October 10, 2025 | 12:00am
I’m honored to be invited again as a host to the 15th The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA), the prestigious award-giving body in the US that recognizes the exceptional achievements of Filipinos in their respective fields worldwide. I have been hosting TOFA since 2015, and it has brought me to several amazing places in America, like New York, Los Angeles and Honolulu, where the event was previously held.
TOFA dares to put the spotlight on Filipinos who are doing silent but powerful work. Some may not be on the covers of magazines, but they are reshaping lives, communities and even history. Awardees take center stage as they are locally recognized and globally honored. This year’s TOFA will honor the 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the World and will be held at the Orleans Showroom in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Oct. 17.
My good friend Elton Lugay established TOFA in 2010 to pay special tribute to deserving individuals and organizations that excel in diverse areas, including politics, entertainment, healthcare, beauty and fashion, among others. Elton is a journalist and community leader. He said in one of his past messages, “TOFA awardees inspire Filipinos all over the world with their positive contribution to the community’s rich heritage.”
Among the awardees are His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization; Philippine Consul General to Los Angeles Adelio Cruz; Pinole, California Mayor Cameron Sasai; veteran community leader Gloria Caoli; Olivia Quido-Co, Miss Universe Organization VP for Global Partnerships and skincare entrepreneur; chemist Pinky Tobiano; globally acclaimed designer Kenneth Cobonpue; tax expert Mon Abrea; Dr. Sigrid Barrett, dean of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Nursing; Fil-Am historian and author Kirby Araullo; professional football player Johnny Wilson; GIGIL Advertising, a Filipino creative advertising agency; and the organization Tanggol Migrante.
The list of honorees also includes Cher Calvin, an Emmy-winning news anchor and journalist; the Philippine Madrigal Singers; Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas; Concert Queen Pops Fernandez; Queen of Soul Jaya; “The Voice” grand winner Sofronio Vasquez; actress and global fashion icon Heart Evangelista; award-winning actress Dolly de Leon; filmmaker Lav Diaz; singer-actress Rachel Alejandro; OPM singers Nonoy Zuñiga, Christian Bautista, Jay R and Kris Lawrence; celebrity chef Abigail Marquez, also known as the Lumpia Queen; Tony Award-winning designer Clint Ramos; musician and Philippine Rondalla advocate Michael Dadap; fashion designer Puey Quiñones; and influential Filipino-American drag queen Manila Luzon.
TOFA will also present a posthumous award to the one and only Superstar, Nora Aunor.
An official afterparty, titled “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipino,” will be held the next day, Oct. 18, at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to honor the 100 awardees. It will feature exciting performances from Jaya, Nonoy, Kris, Tootsie Guevarra, Mark Mabasa, Garth Garcia and other surprise celebrity guests.
TOFA celebrates Pinoy pride and will continue to recognize Filipinos for their significant contributions on the global stage in the years to come. Bravo, TOFA!
