Community bids rousing farewell to beloved envoy

D.C. was in the house! Maryland was in the house! Virginia was in the house! The evening's mood was definitely light and upbeat as close to 300 guests gathered at J.W. Marriott last Saturday, July 7, to give a warm send off to the Filipino-American community's first couple, Albert and Gretchen del Rosario.

The crowd 'ooh'd and 'aah'd' at a slide show of the del Rosario's rare family photos. The program opened with a parade of Filipino-Americans representing various professions to underscore the strength and diversity of the community in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Ray Cabacar, a barber, distinguished himself as being the closest person to the envoy, their distance being only a 'hairline' apart. 'Manong' Rey cuts the Ambassador's hair.

Community leaders took turns at the podium to extol the couple's accomplishments; some reminisced, others cracked jokes, a few presented plaques and medals, several sang. Rear Admiral (Ret. US Navy) Dan Mckinnon, a long time friend, presented the del Rosarios with an original program commemorating the official change of Philippine Independence from July 4 to June 12.

The community's gifts were an oil painting by Fil-Am painter Joey Manlapaz and a scrap book of photos and messages. The highlight of the evening was an irreverent, no-holds barred skit of the del Rosario's experiences (real or imagined) in Washington, D.C. and the community singing of "More Work, More Work!" to the tune of "New York, New York!"

When it was his turn to speak, del Rosario remained a true diplomat. He exhorted everyone to stand behind and support President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and urged the community to continue its support of the Philippine economy by increasing its dollar remittances, its medical missions and other charitable outreach efforts to the Philippines. Smiling impishly, if asked, del Rosario has a three-fold advice to his successor: (1) be prepared to work hard; (2) come with a sense of humor and (3) be prepared to go broke. (If you're not broke at the end of your term, you must be doing something funny).

To the delight of the crowd, del Rosario showed off his impeccable people skills with a long 'wish list' of characteristics and traits he would like to have for a personal 'makeover': Gloria Caoile's eloquence, Nedo Valera's principled activism, Jon Melegrito's leadership stature, Tessie Alarcon's singleness of purpose, Al Trapal's and Ramon Calalang's accounting abilities, Mitzi Pickard's charm and sparkle, among a few. Without doubt, this ambassador got to know the Washington, D.C. community like the back of his hand.

Early in the evening, as soon as the dinner bell was sounded and without even touching his plate, the Ambassador rose from the dinner table and started his rounds. His intent was clear-he wanted to meet everyone in the room, pose for pictures and say his personal 'thank you's' for the five years that he and his family were warmly welcomed and embraced by the community. This community will truly miss him!-Mencie Y. Hairston