Despite his hectic day-to-day schedule as one of the Philippines top diplomats in the Kingdom of Thailand, Vice Consul Jim Minglana made sure he has time to celebrate his birthday with the Filipino community – a friendly gesture his guests definitely appreciated.
Sir Jim, as many fondly call him, hosted a post birthday dinner party with Filipino community leaders last night, February 18, 2016 at Pan Pan Italian Restaurant on Sukhumvit 33. His actual birthday is on February 7.
The atmosphere was cordial and very relaxed as the vice consul exchanged pleasantries with his guests. He also gamely shared his ideas on various topics such as politics, family, Filipino expats’ welfare, and even his personal experience at work.
Aside from being the Philippine Embassy’s 3rd Secretary, Vice Consul Jim also serves as Head of Consular Sections which oversee visa and passport services, civil registry and notarial services. He is also in-charge of solemnization of wedding and overseas absentee voting.
Those who graced his special occasion were Ms. Angie Dela Rosa-King, United Filipinos in Thailand (UFT) President; Ms. Mary Jane Blakely, Association of Filipinos in Thailand (AFT) Fundraising Committee Chair; and Mr. Jezreel Llanera, PinoyThaiyo Founder.
Other notable well-wishers were Ms. Aurora “Tita Auring” Cornelio who now serves as AFT Adviser and Ms. Aurora Vongviwattana, the current Chair of AFT Education Committee. The two “Auroras” have been living in Thailand for almost 50 years. They are some of the first Filipinos settlers in Thailand and are widely considered as pillars of the Filipino community.
It was indeed a gesture that brought the Vice Consul closer to the hearts of Pinoy expats.