LOS ANGELES --- The current Consul General at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles is Edwin D. Bael, a career diplomat who served in several foreign posts before his assignment to L.A. at the end of August last year. His last assignment was in Canberra, Australia where he served as Minister and Consul General.
 Photo by JOHN L. SHINN III / LAZT

     Consul General Bael was born in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Nov. 16, 1952, but grew up in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. He is married to the former Beatrice Pomar Burgos and they have two children, Tristan Duke and Bernard Josef.
     He started his foreign service career in 1982 after working for the Court of Appeals in Manila. His first overseas assignment was in Madrid, Spain in 1986 where he was vice-consul, then consul---until 1989.
     From 1990 to 1991 ConGen Bael served as consul and administrative officer at the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu, Hawaii.
     In 1991, he came to Los Angeles where he served as consul until 1993. Later that year, he was appointed acting principal officer until late 1994 when he was recalled back to Manila after completing his overseas assignment. As acting principal officer, ConGen Bael was responsible in instituting many changes at the consulate which earned him a reputation he now enjoys.
     We need career diplomats like him to look after the needs of Filipinos in this part of the world. Ask anyone who has done business with him and most likely the answer you'll get is that ConGen Bael is indeed a proven and dedicated public servant.
    Welcome back to Los Angeles, Consul General Bael.