TOP-LA 2015 by mutch carino

An Awards Night Honoring

Lifetime, Outstanding & Youth Achievement Leadership in Arts, Business & Entertainment and the Finest in Beauty & Fashion

Saturday dec 12 â&#x20AC;˘ 7:00pm ENVISION Center

Maxx Promos is a Special Event Production Company that specializes in producing, promoting and marketing high-visibility events from concept to completion. More often than not, these special events either generate record-breaking attendance, outstanding media coverage, exposure and impressions for its event sponsors and partners, and/or unprecedented community interest and enthusiasm, not only on its event stars and artists, but the vision and mission of each event. Maxx Promos is led by Mutch Carino who has a 35-year successful track record and experience in producing special events, from concerts, ethnic festivals for Theme Parks and fundraising events to golf tournaments, themed parties and more. Mutch Carino holds the distinction of being the only Fil-am producer in America who has organized and promoted Filipino festivals in three major U.S. theme parks — Paskong Pilipino sa Universal Studios Hollywood which was televised Live Via Satellite and watched by an audience of over 20 million people in the United States and the Philippines; Fiesta Filipiniana sa Knotts Berry Farm which drew the 5th Largest Attendance (57,000) in the 70-year history of the Oldest Them Park in the world; and Filam Funfest at Six Flags Magic Mountain that starred American Idol 3rd Place winner Jasmine Trias and over 100 local Filipino-American acts and talents, plus he was the Overall Production Director for another festival held at Raging Waters. His planned major projects for 2016 include “City of Carson’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at the StubHub Center”, “Children’s Day”, “Filipino American History Month” Celebration and “Larry Itliong Day”, “Miss Hollywood Bikini”, “International BBQ Festival”, “L.A.’s Loveliest”, “Fil-Am Spotlight Awards”, and the 2nd Annual “The Outstanding Pilipinos in Los Angeles.” Prior to his migration to the United States in 1983, he honed his expertise in event management as Event Manager at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) with special focus on United Nations Conferences, World Tourism Congress, international conventions and trade shows and various special events, such as product launches, award shows, beauty pageants, concerts and entertainment spectacles, as well as the handling of Presidential receptions for foreign dignitaries. Acting as Executive Producer for the worldwide broadcast of the 1980 Mr. Universe featuring Lou Ferrigno for CBS-America marked the beginning of his career in highlevel special event production and management. Soon thereafter, he was involved in the production management of the Philippine concert tours of numerous top-rate foreign talents that included Angela Bofill, Lani Hall, Paul Anka, Bob James, Tom Scott, Linda Carter, The Platters, Seawind and The Crusaders, among others.

Mutch Carino • 818.521.6009 • mutch1020@aol.com

Special Message It is with sincere gratitude, humility and honor that I congratulate each and every recipient of a TOP-LA Award for Lifetime, Outstanding and Youth Achievement, Leadership Excellence in the Arts, Business, and Entertainment, as well as the Finest in Beauty and Fashion. We are indeed privileged to receive your trust in allowing us to recognize your exemplary accomplishments in our community -- a confirmation that awards can inspire and encourage the achievement of excellence in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chosen profession...in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Tonight we are witnesses to a gathering of remarkable persons of integrity who are young achievers, emerging leaders, and established pillars of the Filipino American community in Los Angeles. Each and every one serving as an inspiration to one another. I sincerely thank and applaud all the award recipients of THE OUTSTANDING PILIPINOS IN LOS ANGELES or TOP-LA Award and I look forward to the continued success of this undertaking. Lastly, but most importantly, I am extremely grateful for the unwavering dedication towards the success of this awards night of my ever-supportive family and friends -- Alice Alexis Gonzalez, Bambi Lopez Pio Roda, Rhea Rachelle Espino, Louisa Rio, Thelma Aranda Sugay, Carlos David, Erik Ovanespour, and Melany Del Rosario. To everyone else, thank you for your unselfish donation of time, money and effort in making this event a memorable and successful one. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Cheers!

Mutch Carino Founder - Producer The Outstanding Pilipinos in Los Angeles (TOP-LA)

A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER - PRODUCER

MONTY MANIBOG Gonzalo â&#x20AC;&#x153;Montyâ&#x20AC;? Manibog Jr. is the second generation Manibog lawyer and the first Fil-Am lawyer admitted to practice law in Southern California. He is a graduate of Loyola University Law School in Los Angeles in 1961 (with undergraduate studies at the University of the Philippines). While at UP, he was a Philippine National Champion gymnast and wrestler and participated in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, after which he served in the US army during the Korean War as a psychological warfare analyst. Monty also made history by becoming the first Fil-Am elected official in the continental U.S. when he was elected as mayor of the City of Monterey Park, 1976-1988, all the while maintaining a full time law practice. During his 51 years of practicing law, Monty successfully handled thousand of cases, winning millions of dollars for his clients in personal injury cases, gaining legal resident status and preventing the deportation of hundreds of fellow kababayans. He never lost a deportation case.

LIFETTIME ACHIEVEMENT

Law

ELITO SANTARINA Coming from a lineage of politicians, Elito Macapagal Santarina is a 4 year term council member in the city of Carson and is its Mayor Pro Tem. A retired educator , this gentleman is a recipient of the Harvard Executive Education for government officials. His integrity is one to behold. The author of many of Carson City’s numerous city programs, Elito Santarina developed the safety first act now project and the highly successful Carson Literacy Partnership Program. Other awards to his name include the Mayor Tom Bradley Cultural Award, the California Department of Education Exceptional Leadership Award and the Historic Filipino town’s Lifetime Achievement award in the field of government service. This year’s TOP-LA award for Lifetime Achievement in Public Service is Elito Macapagal Santarina.

