Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

LOS ANGELES—Paying homage to the cultural richness and diversity of this city, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa officially kicked off the city’s Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month (APAHM) celebration during a ceremony and reception on Friday, April 24, at the Council Chambers of City Hall. "I want to take a moment to reflect what it means to be an Angeleno," Villaraigosa told a gathering consisting of LA council members led by Council President Eric Garcetti, honorees, city officials and members of the diplomatic corps, that included Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon.

The mayor presented awards to Administrative Operations Deputy Chief of the LA Fire Department (LAFD) to Emile Mack; East West Bank President Dominic Ng, and renowned artist Tyrus Wong, whose achievements embody this year’s APAHM theme of Hope, Spirit, and Dreams Flow to the Future.

"Angelenos come from every corner of the earth," Villaraigosa said. "We are the most diverse city anywhere in the world, and we are bound by a unifying force that is stronger than many of our differences."

After handing the awards to Mack, Ng, and Wong, the mayor said, "Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month pays homage to the rich cultural imprint of the Asian Pacific Islander community on the city’s identity. We are honored to recognize Emile Mack, Dominic Ng and Tyrus Wong for their achievements in public safety, business and the arts. Their creativity and courageous spirit have made them models in the Asian Pacific Islander community and to all Angelenos."

Spirit of Los Angeles honoree, Emile Mack, who was born in South Korea and was adopted by an African family, had led a three decade-long career at the LAFD. He attended UCLA and then joined the LAFD on the suggestion of a friend.

Dominic Ng, received the Dream of Los Angeles Award. Ng transformed East West Bank from a saving and loan with $600 million in assets into a full-service commercial bank with $12.4 billion in assets and 71 locations in California, Texas and Hong Kong.