PRESS RELEASE NO. 129 -2024

_{Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon (rightmost, standing) posed with the recipients of the President Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award during the 14th The Outstanding Filipino Award (TOFA) held at Blue Note Hawaii on 27 October 2024. (Photo credit: Mr. Mark Salondaka)}

28 October 2024, Honolulu – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu congratulates this year’s awardees of The Outstanding Filipino Award (TOFA), which included Hawaii’s former Governor Benjamin Cayetano, former Senator Benette Misalucha, incumbent Representative Trish La Chica, and other trailblazers making a difference in the United States and around the world. Also included in the roster of awardees are Dr. Arnold Villafuerte, Mr. Jerry Felicitas, and the Filipino Community Center.

The annual TOFA awards, founded by Mr. Elton Lugay, is held in October to coincide with the Filipino American History Month. The TOFA was held for the first time in Hawaii and was hosted by Asia’s “King of Talk” Dr. Boy Abunda. It honors outstanding Filipino Americans from various fields including the arts, entertainment, politics, academe, community service, healthcare, and business.  Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared 27 October 2024 as TOFA Day in recognition of the invaluable contributions of Filipino Americans. 

In her remarks, Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon stressed that Filipinos are “stronger when we come together to support and uplift one another.” She urged the community to “continue to champion the achievements of fellow Filipinos and build a legacy that the next generation can look to with pride.” (END)

_{Actor Piolo Pascual is a TOFA Global Awardee for Entertainment, flanked in this photo by Mr. Brendan Flores, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (left) and Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon (right).(Photo credit: Mr. Mark Salondaka)}