(Editor’s note: This is The Philippine Times’s first meeting with the newly-appointed Philippine Congen Gary Domingo, where he publicly tells, for the first time, his story about his first celebrity crush, Sharon Cuneta. Watch out for our interview with him about his plans for the Melbourne Consulate office, his engagement with the Filipino community in Victoria, his experiences as Ambassador to New Zealand and more.)
For many, diplomacy conjures images of stiff formality, measured words, and carefully navigated social circles. But for the new Philippine Consul General to Melbourne, Jesus “Gary” Domingo, a more direct and impassioned approach has defined his career. In a relaxed conversation with The Philippines Times, “Congen Gary,” as he is affectionately known, shared a few personal stories that have shaped him into the “undiplomatic” diplomat he is today.
Congen is a second-generation diplomat, growing up in Philippine Foreign Service posts in the United States and Germany. His journey began with a simple act of rebellion during Kindergarten. Given the nickname “Jessicar” by his parents, a combination of Jesus and Ricardo, the young Gary grew tired of the teasing from his American classmates. In a spontaneous moment of defiance, he adopted the name of a boy in his class. “I just saw his name, “Gary” so I used it!,” he said. The name stuck, marking the start of a lifetime of forging his own path.
Star-struck by the Megastar
Beyond his Foreign Service career, Congen Gary’s surprising chapter of his youth reveals a deeper layer to the man. Most interviews and profiles of him focus on his diplomatic service, his work in overseas Filipino communities, and his approach to “universal diplomacy”. But there is one puppy love he would never forget up to this day. “While vacationing in Manila during high school in 1982, I saw a portrait of a young lady about my age (16) in a photo studio and was in awe. My cousins were laughing at me because, to me, I saw the most beautiful woman in the world – but I had no idea who she was. It turned out to be Sharon Cuneta!” She was also sixteen – at the cusp of her Megastardom. He then immediately bought all of the Sharon paraphernalia he could find: records, cassette tapes, notebooks and magazines.
The following year, Sharon was vacationing in Hawaii, where Congen was living at the time.
In a bold move, he knocked on her hotel door. But to his astonishment, he was greeted by her father, the late Mayor Pablo Cuneta. Thinking on his feet, Gary introduced himself as the President of the “Sharon Cuneta International Fans Club – Hawaii Chapter.” He then met Sharon herself – and was completely star-struck.
Later, Congen surprised Sharon at GMA studios in Broadway Centrum, Quezon City, during the taping of her show “GMA Germspesyal,” with the help of the late “Kuya Germs” German Moreno. Some even had remarked, that Congen also had some resemblance to Sharon’s onscreen mainstay partner, Gabby Concepcion. Their encounters in Hawaii then in Manila led to some buzz in showbiz media that summer of 1983, leading to an offer for the Congen to star in Sharon’s next movie – “Bukas Luluhod ang mga Tala.” He then promptly dove into singing and acting lessons, and was a frequent visitor to the Cuneta residence in Bel Air, Makati.
The Congen’s plan then was to act in the movie – then proceed to his dream school – the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). It was his ambition then to join other idealistic young military officers in helping to reform, if not revolutionise, the nation. According to Congen – “I wanted to be a rebel.”
Unfortunately, with the death of Ninoy Aquino on 21 August 1983, plans changed. Concerned over fears of instability in the country, Congen was sent to study instead back in the US. No more movie with Sharon, no more PMA. He was replaced by PJ Abellana – and the movie went on to be Sharon’s transition from teen idol – to Megastar.
From aspiring soldier to diplomat
Congen enrolled in Georgetown University’s renown School of Foreign Service (SFS) in Washington DC, the alma mater of the likes of Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Bill Clinton. He lamented not doing the movie with Sharon, and missing out on the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. But not giving up on his ambition to help advance the Philippines, Congen now sought to enter politics. His new plan was to study at the UP College of Law, become a lawyer, then run for public office. While among his schoolmates were future leaders such as Speaker Martin Romualdez, Spokesperson Harry Roque, Senators Kiko Pangilinan and others – he ultimately felt diplomacy would be a better pathway to contribute to the development of the Philippines, rather than defiance. “We already have a lot of great lawyers and politicians, but a shortage of diplomats” said Congen.
Following the footsteps of his father, the late Ambassador Benjamin B. Domingo, Congen passed the Foreign Service Officer Examination, said to be the country’s toughest professional exam. He then served in diplomatic postings in New York, Geneva, Riyadh, and as Ambassador to New Zealand. His last assignment prior to Melbourne was as an Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs in Manila, and at times, functioning as the Acting Secretary.
A new era of public service, sans the stuffiness
A bold, personal style is a hallmark of Congen’s professional life. While serving as Ambassador to New Zealand, he earned his “undiplomatic diplomat” title by consistently bypassing formal protocol to directly advocate for the Filipino community. This was evident when he publicly called out a donut store after a Filipino woman was turned away during its opening. He also established a new Overseas Labor Office to protect international students and migrant workers from exploitation, even calling out the NZ government and private sector for their lapses. Congen believes that sometimes, a diplomat must be “undiplomatic” to truly serve the people.
His candidness extends to all aspects of his life. Congen was unafraid to share his firm belief that Filipino restaurants should appeal to a universal clientele, not just focus on “Kapwang Pinoy.” He regretted the inward-looking “carinderia” approach of most Filipino eateries, and the sometimes clumsy attempts to “innovate” new dishes rather than promoting established fare. Congen also openly questioned the undue emphasis on basketball at the expense of other sports and social activities. These straightforward opinions may not always be popular, but they are a testament to his conviction and his commitment to his principles.
On the other hand, he is a firm advocate for the empowerment of Overseas and second-generation Filipinos. He is particularly proud of the fact that during his watch, a full-blooded Filipino-Kiwi was elected to the national NZ Parliament, Atty. Paulo Garcia.
Now in Melbourne, Congen Gary brings this same hands-on, no-nonsense approach to the Filipino community. With his reputation for being a champion of the people, he is set to make a significant and unforgettable impact. He might have strong words and an unfiltered way of speaking, but beneath that candour lies a deep commitment to public service, a sharp diplomatic mind, and a heart firmly anchored in serving the Filipino people with integrity and passion.
He shared that his posting to Melbourne is a dream come true, as it is in Victoria that he believes it is the locality around the world which most appreciates its Overseas Filipino Community. A key indicator of this is how Filipino chefs and cuisine enjoy top accolades and public appreciation. Also, Melbourne and Victoria overall are a favored destination for Filipino students – Congen has a particularly strong passion for youth advocacy. He will continue the promotion of his initiatives for academe and community leaders, namely the Diplomatic League, Volunteer Ambassador (VAMBA) and Diplomatic-Academic-Commercial Community of Practice (DACCOP).
Before The Philippine Times team left the Consulate, Congen fulfilled a promise he had made earlier in the meeting by showing a video greeting from Sharon Cuneta. Recorded a few years ago, the video showed a smiling Sharon saying directly to him, “I still remember you, Gary Domingo!” The Consul General holds this special memory close to his heart and still hopes of meeting her again one day. After showing the video, the unabashed Congen invited the PT team to take a selfie, and everyone smiled broadly for the photo, taking home not only his Sharon story, but also the impression of a man who, while an approachable and engaging person, was also clearly a serious and no-nonsense diplomat.
