An event that has become a tradition for Seafood City the Community Night was held Tuesday at the newest branch of the large Filipino-owned supermarket chain on 3537 Callan Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA. This is Seafood City’s 23rd store and its seventh in Northern California.
As Seafood City Marketing Manager Mildred Smith said, “This Community Night aims to spark and build relationship with our new community. The night celebrates ‘True Filipino Goodness’ by sharing our culture, values and Filipino culinary heritage. This is our way of getting to know and being a part of our new South San Francisco families and friends.”
The event which was graced by Seafood City Chairman Steve Go and CEO Carlos Go was attended by government officials led by Mayor of South San Francisco Mark Addiego, Mayor of Daly City David Canepa and Consul Reginald Bernabe who represented Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. of the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco, members of media, and business and community leaders. ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez led the team from ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) in showing full support for Seafood City, a strong community partner of the network.
CAPTION (Left to Right): ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez congratulates Seafood City and commits to a solid community partnership as program co-host Henni Espinosa of TFC’s Balitang America listens; Seafood City Chairman Steve Go with South San Francisco Mayor Mark Addiego as he welcomes the popular supermarket chain to the city; Consul Reginald Bernabe delivers the message of Consul General Henry Bensurto, Jr. for Seafood City and the community; Daly City Mayor David Canepa gives a city recognition to Seafood City Chairman Steve Go, shown here with Daly City Councilman Mike Guingona and program co-host Henni Espinosa. (Photos by NMFernandez)
“TFC’s vision of serving the Filipinos and bringing the essence of the homeland to them wherever they may be aligns with Seafood City’s effort to ‘celebrate true Filipino goodness at your Filipino town.’ It makes good sense to partner with another Filipino establishment like Seafood City with its proven history of providing a dynamic hub where Filipinos can shop, dine, get together and feel at home,” said Lopez.
CAPTION (Left to Right): From left, ABS-CBN North America Head of Ad Sales, Trade Marketing & Events Ricky Resurreccion, community leader and recent EDSA 30 speaker Gloria Navarette, Philippine American Press Club-USA President, Inquirer.net Vice President for Marketing & Sales and Regional Director for North America Boots Chavez, ABS-CBN Global COO Raffy Lopez and Balitang America Desk Editor Henni Espinosa; Seafood City Marketing Manager Mildred Smith and ABS-CBN Global Head of Carriage and Regional Marketing Head of North America Jun Del Rosario explain the Seafood City-TFC “Suki” Card tie-up ; Del Rosario, GTI President Olive Clavio who came from Los Angeles, and Resurreccion are among the business leaders at the Community Night. (Photos by NMFernandez)
In the message of Consul General Bensurto, Jr. which was delivered by Consul Bernabe, he emphasized: “Today’s store opening highlights once again the example set by Seafood City in showcasing empowerment through Filipino American entrepreneurship and in fostering the spirit of community, connectivity and continuity. Seafood City is an example of the profile of the present day Filipino-American – forward-looking, determined, dynamic and hard working. We are not just gainfully employed, Seafood City proves that Filipino-Americans also provide gainful employment to other members of the Community.”
CAPTION (Left to Right): Newly elected Gawad Kalinga USA President Maricel Villanueva launches the “Kusina ng Kalinga” donation project at all Seafood City Stores. With her are Seafood City Chairman Steve Go and Henni Espinosa of Balitang America. One of the performers provided by CEO Christina Luna of The Luna Co. is popular violinist Corey Crywolffs. Other performers provided by The Luna Co are Kristine Sinajon, Sina and Mark Davis, Jackie Chavez and Kulintronica. Meanwhile, St Andrew’s Children’s Choir also performed and received a check donation from Seafood City. (Photos by NMFernandez)
The Consul General’s message also echoed what Lopez said about connecting to home: “Seafood City is no ordinary supermarket or a place to eat; it provides a venue by which Filipino culture is promoted. It allows our Community and other communities to connect with one another through food, an important and binding element in any gathering – be it Filipino or otherwise Through food, and food in cultures, we learn to appreciate and bond with each other better and bridge our gaps and differences. In this, Seafood City proves itself true to its vision of being the place to gather and feel like you are in your home. A home that provides generations opportunities to appreciate and connect with our heritage and our motherland.”