About Us
From honorees to heroes: Filipino stories that matter.
Welcome to TOFA News, a digital platform dedicated to amplifying the stories of Filipino changemakers — from past honorees to present leaders and the next generation of trailblazers.
Rooted in the legacy of The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA), the platform highlights individuals whose work uplifts communities, advances industries and strengthens Filipino identity worldwide. Coverage centers on former and current TOFA awardees, as well as emerging voices whose contributions — whether widely recognized or quietly impactful — deserve to be seen and heard.
Founded by award-winning journalist Elton Lugay of USA Inquirer and The FilAm, TOFA marks 16 years of honoring excellence among Filipinos in North America and continues to grow each year. The awards were held annually in New York for more than a decade, including 10 years at Carnegie Hall and a 2022 ceremony at The Town Hall, before expanding nationally and globally: Los Angeles (2023), Honolulu (2024), Las Vegas (2025) and Jacksonville (2026).
Over the years, TOFA has recognized nearly 500 outstanding Filipinos worldwide. This includes 100 influential Filipino Americans honored during its virtual 10th anniversary in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as 100 influential Filipinos around the world recognized during its 15th year celebration. Notable awardees include California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pilot and disability advocate Jessica Cox, Tony Award-winning performer Lea Salonga, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and former Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo.
TOFA News builds on this foundation by telling stories that are often underrepresented in mainstream media — narratives of service, innovation, resilience and cultural pride. It aims to document not only headline-makers but also community builders, visionaries and everyday Filipinos whose impact resonates locally and globally.
As the platform grows, TOFA News will continue to feature inspiring Filipinos across generations — honoring legacies, elevating present voices and discovering future leaders. Each story contributes to a broader mission: to celebrate and preserve the evolving story of the Filipino people around the world.
