The Filipino American Press Club of California celebrated its 14th anniversary with a gala honoring founding leader Thelma Calabio and recognizing contributions to journalism, the arts, business and community service.
Held at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel, the Legacy and Media Awards Gala combined an awards presentation with fashion shows and musical performances, bringing together media professionals, elected officials and Filipino American community leaders.
Calabio, known to many in the community as “Tita Thelma,” was the evening’s first honoree. Guests gave her a standing ovation as the host recognized her role in establishing the organization and helping sustain it over 14 years.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition,” Calabio said. “Seeing how far FAPCCA has come over the last 14 years, and witnessing the incredible talent and resilience in this room tonight, is the greatest reward a founder could ask for.”
A press club with a community mission
Founded in 2012, FAPCCA brings together Filipino American media practitioners in California. Calabio is identified in published accounts as its founding president, while coverage of the organization’s 2025 leadership induction names both Calabio and Andy Z. Edralin as co-founders.
The organization’s activities extend beyond professional gatherings. It holds awards programs and fundraising events and supports outreach benefiting underserved communities in the Philippines. At its 2025 induction, Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz recognized the club’s work promoting journalistic standards and ethical practices.
The Legacy and Media Awards Gala paired that media mission with broader community recognition. Organizers honored people working in journalism, broadcasting, film, the arts, education, entrepreneurship and grassroots leadership.
FAPCCA President Adrian Lecaros led preparations for the anniversary celebration. He took the helm of the organization’s new leadership team in 2025.
Founder’s tribute anchors the evening
The tribute to Calabio placed the organization’s beginnings at the center of the program. Along with the standing ovation, guests joined in a toast recognizing her role in building the press club.
Attendees included Vice Consul Levi Anthony Malaylay, representing the Philippine Consulate; former Cerritos Mayor Frank Aurelio Yokoyama; and Carson Councilmember Arleen Bocatija Rojas, who addressed the gathering.
The awards presentation recognized both media professionals and people whose work reaches the community through other fields, reflecting the evening’s emphasis on service as well as professional achievement.
Fashion and music share the spotlight
Designer Kiel Ortega presented a collection of black avant-garde looks featuring dramatic silhouettes and capes. Later, Lou Razon’s Gown Society showcased evening gowns modeled by the Mister and Miss Philippines USA 2026 winners.
Teen vocalist and actress Amber Venaglia performed after the first awards presentation.
April Velasco and her band, singer Garth Garcia and Imelda Bosing provided the closing entertainment, with guests and honorees continuing to dance past midnight.
The anniversary celebration brought the press club’s founding generation together with current leaders, performers and community partners, recognizing the organization’s history while highlighting the range of work represented among its honorees.
