Recipients of the TOFA-Biden Lifetime Achievement Award pose for a photo with former Vice President and Chairman and President of Angat Pinas, Inc. Leni Robredo, Brendan Flores, NaFFAA national chairperson, and Roger Santos, ANCOP USA president and CEO | Photo by Ricky Rillera/PDM
NEW YORK – In commemoration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM), The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) honored the “influential contributions of Filipino Americans to the growth, prosperity and cultural diversity of the U.S.” at an event that featured the presence of the former vice president of the Philippines, Leni Robredo, including philanthropist and businesswoman Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Brendan Flores, chairman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), New York Assembly Member Steven Raga, Roger Santos of ANCOP-USA and several community leaders.
TV broadcaster Fil-Am Ernabel Demillo emceed the event prominently billed as “An Evening with Atty. Leni Robredo” at the Triad Theater in Manhattan. She introduced Elton Lugay, TOFA founder and CEO, who she said she met at a community event several years ago and has since become her friend.
In his remarks, Lugay said, “The Filipino-American community is a remarkable testament to resilience and success… Their contributions span various fields, including politics, arts, sciences, sports, etc.” Lugay highlighted TOFA’s role in acknowledging these achievements to inspire the community “to strive for excellence and make their marks on society.”
He cited Robredo’s “unwavering commitment to public service and tireless advocacy for the marginalized sections of society as a shining example for all,” and adds that she is “this year’s toast of Global TOFA and a testament to Fil-Ams resilience and determination.” He also mentioned Roger Santos, whose organization “tirelessly works towards alleviating poverty and uplifting the lives of Filipinos,” New York State assemblymember Steven Raga’s dedication to representing the Filipino community in the political realm; Brendan Flores’s work in NaFFAA, which has been pivotal in empowering and promoting the welfare of Fil-Ams nationwide; and Loida Nicolas Lewis’s contributions in business and philanthropy that “paved the way for future Filipino American entrepreneurs.”
“FAHM is not only a celebration of the past,” Lugay said, “but an acknowledgment of our present and a promise for our future.” He urged everyone to continue the legacy, elevate the narrative, and contribute to the ongoing story of Filipino Americans.
Before Robredo spoke, Roger Santos, president and CEO of Ancop USA, introduced her, saying that during her six-year term, “she stirred the Office of the Vice President toward advocacy-centered work through the Angat Buhay program, which provides sustainable intervention to uplift poor communities and sectors.
AncopUSA stands for Answering the Cry of the Poor USA, a nonprofit organization that aims to transform lives through education, shelter, and humanitarian relief. Apparently, ANCOP USA has partnered with Angat Buhay and has collaborated on several fundraising projects that have benefitted Angat Buhay. Santos also heads Angay Buhay USA.
In her remarks, Robredo said after her term ended in 2022, she decided to continue the program since it could help many communities. She was inspired by the energy of her supporters during her 2022 presidential campaign, especially among the youth, which she said should be harnessed even after the elections.” This led to adding a community engagement pillar for Angat Buhay’s mission.
Angat Buhay Foundation is incorporated as Angat Pinas Inc., a nonprofit, non-governmental organization founded by Robredo after her term as vice president. She is currently the chairperson and president.
“Right now, we have a huge army of volunteers all over the country who are implementing all the programs of Angat Buhay, and we feel like it is more fulfilling now, it is more empowering, and we are very, very excited about it,” Robredo said.
Robredo thanked Filipino Americans for their continuing support of the motherland.
The awardees of TOFA – Biden Lifetime Achievement Award include:
Vic de Castro, a FilAm community leader in Albany, New York, founded Filipino Day, a significant event honoring the annual Philippine Independence Day parade and festival in Albany. He is also the president of the Victorino de Castro Foundation, an organization dedicated to fundraising for the underprivileged in the Philippines.
Dr. Emmanuel and Meredith Sales Malasig are healthcare professionals based in New Jersey. Emmanuel is Merck’s medical director of global clinical safety and pharmacovigilance and the Knights of Rizal New Jersey Chapter commander. Meredith, a Deputy NACSU manager for Sanofi-Aventis based in Bridgewater, NJ, has a nursing career spanning over 40 years, 24 of which were dedicated to clinical research across various medical specialties. Their exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to volunteer service are evident throughout their careers.
Cora Rivera owns Bona Tierra Real Estate firm, where she has worked tirelessly for nearly 40 years. Her dedication and hard work have earned her multiple awards for outstanding community service. She is also recognized in the FilAm community for her valuable contributions to the Soho Film Festival, the Philippine Ambassador’s Cup Golf Invitational, and San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, among many other volunteer service organizations. Her success, service, and philanthropy make her a true leader and inspiration to others.
Reagan John Rada – A fine jewelry designer who excels in his craft with over 20 years of experience, including working for Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry company. He is also a national brand ambassador, real estate investor, hotelier, producer, and philanthropist. He has contributed to the community through ventures like RJP Gems and Reagan John Productions. He organizes charitable events through the Mila Foundation, a nonprofit that raises funds for relief efforts and needy children in the Philippines.
Mel Escobar is a businessperson who started from humble beginnings. With an accounting degree, he worked various jobs while pursuing his education. In New York, he quickly climbed the ranks at a home healthcare agency and later established York Healthcare with his wife, Lou, and daughter, Saira. Their agency is highly regarded and recognized for its outstanding contributions to the community.
Dr. Claire Morcilla is a licensed physical therapist with nearly 25 years of experience. She founded Resilient Care Physical Therapy, offering compassionate care across multiple New York City and Long Island locations. During COVID-19 lockdowns, she provided therapeutic services to patients at their homes, prioritizing staff and patient safety. Her dedication and commitment earned her clinic the Best of Queens Award for Rehabilitation Therapy Services.
Ernabel Demillo is a New York City broadcaster and journalism teacher known for her work with Good Day New York and other channels. She is a tenured lecturer at St. Peter’s University, where she founded the journalism program in 2008 and advised the award-winning Pauw Wow. She currently reports for Asian American Life and other shows on CUNY-TV and was nominated for an Emmy in 2019, 2017, and 2013.
She is listed among BuzzFeed’s 34 Epic Filipinos in the U.S. and is actively involved in Asian American community organizations. A San Francisco native, she holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California and an M.S. from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Part of the TOFA FAHM celebration is the performances by the San Guillermo Choir, Kinding Sindaw, and TOFA talents Cassey Arrobang, Marcus Oche, Ellis Young, Pongsky Tenioso, Berniece Bernabe, and Rasmin Diaz, some of them coming from Central New York.
