Daily TribuneThe Outstanding Filipinos in America Awards is held annually in New York to recognize Filipino-Americans who have excelled in business, politics, entertainment, fashion, health, community service, culinary arts, culture, sports and finance.
Share
Bretman Rock, TOFA honoree for social media. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FB.COM/BRETMAN ROCK
Fashion designer Michael Cinco, Global TOFA. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FB.COM/MICHAEL CINCO
Thirty-eight honorees will receive The Outstanding Filipinos in America Awards for 2022.
TOFA is held annually in New York to recognize Filipino-Americans who have excelled in business, politics, entertainment, fashion, health, community service, culinary arts, culture, sports and finance.
It was founded in 2011 by New York-based journalist Elton Lugay.
The honorees are:
• Michael Cinco (fashion designer) — Global TOFA.
• Vilma and Elizabeth Kari (AAP founders) — Courage of Conviction
• Vallerie Archer (baking entrepreneur) — Food & Restaurants
• Anne del Castillo (NYC Mayor's Office of media and entertainment commissioner) — Media & Entertainment
• Mayor Arvin Amatorio (immigration lawyer) — Politics
• Gerald Tabios (long-distance runner) — Sports
• Jessica Caloza (first Filipino-American to serve as Public Works commissioner in Los Angeles) — Public Service
• Reggie Lee (Hollywood performer) — Entertainment
• Kelly Ilagan (National Federation of Filipino American Associations executive director) — Public Policy
• Lisa Lew (eight-time Emmy Award winner) —Philanthropy
• Richard and Imee Maghanoy (iSkin Face and Body Spa and Image Spa MD owners) — Business
•Rhiza Pascua (managing director, Live Nation Philippines) — Entertainment
• Eric Bustamante (banker) — Banking and Finance
• Maria Clarissa Morcilla Ramos (licensed physical therapist and certified clinical instructor) — Healthcare
• Edwin Santiago (photographer) — Philanthropy
• Mayor Ty Penserga (first openly gay man elected as Mayor of the City of Boynton Beach in Florida) — LGBT visibility
• Bretman Rock (influential beauty guru and reality TV star) — Social media
• Garth Garcia (MOR 101.9 Pinoy Music Award New Artist of the Year) — Youth
• Deeke Gaerlan (health and fitness advocate)
• Eddie Echavez (founder, Queens-based Emb Cargo Services)
• Mountaintop Entertainment (concert production company)
• Miguel Braganza (Broadway performer)
• GMA Pinoy TV (Fastest growing Filipino channel)
• Dr. Emilio Quines (UERM Medical Foundation founder)
• Dr. Winston Umali (pediatrician and choral concert singer)
• Dr. Alice Almendral (family physician, geriatrician and medical aesthetic doctor)
• Dr. Georgio Dano (family medicine nurse)
• Maria Ruth Lopez (nurse)
• Odelia Tablit (served in the US Army Corps for almost 30 years)
• Homer Mendoza (Montage Skin Science & Aesthetics founder)
• Amb. Mario de Leon Jr. (Diplomat) — Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awardee
• Brendan Flores (youngest leader of NaFFAA) — Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awardee
• Hon. Steven Raga (Democratic Party candidate for New York State's District 30 Assembly seat)
— Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awardee
• Ruben and Janet Nepales (journalists) — Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awardees
• Rod Mercado (business leader) — Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awardee
• Juliet Payabyab (community leader)
— Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awardee
• Rely Manacay (President of Senator Construction Group) — Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awardee
• Alexis Monsanto (Designer and founder of Alexis Monsanto Atelier) — Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awardee
The honorees will receive the TOFA in a ceremony at The Town Hall in New York on 16 September. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $62 at Ticketmaster.
