The Outstanding Filipino Awards holds first Florida ceremony in Jacksonville, honouring nurses, entrepreneurs and artists

The 16th annual The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) honoured health care professionals, entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders on 24 October at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, the organisation's first awards ceremony in Florida. Boy Abunda hosted and former White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford gave the keynote.

Health care professionals, entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders were honoured at the 16th annual The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) on 24 October at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Tofa News reported. It was the organisation's first awards ceremony in Florida.

Hosted by Boy Abunda, the ceremony recognised recipients across five groups: enterprise and community service; nursing leadership; health and human impact; culture and global service; and public leadership and headline honours. INQUIRER.net USA reported ahead of the event that the awards show would cap a two-day TOFA gathering in Jacksonville, and that organisers said the Jacksonville programme reflects the awards' continued expansion beyond its original New York base.

Keynote from a former White House chef

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, according to Tofa News.

"You are not just occupying your roles. You are innovators. You are game changers. You are directing your organizations. You are shaping your industries."

TOFA founder Elton Lugay connected the celebration to Filipino American History Month and the organisation's mission of recognising 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 honourees.

Honourees from business, nursing and the Jacksonville community

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, Tofa News reported. 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. "To every Filipino chasing a dream, never let your beginnings define your limits," said Rodolfo Lastimosa Jr., a nursing leader in Ontario, Canada. Jacksonville recipients included autism advocate Redner Salonga, pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Philipp Aldana and Philippine Honorary Consul Sharol Noblejas. Salonga dedicated the recognition to the autistic and disabled Filipino community.

Entertainment honourees included recording artist Jenn Cuneta, actor Arnold Reyes and singer-actress Sharon Cuneta, whose daughter, Mariel Daniella Sophia Pangilinan, accepted on her behalf. Tampa's Philippine Performing Arts Company opened the programme with "Singkil", followed later by San Francisco's Parangal Dance Company, and the evening closed with the TOFA Performing Artists' rendition of "Pride of the Philippines," composed by Gene Juanich.

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