100 most influential Filipinos honored at 15th TOFA

I’m always proud of being a Filipino. My core is deeply rooted in my identity as a Filipino, which inspires me to strive to be a better person. We are the amalgam of all things historical and cultural that shape us as a people. Filipinos are assiduous, hospitable, passionate, indomitable and resilient.

Ai-Ai delas Alas.

We try to rise above our foibles and adapt to immense challenges. We are the only ones who possess the copyright to our own story as Filipinos. This is why I’m deeply honored to host The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) again, which recognizes the excellence and ingenuity of all awardees who deserve accolades for their achievements.

The author is tapped to host anew the annual awards event.

Now celebrating its 15th year, the prestigious event that paid tribute to the 100 most influential Filipinos in the world was recently held at the Orleans Showroom in Las Vegas, Nevada. The venue lit up as brilliant stars of the night gathered together and took center stage to accept their awards in the famous “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Nonoy Zuñiga.

Fil-Am artist Rasmin Diaz aptly described the three-hour celebration in her report, “The night blended glamour with purpose, remembrance with reinvention, and applause with reflection on Filipino identity across generations and borders.”

Chef Abi Marquez.

Journalist and advocate Elton Lugay established TOFA in New York in 2010 to recognize Filipino Americans who excel in their respective fields, including politics, entertainment, healthcare, business and sports.

Christian Bautista.

TOFA’s 15-year journey has been astounding as it continues to put the spotlight on deserving Filipinos who raise the country’s flag with pride wherever they are. Elton remarked in his speech: “TOFA stands as proof of the Filipino spirit: hardworking yet visionary, humble yet powerful.”

Manila Luzon.

The annual event coincides with the celebration of Filipino American History Month every October. TOFA has extended its reach since 2022 to include Filipinos who make significant contributions worldwide. The global movers and shakers of the 15th TOFA have come from the US, the Middle East and the Philippines.

This year’s keynote speaker was Bianca Nepales, daughter of my friends Ruben and Janet Napoles, Lionsgate vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “The stories told about us will never be as powerful as the stories told by us,” she said in her speech.

The TOFA honorees who graced the star-studded night included Ai-Ai delas Alas, Pops Fernandez, Cher Calvin, Jaya, Rachel Alejandro, Christian Bautista, RS Francisco, Nonoy Zuñiga, Chef Abi Marquez, Kris Lawrence and Manila Luzon. Lawyer Claire Espina accepted the posthumous award on behalf of our Superstar, Nora Aunor.

Line producer Vic Perez proudly stated, “The event served as a powerful celebration of excellence, recognizing the best and brightest among us — individuals whose achievements continue to inspire pride and uplift the global Filipino spirit.”