By Robbie Pangilinan

Atty. Anthony Achilles Mandap, consul in Vancouver, British Columbia, is leaving his post soon.

A despedida was thrown to celebrate his many years of diplomatic service in Vancouver. Known as the “Glue Guy of Vancouver,” Mandap’s strength is getting along with anyone regardless of leaning. He can “glue together” the 135,000 Filipino-Canadians in Vancouver consisting of Conservatives, Liberals and Labour Advocates. The Patriots of Canada are pro-Duterte while the Global Diaspora is pro-Liberal Party.

“He seems to be the glue that can put both camps in a party under one roof and there won’t be any fireworks igniting,” said one of his supporters.

Mandap, who hails from Pampanga, was in his forties when he started working in Vancouver in 2011. Prior to that, he was a journalist in Malaya and the Times Journal, and a Consul in San Francisco and Venezuela.

Mandap has helped many Pinoys in Vancouver and Western Canada elect dual citizenship. He also promotes culture and trade in Canada.

“But for me, the greatest takeaway in this brief but fruitful stay in Vancouver are the friendships I have established with the Pinoys here,” said Mandap, who is excited to go back home to Manila to wait for his next foreign affairs assignment.

Mandap is always present in events, gatherings, and meetings especially whenever the Consul General Neil Ferrer is not available to attend. He becomes the acting ConGen when Mr. Ferrer is abroad or out of town.

In the tribute party held at the Fraserview MB Church in Richmond, BC, UP Alumni President Rosette Correa praised Mandap’s “bravery” in editing the book of his wife, Mary Anne Reyes Mandap. Former President of the Ateneo Alumni Association of BC Madz Junior thanked Atty. Mandap for helping him elect dual citizenship.

His staff and supporters wish him success in his next diplomatic assignment.