Whatever happened in Vegas echoed beyond Vegas: TOFA at 15

By Rasmin Diaz

LAS VEGAS — The Orleans Showroom pulsed with pride and pageantry as the 15th annual The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) honored 100 of the world’s most influential Filipinos on October 24, a three-hour celebration of culture, excellence, and identity at the heart of the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Hosted once again by the Philippines’ “King of Talk,” Boy Abunda, the star-studded ceremony illuminated Las Vegas—home to America’s third-largest Filipino community—during Filipino American History Month.

Founded by journalist Elton Lugay, TOFA began in New York in 2010 to recognize exceptional Filipino Americans. Since 2022, it has expanded to honor Filipinos worldwide.

In his opening remarks, Lugay described TOFA as “a living, forward-looking tribute to Filipino excellence,” emphasizing that honorees are never repeated. “Each year, new changemakers are given their rightful spotlight,” he said.

“As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, we remember the trailblazers who paved the way and honor the achievers inspiring the next generation,” he added. “TOFA stands as proof of the Filipino spirit—hardworking yet visionary, humble yet powerful.”

Keynote speaker Bianca Nepales, former vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Lionsgate, delivered a fiery address, “Filipinos Uprising.” “This isn’t just a variety show,” she declared. “This is a movement builder.”

“The stories told about us will never be as powerful as the stories told by us,” she continued, challenging the audience to reclaim their narratives. Recasting TOFA as “TOFU – The Outstanding Filipinos Uprising,” she drew laughter and applause: “Not your soft, bland, forgettable tofu. We absorb whatever adversity gets thrown our way and make it taste so good. The uprising isn’t coming—we’re already here.”

Her words brought the crowd to its feet, echoing as the night’s unspoken theme: recognition is not the finish line, but a platform for action.

The audience included honorees, cultural figures, and artists from across the U.S., the Philippines, and the Middle East. Musical legends Nonoy Zuñiga, Pops Fernandez, Jaya, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Christian Bautista, Kris Lawrence, Rachel Alejandro, and Dessa joined a luminous roster that celebrated artistry and influence.

Cultural icons such as Cher Calvin, Manila Luzon, Chef Abi Marquez, Imah Dumagay, RS Francisco, and world champion boxer Nonito Donaire with wife Rachel Donaire were also among the TOFA100 honorees. A poignant posthumous tribute honored Nora Aunor, the “Superstar” of Philippine cinema, for her indelible legacy.

Accepting on her behalf, attorney Claire Espina reflected on Aunor’s life and resilience. “Nora carried an entire nation’s aching in her bones,” she said, quoting critic Cleve Arguelles. “We face overwhelming challenges, but I hope no child ever grows up like Nora—selling water by the train tracks. Thank you for honoring my client, and loving her.”

Among the honorees, Amie Belmonte, Las Vegas Honorary Consul, described her recognition as “a testament to the Filipino spirit of bayanihan—unity, resilience, and love for one another.” She urged fellow recipients to “pursue your ‘why’ passionately, purposely, and progressively,” quoting scripture: “Whatever you do, work heartily as unto the Lord.”

Veteran FilAm leader Gloria Caoile called the night “an affirmation” of shared excellence. “These men and women have played their parts with excellence, resilience, and heart,” she said. “The spotlight is not a destination—it’s a reflection of the light we’ve shared with others.”

For the advocacy sector, Washington-based activist Maximo ‘Kuya Max’ Londonio accepted the award for the Tanggol Migrante Network, dedicating it to overseas workers. “Our kababayan are not criminals,” he said. “They are hardworking individuals tied to their communities. Migrants deserve dignity, truth, and liberation.” His emotional account of detention drew tears and applause, underscoring TOFA’s role in amplifying human rights causes.

The program flowed seamlessly through tributes and powerhouse performances. Ai-Ai delas Alas, Dessa, Tootsie Guevarra, Garth Garcia, Mark Mabasa, Rizza Navales, and Shar Santos brought the house down with their music.

Dance and choral groups—including the TOFA Performing Artists from New York, Starlink Artists from Los Angeles, Parangal Dance Company, and San Augustine’s Children’s Choir from the Bay Area—showcased the diversity and artistry of the Filipino community.

As TOFA marked its 15th year, the awards reflected how far it had grown—from a local recognition in New York to a global celebration of Filipino impact. From Broadway to healthcare, politics to the culinary arts, each honoree represented a living chapter in an ongoing Filipino story.

“Filipinos are innovators, leaders, and culture-shapers,” Lugay said. “From state capitols to the White House, from Hollywood to our hometowns—we continue to shine, loudly and proudly.”