Businessman Eddie Flores was named Model Chinese Citizen of 2016 because of his philanthropic deeds in Hawaii
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A businessman of Filipino Chinese descent was named as 2016 Model Chinese Citizen of the Year in Hawaii.
Eddie Flores is a businessman and philanthropist who has been active in promoting trade among Filipinos, Americans and Chinese in the island state.
Flores’ being an active leader of Filipino and Chinese communities in Hawaii was recognized by the United Chinese Society of Hawaii and a banquet was held in his honor at the Empress Restaurant in downtown Honolulu on December 4.
Flores owns the L&L Hawaiian Barbecue chain of restaurants in Hawaii and the mainland United States.
He was also the former president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (CCCH) where his good deeds and efforts to promote the welfare of Filipinos and Chinese was seen and made the award-giving body recognize him to be this year’s model Chinese citizen.
As the business group’s leader, Flores led a joint Filipino-Chinese Trade Mission to Manila, along with the Filipino-Hawaii Chamber of Commerce in February this year.
Also with the team to accompany with the trade mission was Philippine Consul General to Honolulu Gina Jamoralin.
This year’s Model Chinese Citizen was also one of the prime movers who exerted efforts for the establishment of the Philippine Community Center (FilCom Center) in Waipahu, which serves as the cultural center and meeting place for Filipino citizens in Hawaii.
Flores also founded and regularly supports the annual “Flores de Mayo”, also called the Philippine Fiesta, being held at Kapiolani Park, the largest and oldest public park in Honolulu.
Consul General Jamoralin was quick in congratulating Flores for his recognition as a model citizen. also for his leadership and philanthropic activities, for the welfare of the Chinese American and Filipino American communities in Hawaii.
Jamoralin was one of the special guests in the banquet in honor of Flores.
The businessman and philanthropist also received plaques of appreciation from Hawaii State Senator Donna Mercado Kim, State Representative Daniel Holt and Honolulu City Mayor Kirk Caldwell.
Coming early 2017, another Chinese American business delegation to the Philippines will be expected as Flores is currently organizing such.
Flores was born in Hong Kong to a Filipino father and Chinese mother. In an interview, Flores said that being born to a family with not so much resources and with six brothers and sister, he could not remember a time when he was not trying to make money.
But as his fortune grew, he always sees to it that he helps the needy.