From Cherie M. Querol Moreno for Philippine News:
Both powerhouse figures in the city and county of San Francisco, [Marily] Mondejar and [Al] Perez each head a now-iconic organization. Since 2006, they have been directing the ad hoc FilAm Community Forum to celebrate fellow FilAms in public service.
. . .
Fil-Am Victory Celebration flyer
In 2006, they convened the first gathering of victors and supporters as the banner of FIlAm Community Forum. The event drew public servants from all over Northern California.
. . .
“We have found that these gatherings inspire our community especially the youth which has now resulted in Millennials elected in the last couple of years and engaged in public service,” Mondejar revealed. “The meetings challenge our community to do more. We want to engage them so FilAms can secure seats at the decision tables that impact the lives of our families especially women and children. To take actions so we can play a strategic role in public service especially the 2020 elections and beyond.”
. . .
Leading the roster of honorees is [Rep. TJ] Cox, who overcame a 25-point primary deficit to defeat the three-time incumbent for the seat in Central Valley with his support for the Affordable Care Act. The Walnut Creek-born engineer and entrepreneur is the son of a father who immigrated from China and a Filipina mother, Perla de Castro. He and wife Kathleen Murphy, a pediatrician, have four children.