http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-fi...ans-honored-ny
MANILA - Fourteen Filipino personalities were named as "The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York" (TOFA-NY) in a ceremony held at the Carnegie Hall last weekend.
This year’s 14 TOFA awardees are:
Arts & Culture
Kinding SindawBusiness & Entrepreneurship
Dennis JosueCommunity Service & Advocacy
Roger SantosCourage of Conviction
Geena RoceroEducation, Research & Technology
Michael VeaEntertainment
Jhett TolentinoFashion & Style
Elle MadronaFood & Restaurants
Joel JavierHealth Care
Nemcy DuranLGBT Advocacy
Jenab-i ParejaMedia & Publishing
Ritz Mazon CravesPublic Service & Politics
Ludi de Asis HughesSenior Welfare Advocacy
Juliet PayabyabYouth & Sports
Team TakboJason Tengco, senior advisor at White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), said with the awardees' accomplishments Filipinos have made "a huge dent in the glass and bamboo ceiling". He added that it is time "not just to have a seat at the table but to lead the meeting."
Consul General Mario Lopez de Leon Jr. recognized the community's efforts in elevating the profile of Filipinos in the US. He said he would like to see more Pinoys assume leadership roles in the US.
He congratulated the TOFA-NY awardees for their “noteworthy skills, competence and social impact” in New York and throughout the US. He further acknowledged the rising visibility of the Filipinos in every field imaginable in the mainstream US society, and the recognition given by their American counterparts to the exemplary Filipinos.
Journalist Maria Ressa who hosted the event said being Filipino American can cut both ways.
"It is both a blessing and a curse. If you don't navigate the waters well, you'll drown. But if you hold the values from both worlds, we create something new, we create a community that defines us," Ressa said.
Filipino-American leader and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis urged this year’s awardees to remain proud Filipino-Americans not easily disheartened by failures. She urged them to “fight bigotry and discrimination,” and to keep going whatever obstacles are in the way.
Meanwhile, award-winning songwriter Bobby Lopez, fashion designer and philanthropist Josie Natori; Dean of Academic Affairs at Columbia University Sheila Coronel; the founder of Fiesta In America trade and cultural expo; and the medical mission volunteers of Philippine Medical Association in America (PMAA) are also this year's Heritage Awardees.
@Sumpit can you put this thread in the sticky thread... Also it possible to take off the the poll in the pretty and hot sexy filpinas worldwide? .. I want to put a new poll