Maui Welcomes New Consul General Arman R. Talbo
Alfredo G. Evangelista | Assistant Editor | Photos: Basilia I. Evangelista
Over three hundred Maui residents welcomed the new Philippine Consul General, Arman R. Talbo, during a Welcome Reception coordinated by Binhi at Ani on Friday, October 17, 2025.
The Welcome Reception was fittingly held during Filipino-American History Month.
In 2008, the Hawai‘i Legislature passed a bill, later signed by Governor Linda Lingle, setting aside October of every year to “commemorate the contributions of Filipino-Americans to the history and heritage of Hawai‘i and the United States.” Hawai‘i became the first state in the country to pass a law officially designating October as Filipino-American History Month.
Here on Maui, since 2010, the County of Maui has raised the Philippine flag at the County building for the whole month of October. This year’s Philippine flag raising festivities were officiated by Mayor Richard T. Bissen, Jr. and led by the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce and the Maui Filipino Community Council.
In welcoming the Consul General, Binhi at Ani president Arnel Alvarez said “As a community, we are proud of the many contributions Filipino Americans have made—and continue to make—in all sectors of life here in Maui County. From agriculture and healthcare to education, business and public service, Filipinos have long played a vital role in shaping the past, present and future of these islands. And gatherings like tonight remind us of the importance of coming together to celebrate those contributions and strengthen our ties with one another and with the Philippines.”
In his remarks, Consul General Talbo noted the efforts of those in the health care industry during the pandemic and acknowledged the recent arrival of the J1 teachers to teach in the Department of Education.
Consul General Talbo was on Maui as part of the Philippine Consulate General’s outreach. He was accompanied by newly arrived Consul Elizabeth Ramos and staff from the Philippine Consulate: Lallaine Marie Uy, Hermogenes Cayabyab, Jr., Brenda Auro, Aeron Patrisse Isabel Frias and Elvira B. Perez.
The Consul General said it was important to make it easier for those residing on the neighbor islands to have access to consular services.
Consul General Talbo, who traces his roots to Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur, noted his Sakada roots, including one of his ancestors who worked on Maui.
Consul General Talbo graduated from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City with degrees in Business Administration, Accountancy and Law. He passed both the CPA Board and Bar Examinations.
Consul General Talbo is a career diplomat with the rank of Chief of Mission II, with more than twenty years of experience.
Before arriving in Honolulu, he served as Deputy Consul General in New York, Vice Consul in Barcelona, and Second Secretary in the Philippine Embassy in Madrid.
In the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, Consul General served in the Office of Fiscal Management and the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Presidential Protocol and the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Executive Director of the Office of Consular Affairs.
He is a recipient of the Gawad Mabini (Rank of Dakilang Kasugo), one of the highest awards bestowed on Filipino diplomats. Consul General Talbo also received the Presidential Medal of Merit for his exemplary service in the Office of the President.
As part of the celebration, organizations and businesses presented gifts/tokens of appreciation to the Consul General including: the Governor’s office, represented by Governor Green’s Maui liaison, Leon Bolosan; Vice Chair of the County Council Yuki Lei Sugimura; Binhi at Ani, represented by Arnel Alvarez; Ilocos Surian Association, represented by Meloticia Sta. Maria; Bahay Kubo Heritage Foundation, represented by Paulo Sabado; Maui Filipino Community Council, represented by Emerita Cortez; Philippine Nurses Association Maui Hawai‘i, represented by Christine Gumpal and Jasmine Felipe; Dance International Foundation, represented by Madelyne Pascua; Sister City Foundation, represented by Christine Sabado; Mele Ukulele/Cheryl Rock, represented by Melen Agcolicol; Noble Travel, represented by Teresita Noble; and Nursing Care Hawai‘i, represented by Nikki Baysa.
Maui was noted to have ten Sister City/County relationships with the Philippines: Zambales Province (established in 1968); Quezon City (established in 1970); Bacarra, Ilocos Norte (established in 1970); Santa, Ilocos Sur (established in 1991); San Juan, Ilocos Sur (established in 1991); Manila (established in 1994); Puerto Princessa, Palawan (established in 1999), Cabugao, Ilocos Sur (established in 2005); Sarrat, Ilocos Norte (established in 2005) and Badoc, Ilocos Norte (established in 2005).
After the presentations, the president of the Ilocos Surian Association of Maui, Meloticia Sta. Maria, led the traditional Mabuhay toast in honor of Consul General Talbo.
Entertainment was provided by Sharon Zalsos Banaag, Broken Notes, Angelina Abapo Tamayo, Naragsak Dancers, the J1 Cultural Performers, and a collaboration between Madelyne Pascua of Dance International Foundation, Lawrence Pascua of La Galería: Compañía Baile Filipino and Keoni Manuel of ‘Aumakua Productions.
Many thanks to the restaurant and caterers who donated their time and services to provide a free dinner: Melen Agcolicol of Four Sisters Catering (who coordinated all the food as well as donated certain food items), Randy’s Catering, Maui Beach Hotel, Balai Pata, Paradise Supermart & Catering, B&V Marketplace, T-Ann-J Catering, Hayde Sim and Wena Gazmen. Monetary donations were received from McDonald’s of Kahului, Chris Gutierrez, the Ilocos Surian Association and the Law Offices of Alfredo Evangelista.
Assistant Editor Alfredo G. Evangelista was the Event Chair and Host of the Welcome Reception for Consul General Arman R. Talbo. Evangelista recently celebrated the 42nd anniversary of his admission to the Hawai‘i state bar. His current practice concentrates in estate planning, non-profit corporations and business counseling.