Vallejo Celebrates Sister City Ties With Baguio, Other Cities in a Black-and-White Gala

Press Release /
Vice Consul Adrian Audrey L. Baccay (speaking in the photo) and Tourism Attaché Soleil P. Tropicales represented the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco in a black-and-white gala organized by the Vallejo Sister Cities Association at the Vino Godfather Winery in Vallejo, California on 19 February 2022. In the background is Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell.
 
In his remarks, Vice Consul Baccay noted the strong ties between the Philippines and Vallejo, which has been home to generations of Filipinos and Filipino Americans dating back to early 20th century. The Vice Consul cited that Vice Mayor Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga is the first Filipino American woman to be elected to public office in Vallejo and in Solano County.
 
Vice Consul Baccay also took the opportunity to announce that the Philippines is now open for international tourists. He encouraged the fully vaccinated U.S. nationals, who are allowed to enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days under certain conditions, to visit Baguio City and the other tourist spots in the country.
 
Vallejo Sister Cities Association President William Kim and officer Dinah Villanueva-Ryan, who currently handles the committee for Baguio City personally thanked the Consulate’s representatives for attending the gala, which serves as a fundraising event. The association has spearheaded cultural and educational exchanges, and economic and humanitarian assistance to Vallejo’s sister cities. (William Kim photo)