NORFOLK, Va. — Gov. Glenn Youngkin appeared at the Filipino American Community Action Group's celebration of Filipino American Heritage Month Friday afternoon in Virginia Beach.
"Mabuhay!" everyone in the room at Susan's Kitchenette shouted as the governor walked through the door for the luncheon.
It's a greeting commonly used in the Philippines used to express good wishes.
The event aimed to connect the Filipino community in Hampton Roads to state leaders like Youngkin and Republican candidates running to fill seats in the General Assembly.
Members of the Filipino American Community Action Group honored Youngkin with a white beaded necklace
Youngkin took the opportunity to promote early voting. The governor even started a chant, shouting, "Hold the House and flip the Senate!"
With dozens of key issues on the line and all 140 seats up in the General Assembly, the governor made a point to bring up tax cuts and educational funding, even boasting about his effort to create tax rebates for Virginians.
"We know that there is so much that is yet to be done and I need friends to help me do it," Youngkin said.
He then pointed to a line of Republican candidates running to fill seats in the General Assembly, saying, "We need to get these folks elected!"
However, beyond the political push at this event, members of the Filipino American Community Action Group said they wanted to meet with the governor to remind him of the people he represents.
"I think part of his ideals and his thoughts dive into what we have as Filipinos...like tradition and family, you know," said Laarni Bibay, Chairwoman of the Filipino American Community Action Group. "Cause we want to work hand-in-hand with him to bring out questions, issues that is really pertinent and significant to us as Filipino Americans."
Pepe Cabicoy with the Virginia Asian Advisory Board attended the gathering where pancit, Lumpia, and other Filipino favorites were served. He said he was pleased with Youngkin bringing up education, as he's personally worked to include more Asian Americans in tuition assistance.
"When kids go to college and apply for college aid tuition, we're not included. Governor Wilder there then helped change that," Cabicoy said regarding the importance of partnering with state leaders on important issues. "We've been here for a long time and it's about time the governor, the state, members of the city council and the mayor's office recognize the importance of the contribution of our community."
13News Now tried speaking with Youngkin at the event, but his spokesperson said the governor had to rush to his next event, and didn't have the time.