Carnegie Hall, Dare to Dream, Care for Others and a lot of Chutzpah celebrated The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York

(L-R: Pianist Yasuhiko Fukuoka,  TOFANY Board Oliver Oliveros, Cristina DC Pastor and Elton Lugay)

Filipino American History Month, also known as Filipino American Heritage Month, is celebrated in America in October. Various community leaders, advocates and their respective organizations schedule events and awards ceremonies  to recognize the history, heritage and accomplishments of organizations and individuals who have contributed to the betterment of the Filipino-American community.

One special awards event dominates the social media mid-summer, sometime in July, when nominees are announced on Facebook.  By October, when every family, friends and colleagues have voted, everyone's newsfeed is flooded with the photo-profile of each outstanding nominee. Such event is the "The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York (TOFANY)"  - an awards ceremony held at Carnegie Hall.

Yes, you read it right.


"How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice!"



(L-R: PianistYasuhiko Fukuoka,  Keynote speakers Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis, Rappler founder Maria Ressa)

 

The individuals and organizations recognized at TOFANY have practiced compassion, dedication, perseverance and courage. They are those who dared to dream, took risks and did what was necessary to help other people.

On October 25th, 57th and 7th Avenue were overflowing with pride from the Filipino-American community. Men, women and children were standing tall in their formal attire, happiness filled the air and laughter were shared by many.

Hours before doors opened, the lobby was populated by eager members of the community. The Titas  (aunties) were busy putting together the corsages, ushered the guests of honor to the reception area, and made sure that everyone's attended to. In the waiting room, TOFANY alums shared stories and smiled for photographs. Backstage, the performers were preoccupied with last minute rehearsals and wardrobe inventory.

"It started out as a craving and a vision to celebrate the hard work and professionalism in a wonderful and magical evening."  - Elton Lugay

In a black t-shirt and black pants, one Filipino was moving like a bumble bee jumping from one task to another: getting last minute preparations, confirming reserved tickets, calmly adhering to the numerous strict rules and regulations of Carnegie Hall , and taking time to acknowledge every person waiting in line.  The dark circles under his eyes were evident that he had not had a decent sleep in a long time.

However, by 8 P.M. when everyone was finally seated in their respective spots, absorbed the elegance of the ambience inside Carnegie Hall ( Weill Recital Hall) , felt the sense of pride and overwhelmed by the camaraderie,  all eyes were focused on that Filipino who had changed his wardrobe from t-shirt to the traditional embroidered formal shirt we call "Barong Tagalog". That man is Mr. Elton Lugay, the Founder and Executive Producer of "TOFANY".


As I was watching him from the balcony, I couldn't help but acknowledge that that man Elton had the chutzpah in organizing such magical and magnificent evening.  Planning and actually making this event is a feat of immense work, focus , determination, teamwork and leadership.



"Being Filipino-American is a blessing and a curse. If you don't navigate the waters well, you'll drown. Remember to hold the values from both worlds, create something new, and create a community that defines us." - Maria Ressa

The host for the evening was Maria Ressa, the CEO of Rappler. She had such a soothing voice that it helped calm the nerves of the honorees who had to go up the stage and deliver their 60 second thank you speeches.

The evening's honorees delivered heartfelt gratitude and asked for continued support and understanding.

The speakers inspired and challenged the community to do more, break the barrier and create more leaders.

(L-R: Pianist Yasuhiko Fukuoka,  Speaker: Major General Antonio Taguba)

One speaker's message hit home.

"What do you want us to do when you become ill?"  - Major Gen. Antonio Taguba

Major General Antonio Taguba, a retired United States Army, reminded the audience to "Start the conversation early. Caregiving is a family matter. However, we don't talk about it. As Filipinos, we are a close-knit family and a tight-lip family!"  He also emphasized that "Caregiving can be a debilitating and extraneous experience for everybody -- and it can be a financial burden."

I hoped the audience took his reminder seriously and started a plan of action on what to do if they've become ill. Based on my experience, the following are a basic list of questions to ask yourself:
1) Do I have enough life insurance to cover debts, medical bills, or funeral services?
2) Do I have a living will?
3) Who can I trust to make decisions on my behalf?
4) Who will act as guardians to my children?
5) Does anyone in my family know where I keep the financial and legal documents?

Nostalgia

The performers received a standing ovation. One performance touched my heart as it reminded me of my father when the Philippine Chambers Singers of Los Angeles sang one of my father's favorite songs, "Dahil Sa Iyo." And as I was wiping my tears, I noticed I wasn't alone. The people in the balcony were holding on to their hearts as they held the hands of  their loved ones seated next to theirs.

By the end of the night, I was homesick but at the same time inspired to do more, and eager to see what the TOFANY Board has in-store for us in their 5th year celebration in 2015!

Congratulations, Thank You and Mabuhay!





This 2014 Outstanding Filipino Americans are:
Arts & Culture
Kinding Sindaw

Business & Entrepreneurship
Dennis Josue

Community Service & Advocacy
Roger Santos

Courage of Conviction
Geena Rocero

Education, Research & Technology
Michael Vea

Entertainment
Jhett Tolentino

Fashion & Style
Elle Madrona

Food & Restaurants
Joel Javier

Health Care
Nemcy Duran

LGBT Advocacy
Jenab-i Pareja

Media & Publishing
Ritz Mazon Craves

Public Service & Politics
Ludi de Asis Hughes

Senior Welfare Advocacy
Juliet Payabyab

Youth & Sports
Team Takbo

This year’s Heritage Awardees are 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).

This year's performers:
Darren Espanto, The Voice Kids Philippines 2014
Geo Ed Rebucas, Pilipinas Got Talent 2011 Finalist
Philippine Chamber Singers - Los Angeles
Broadway Barkada
Enteng Evangelista
UST Alumni Singers - New York
Richard Leis Tuozo, The Voice of McDonald's US Finalist
Pilipino American Cultural Arts Society - Washington, D.C.
Elaine Ficarra
Yasuhiko Fukuoka, pianist

This year's speakers: (Keynote) Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr. , Ms. Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Major General Antonio Taguba, Senior Advisor Jason Tengco, and Miss USA 2014 1st Runner-up Audra Mari.

The TOFANY Board:
Elton Lugay, Founder and Executive Producer
Cristina DC Pastor, Co-Founder & Director of Nominations
Oliver Oliveros, Publicist & Director of Communications
Sally Nunez, Board Member

Save the Date: October 31, 2015. TOFANY's 5th Anniversary
www.facebook.com/TOFAINY