12 June 2025, Honolulu – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu and the Office of the Governor of the state of Hawai‘i hosted a reception to mark the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at Washington Place, the official residence of the Governor, last June 5.
The reception was jointly hosted by Consul General Arman R. Talbo, who assumed his role as Philippine Consul General in Honolulu on 17 March 2025, and Governor Josh Green, M.D., with First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, highlighting the close bonds between the Philippines and Hawai‘i.
The event drew the presence of distinguished guests, including members of the Consular Corps, officials from the state of Hawai‘i and City of Honolulu, high-ranking officers from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, business leaders, and academic and policy experts. Also present were elected and appointed Filipino-American officials in Hawai‘i, among them former Governor Benjamin Cayetano, the first Filipino-American to be elected as governor of a U.S. state.
In his remarks, Governor Green extended a warm welcome to the Consulate and the Filipino-American community, and emphasized the rich connection between the Philippines and Hawai‘i as “personal, cultural, geopolitical, and deeply ingrained” in Hawai‘i’s vibrant social fabric. With over a quarter of the state’s population with Filipino ancestry, he said that there is “no other place that the Filipino community has given such great contribution,” in the U.S. He offered a toast, in recognition of the deep bonds between the peoples of Hawai‘i and the Philippines, which he expressed is “more than geography, it is ‘ohana — a legacy of unity, perseverance, and a shared dream for a brighter tomorrow.”
Governor Green also shared personal recollection of his time living and travelling in the Philippines during his youth.
Consul General Talbo, for his part, noted that the relationship between the Philippines and the United States, particularly in Hawai‘i, is intertwined, with Filipinos leaving their important mark in all aspects of society, including in government, business, religion, the medical field and the academe, among others.
He underscored that the ironclad alliance and multifaceted partnership between the Philippines and the United States, are “anchored on shared democratic values, mutual defense, economic cooperation, and deep people-to-people ties.” He emphasized that freedom is not only a legacy but a responsibility which Filipinos, Americans, and like-minded nations have to protect to “uphold the values that bind us and to shape a future worthy of our shared hopes for a peaceful, prosperous world built on respect for international law and the rules-based international order.”
Representing the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, recognized that the Philippines is the oldest security ally of the United States, with whom it shares common principles and deep historical and cultural bonds. This significant bond allows both “nations to stand shoulder to shoulder in facing current challenges and building opportunities together.” He added that the robust and growing partnership between the Philippines and U.S. militaries serves as a beacon for peace and stability and called on the peoples of the Philippines and the U.S. to “honor the sacrifices and the achievements of those who came before us and the commitment to work together,” and “strive for a shared future of security, sovereignty and respect for international law.”
The evening also served as a cultural showcase, with performances by the Hawai‘i Rondalla and Linglingay Dance Troupe, offering guests a vibrant display of Filipino music and folk dance. Philippine-inspired dishes curated by Chef Chai delighted the attendees while Washington Place provided docent-led tours for guests who were interested to learn more about the historical venue, once home of Hawai‘i’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani.
The simple but dignified event served as a fitting tribute to Philippine Independence and a celebration of the enduring ties between the Philippines and Hawai‘i - ties that continue to flourish in shared history, culture, and vision for a peaceful and prosperous future.
Consul General Talbo highlighted the iron-clad partnership between the Philippines and the United States, with the State of Hawaii as a key strategic and cultural bridge.
Admiral Koehler emphasized the strong alliance between the Philippines and the United States.
Governor Green, First Lady Green, and Consul General Talbo, as event co-hosts, welcomed Admiral Koehler to the reception.
Consul General Talbo and Governor Green pose with the Hawai‘i Rondalla which performed a medley of Filipino songs. Also in the photo are Tourism Attache Gerry Panga and State Representative Shirley Ann Templo (far right and far left, respectively).
Consul General Talbo with Former Governor Ben Cayetano, government officials, and young Fil-Am leaders.