipinos at heart.

Ralston described the meeting, although brief, as an exciting and special moment for them.

"We were all excited. Even though she did not have much time for us because of her hectic schedule, it was a huge privilege and an honor and very special for us to each have a private moment with her," said Ralston.

Ralston and seven other Filipino-Americans, all of them presidential appointees, were the first to meet Mrs. Arroyo.

Among those who met her were Noel Francisco, an associate counsel and special presidential assistant; Cesar Conda, an assistant to Vice President Richard Cheney for domestic policy; and Lupo Carlota, who is on the president’s advisory commission on Asian American and Pacific islanders.

The other 30 to 40 Filipino-Americans — many of them stewards, cooks and waiters — met Mrs. Arroyo one way or another during the state dinner Bush hosted for her.

Ralston said her parents, who live in Chicago, were also excited when she told them she was meeting Mrs. Arroyo.

"When President Bush visits the Philippines in the fall, I hope I can be involved in some way in that trip," Ralston said. White House officials said Bush was likely to add the Philippines to an Asian trip he has planned for this fall.