On June 3, 2025, Ms. Sol Aragones, the newly elected Governor of Laguna, hosted a Meet and Greet event at Green Sun Hotel, Makati, where CPIP was invited to attend. Mr. Carlos Po, General Manager of CPIP, accepted the invitation and extended it to newly elected City Councilor Rajay Lajara, Mr. Saturnino Lajara, CPIP’s Legal Counsel Atty. Billy Lajara, CPIP Admin Head Ms. Michaela Nucup, and Occupational and Environmental Nurse Mr. Krister Po.
CPIP locators also attended, including Mr. Yoo Yang Woo, President of Baek Gum Philippines Corporation; Mr. Yang Kwon Kim, Business Support Team Leader of SEMPHIL; Mr. Bae Jeom Yi, SEMPHIL’s Infra Group Expat; Mr. Jason Magallanes, SEMPHIL’s Infra Group Leader; Mr. Kyun Myung Jang, Managing Director of 21Climust; Mr. Ku Chul Kim, Admin General Manager of 21Climust; Mr. Eric Bruls, General Manager of Varex Imaging Philippines; and Mr. Jinsu Kim, President of THN Autoparts Philippines.
At the event, Mr. Carlos Po was welcomed by Mr. Jason Lim, Chairman of Solid Group Inc.; Mr. David Lim, EVP, CSO, and Director of Solid Group Inc.; and Mr. Vincent Lim, SVP, CFO, and Director of Solid Group Inc. The CPIP locators were also acknowledged upon their arrival.
As the evening progressed, Governor-elect Sol Aragones arrived and was warmly welcomed by the crowd. She was introduced by the event host, Mr. Beda Manalac of Solid Group Inc., to enthusiastic applause as she entered the venue.
The program opened with a speech by Mr. Simplicio “Jun” Umali Jr., President and CEO of Gardenia Philippines. He thanked the guests for attending and expressed the collective support of the business community for Governor Aragones. His remarks were followed by Mrs. Susan Tan, President of Solid Group Inc., who extended her gratitude to the attendees and especially to Governor Aragones for making the event meaningful and productive.
After a brief intermission, the main guest, Governor-elect Sol Aragones, was introduced and took the stage. She began by thanking Mr. Simplicio Umali Jr., Mrs. Susan Tan, Mr. Jason Lim, Mr. David Lim, Mr. Vincent Lim, all the business leaders present, and Mr. Rajay Lajara and Mr. Saturnino Lajara for their support.
Governor Aragones proudly introduced Mr. Jerry Pelayo, former Mayor of Candaba, Pampanga, and now the Provincial Administrator of Laguna. She then shared her personal story of perseverance, including the mantra that guided her through challenges: “Sa buhay, hindi ko binibilang kung ano ang nawala, ang binibilang ko lang ay kung anong natira,” (In life, I don’t count on what was lost, I only count what remains). With the strength that remained in her, she continued to fight and eventually succeeded in her campaign, despite the difficulties she faced.
In her speech, Governor Aragones presented her platform, which includes improving public hospitals by ensuring complete medical equipment, availability of medicines, and hiring more doctors and nurses. She also addressed the business sector, promising a more efficient and streamlined process for taxes and permits to support entrepreneurship and livelihoods. She emphasized her plans to revive the “Turismo ng Laguna” program, believing that each of the 24 municipalities and 6 cities in the province has a story worth sharing. Her message was met with loud applause and positive energy from the audience.
Following her remarks, Mr. Jerry Pelayo delivered his speech. He thanked the attendees and affirmed his commitment to work alongside Governor Aragones, expressing full support in realizing the vision of a revitalized “Turismo ng Laguna”.
The Meet and Greet event proved to be more than just an introduction; it was a productive and inspiring evening that brought leaders and community members together. As the event came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and optimism. Governor Aragones’ presence sparked meaningful conversations, and attendees left with more than just handshakes and photos, they walked away feeling more connected to the pressing issues facing the Province of Laguna. The event served as a strong reminder that great leadership involves listening, engaging, and inspiring. With renewed energy and a clear vision, the community looks forward to the future with Governor Sol Aragones.
