KUDOS: Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas gives his best wishes to 19 year-old Paul Michael Thomas "Mike" Pilares Cruz, who was one of the Filipino students who will attend US President Barrack Obama's Inauguration Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. Mike was invited to witness Obama's inauguration due to his outstanding performance and show of leadership during the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. in 2007.

In a dinner meeting at the Balay ni Mar in Quezon City, Roxas encouraged Mike to make at least two good friends with youth leaders from other countries who would also be attending the inauguration. In admiring Mike, Roxas encouraged that Filipino youth leaders stand up and ignite flames of hope and change in the country.

With Roxas and Cruz in the picture are (L-R) Reedley International School Director for School Development Emil Raymund A. Ong; Mike's mother, Dr. Maria Victoria Concepcion Pilares-Cruz; and Mike's brother, Mark Justine Thomas Cruz.