Health care professionals, entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders were honored at the 16th annual The Outstanding Filipino Awards on Oct. 24 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, marking the organization’s first awards ceremony in Florida.
Hosted by Boy Abunda, the ceremony recognized recipients across five groups: enterprise and community service; nursing leadership; health and human impact; culture and global service; and public leadership and headline honors.
TOFA founder Elton Lugay connected the celebration to Filipino American History Month and the organization’s mission of recognizing achievements that strengthen communities and inspire younger generations.
“Your lives demonstrate that excellence is most meaningful when it is joined with humility, integrity, and service,” Lugay told the honorees.
Former White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford delivered the keynote address, urging recipients to see their accomplishments as a foundation for broader leadership and opportunity.
“You are not just occupying your roles. You are innovators. You are game changers,” Comerford said. “You are directing your organizations. You are shaping your industries.”
The honorees’ acceptance remarks underscored the connections among professional achievement, family support and public service.
Dino Alfonso, who co-founded Las Vegas-based JD Medical with his wife, Jill, dedicated his award to his employees and described the company’s growth from working out of a car to operating six clinics. He also announced plans to open a clinic in the Philippines in November.
Nurse Job Marconi Mascardo dedicated his recognition to fellow nurses who served during the COVID-19 pandemic, including members of his family, and remembered those who died. Rodolfo Lastimosa Jr., a nursing leader in Ontario, Canada, encouraged Filipinos pursuing opportunities abroad to remain grounded in their beginnings.
“To every Filipino chasing a dream, never let your beginnings define your limits,” Lastimosa said.
Jacksonville recipients included autism advocate Redner Salonga, pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Philipp Aldana and Philippine Honorary Consul Sharol Noblejas.
Salonga recalled hearing from a mother whose autistic Filipino son recognized himself in “Bayani and the ABCs of Me,” the children’s book he co-wrote.
“That moment reminded me why representation matters,” he said, dedicating the recognition to the autistic and disabled Filipino community.
The ceremony also honored people whose service spans generations. Josephine Jampayas accepted a joint award for herself and her late husband, Ismael, recognizing their contributions to New York’s Filipino American community. Bonifacia Orozco, introduced as 97 years old, received a warm tribute from Abunda, who encouraged her to take her time at the microphone.
Entertainment honorees included recording artist Jenn Cuneta, actor Arnold Reyes and singer-actress Sharon Cuneta. Sharon Cuneta’s daughter, Mariel Daniella Sophia Pangilinan, accepted on her behalf and read her message thanking the collaborators and audiences who supported her career.
Filipino cultural performances framed the presentations. Tampa’s Philippine Performing Arts Company opened with “Singkil,” followed later by San Francisco’s Parangal Dance Company. Musical performers included Raffy Solano and Cheryl V, Neeko delos Santos and Denise Kara, Jenn Cuneta, Hannah Suarez, Ellis Young and Hannah Zapanta, Rasmin Diaz and Pongsky Tenioso, and Toni Gado and Morris Montilla.
Joshua Ang Price provided the voice-over announcements. The evening closed with the TOFA Performing Artists’ rendition of “Pride of the Philippines,” composed by Gene Juanich.
