FORMER Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed appreciation for the warm welcome she received from the Filipino community on Saipan.
She and her husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Tuason Arroyo, with Tuloy Foundation officials, including its chairman, Raymond Tan, the twin brother of Tan Holdings Corp. CEO and President Jerry Tan, had lunch at Pepoy’s Café & Restaurant on Thursday. Joining them were officials of the NMI Football Association.
The former president, who is currently a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, said she is very happy to be back on Saipan and to be with the Filipino community here.
“Last time I was here was 1996,” she said. “It has been a while. I am happy to see that the Filipino community is thriving here,” she added.
As for lunch at Pepoy’s, she said the food was great. “It was delicious. I am so glad that there is this restaurant here, and it’s very successful,” she added.
Pepoy’s owners and operators, Bong and Malou Malasarte, said they were very honored to serve the former president and her group.
Macapagal-Arroyo was the guest of honor in the LPK Cup, a soccer tournament held at the NMI Soccer Training Center in Koblerville on Thursday, July 18.
The tournament featured four teams: Shonan Bellmare from Japan, Chelsea FC Soccer School from Hong Kong, the NMI Women’s National Team, and the Philippines’ Tuloy Football Club, whose honorary chair is Macapagal-Arroyo. The Tuloy Foundation is a Philippine charitable organization focused on the marginalized youth.
Today, Friday, the former president will be the guest of honor at a private luncheon hosted by Tan Holdings Corporation at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan. An electronic invitation to the event has been sent to select Saipan residents.
A former economics professor, senator, vice president and House speaker, Macapagal-Arroyo served as Philippine president from 2001 to 2010.
Bong and Malou Malasarte, owners and operators of Pepoy’s Café and Restaurant in Susupe, with daughters Amor and Angel and their staffers, pose for a photo with former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Tuason Arroyo
Tuloy Foundation Chairman Raymond Tan, right standing, and his twin brother, Tan Holdings Corp. President and CEO Jerry Tan, pose for a photo with former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Tuason Arroyo, at Pepoy’s Cafe & Restaurant on Thursday.
Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo with Andrea Cunanan Sablan at Pepoy’s Cafe & Restaurant on Thursday.
