Dubai: Broadway’s grandest night just got a vibrant shot of Filipino pride! The 2025 Tony Awards, held on Sunday, June 8th, at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, saw three incredible talents of Filipino descent, Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss and Marco Paguia, clinch top honors, etching their names into Broadway history and shining a brilliant spotlight on Filipino and Asian-American representation in the performing arts.
From global pop icon to Broadway queen: Nicole’s triumphant debut!
The phenomenal Nicole, beloved worldwide as the powerhouse lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls and a former X Factor judge, made an electrifying Broadway debut that culminated in a historic win! Nicole was crowned Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her breathtaking portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. This isn’t just a career high; it’s a defining moment for representation on the Great White Way.
Darren Criss: A Tony triumph for the versatile Filipino-American star!
Meanwhile, the incredibly versatile Darren, already an Emmy and Golden Globe winner, added a coveted Tony Award to his ever-growing list of accolades. His win for Maybe Happy Ending solidifies his status as one of Broadway’s most dynamic and celebrated talents.
Darren’s Filipino roots run deep through his mother, Cerina Bru, who was born in Cebu, Philippines, and boasts Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish ancestry. Though born and raised in the US, Darren has consistently embraced his multicultural background, speaking in numerous interviews about his strong connection to his Filipino heritage, particularly through cherished family traditions and, of course, delicious Filipino food!
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Darren dedicated his win to his wife, Mia, highlighting her incredible support in enabling him to pursue his Broadway dream while raising their two young children. “The real hero of this remarkable journey is my wife, Mia, who took a massive swing at allowing me to do this,” he shared. “To allow this crazy upheaval in our life, to make this logistically possible, and to bear the brunt of raising two tiny friends under three, so that I could raise a singing robot at the Belasco Theatre eight times a week.” He continued, “You’re the very pedestal that upholds the shiny spinny bit in our lives, and your love and your support for me and our beautiful children, combined with the miracle of working on something as magical as Maybe Happy Ending, has been and will always be awarded enough.”
Double victory! Marco Paguia scores two Tony wins for Buena Vista Club
Filipino-American musical powerhouse Marco Paguia brought the house down with not one, but two major wins for his work on the critically acclaimed musical Buena Vista Club!
Paguia clinched the Tony for Best Orchestrations, recognizing his masterful work in bringing to life the soul, rhythm, and heart of Havana. But that wasn’t all — as previously announced, a Special Tony Award was also presented to the incredible musicians behind the show’s live onstage band, a vibrant tribute to the legendary Buena Vista Social Club.
Set in Havana and spanning four decades, Buena Vista Club follows the journey of four Cuban musicians from the 1950s to the 1990s — and Marco Paguia was at the musical heart of it all. As the show’s music director, conductor, and onstage pianist, he didn’t just shape the sound of the show — he lived it, night after night.
This moment is a proud celebration not only of Marco’s immense talent but also of Filipino excellence behind the scenes, helping shape the future of Broadway with passion, artistry, and unforgettable music. Bravo, Marco! Your rhythm is our revolution!
A landmark night for Filipino representation!
Nicole, Darren and Marco’s monumental wins at the 2025 Tony Awards are more than just personal triumphs; they represent a landmark night for Filipino representation on Broadway. Their achievements will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of Filipino and Asian-American artists to chase their dreams, proving that the Broadway stage is a place where all roots can blossom into greatness! The entire Filipino community, both at home and across the diaspora, celebrates with immense pride their groundbreaking achievements!
Their triumphs send a resounding message: the Broadway stage is for everyone, and Filipino stories, voices, and excellence belong front and center.
But the celebration doesn’t stop there!
Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful.
Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says.
Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added.
“In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.”
Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.
