San Francisco Manila Sister City Committee (SFMSCC)

San Francisco Manila Sister City Committee (SFMSCC)

SFMSCC, chaired by SFPUC Commissioner Dennis Normandy and whose members are public officials, business leaders, professionals, educators, authors, artists, etc. who have interest or ties to the Philippines serve as the preeminent cultural and economic link between San Francisco and Manila. The Committee supports, among other things, the Filipiniana Section of the San Francisco Library’s Excelsior Branch, the Emilio Aguinaldo Elementary School in Manila, the Pistahan Parade & Festival, the Parol & Festival in SF and the RP Independence Day Flagraising/reception at the SF City Hall and periodically organizes mayor-led cultural and trade missions to Manila.
During its 2006 trade and cultural mission with Mayor Gavin Newsom to the Philippines, the committee donated a container load of 280 brand new wheelchairs for disabled veterans and Manila school children; $10,000 to the Philippine Symphony Instrument Fund; and the business brought through the delegation resulted in 5,000 new jobs in the Philippines. In return, several Filipino businessmen pledged increased business in The City, including more Philippine Airlines flights through San Francisco International Airport.
In June 2008 SFMSCC sponsored a group art exhibit featuring 4 Filipino visiting artists from the Philippines and this artist at the Philippine Consulate building in SF.

With President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who happens to be a former classmate at the Ateneo De Manila University Graduate School of Economics and fellow professor of Economics at Assumption College of the Philippines. At center is Lynda Teehankee Normandy, SFMSCC's Events Coordinator. With Manila Mayor Atienza at Manila City Hall Reception.

With San Francisco Mayor Newsom at Malacanang Palace dinner reception With Mayor Newsom at the Concepcion-Hechanova dinner reception. Thought I'd include this picture as we both had perfect timing - blinking as the camera clicks.

A group picture with some members of the delegation at the Malacanang reception. Art Exhibit reception at the social hall of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, with Vladimir at the left.