LIFETTIME ACHIEVEMENT

Public Service

MARK PULIDO

Elected to the Cerritos City Council in March of 2011, with the highest number of votes in city history, Councilman Mark Pulido served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2013-2014 and as Mayor in 2014-2015. This year, he was re-elected with an overwhelming support and once again garnered the most votes. Formerly on the Board of the ABC Unified School District as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president in the year 2007-2008, Mark was honored as Board Member of the year in 2009 by the LA County Office of Education. In the year 2013, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. appointed him to serve on the California Volunteers Commission. A true servant of the community and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people, Mark is married to Gloria and together, they have two lovely children.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Government Service

MON DAVID

Ramon Canlas David is a graduate of the UP College of Music majoring in voice, and composition, a London International Jazz competition winner, and a MOCA (Most Outstanding Capampangan Award recipient. This is what brings this man to a calibre of musical greatness. Scott Yanow of the LA Jazz Scene describes him as a “major jazz singer who can sing any type of music with credibility, creativity and heartfelt emotions and wit.” Bubba Jackson of KJAZZ 88.1 says of him - “He is all heart; brilliant; simply brilliant”. A proud son of Pampanga, Mon takes pride in his roots and speaks fluent Kapampangan to date. Truly, a Filipino to behold. Receiving the TOP-LA award for Outstanding Achievement in Music - Mon David.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Music

JOE MERTON

Jose “Joe” Merton has dedicated his life serving the community of Carson as it’s Commissioner. He has been endorsed by Mayor Pro Tem Elito Santarina during his candidacy as City Treasurer. Senior Citizens Advisory Commissioner Maria Pilapil also threw her full support behind Merton. A financial planner and insurance agent by profession, Joe Merton continues to serve our kababayans by leading them towards financial security and freedom. Joe is the man behind the PIDF or Philippine Independence Day Federation that hosts one of the biggest Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Los Angeles. It is with great honor that we award him with this evening’s TOP-LA award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Service - Joe Merton.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Community Service

JESS ESPANOLA

Jesus “Jess” Espanola is a winner of an Emmy Award in Animation as the assistant director of one of the highly rated shows, The Simpsons. His tough life sprang from a series of misfortune. His grandfather was killed during the Japanese invasion. His mother was a rape victim and his father abandoned him. Drawn to a life of poverty, he found comfort in drawing various characters to take his mind off of his hunger. Soon he realized this artistic gift would be his lottery ticket to a new life. The rest as they say is history. The TOPLA award giving body is proud to recognize this amazing Pilipino American, Jesus “Jess” Espanola with our TOP-LA award for Outstanding Achievement in Visual Arts.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Visual Arts

RODEL LUMANOG

A community builder, Rodel is the president of the L.A. Brilliant Lions Club as well as a former President of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce in the San Fernando Valley. Because of his distinct leadership skills, Rodel Lumanog was selected as commissioner of the Pampanga Day Celebration Committee USA and was Vice Chair of the Angeles City Association USA. As a real estate professional for over 25 years, he has joined some of the top realtors namely Coldwell Banker and is associated with some of the more prestigious law firms as its real estate consultant. Rodel Lumanog is the proprietor of Real Estate Concept, RL Investment Corporation and Prime Properties Realty and Lending to name a few. Tonightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TOP-LA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Real Estate is Rodel Lumanog.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Real Estate

JOEL LONGARES

Among the many accomplishments of this innovative visionary, Joel Longares is running multiple businesses that employ hundreds of our kababayans. Founder and President of JPL Group of companies that include Atlas Shippers International, AXP Money Remittance, Atlas Brokerage and 7107 Islands Recruitment Agency, Joel is also the president and publisher of a community paper called Pinoy Weekly. And as if these were not enough, Joel Longares managed to establish the Joel P. Longares Foundation whose mission is to improve the lives of the underprivileged through meaningful training and enhancement of skills. A genuine Renaissance man, Joel is certainly deserving of this TOP-LA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Business

JOE COBILLA As founding president of the Press Photographers Philippines (PPP) USA, Joe Cobilla is one of the most hard working and dedicated press photographers in Los Angeles. Joe Cobilla, Jr. has worked with the Department of Tourism and Department of Defense - Public Information. He has also worked for the Central Bank of the Philippines and most notably, Asiaweek, an elite magazine with circulation covering the entire Asia. Joe Cobilla, Jr. is among the Ambassadors of Goodwill for Historic Filipinotown. He is not only successful in his chosen craft but is also a role model father and exemplary husband. Truly, he is worth honoring with a TOP-LA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Photo Journalism.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Photo Journalism

NATY MERCADO Naty is a retired Clinical Nurse Supervisor from UCLA and is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award many times over. A highly reputed woman of distinction, Ms. Natalia Matitu Mercado was the Founder and First President of the Cabanatuan Association of California and a past president of the U.P. Nursing Alumni Association International. A compassionate and loving individual, Naty puts her heart into everything she does. She may boldly speak her mind, but has always been genuine and dedicated to her assigned tasks thus deserving of this award. She has been an award recipient of Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who in American Nursing and, tonight, she is honored with a TOP-LA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Nursing.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Nursing

LOU SABAS

Lou Sabas is a woman with numerous gifts. A multi-awarded stage and theatrical performer by passion, Lou has transitioned this skill to teach methodical acting to her prized talents who venture in the field of entertainment. Through her company LSS Creative Resources, a talent and events management firm, she has mentored many a great artist for over 22 years. Lou is also am accomplished journalist and is respected among her peers in the field of media, a true darling of the press. It is therefore befitting to provide her the esteemed recognition - a TOPLA award for Outstanding Achievement in Talent Mentorship.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Talent Mentorship

BEL CALDERON NERNBERG

Belina Calderon-Nernberg is certainly one of the top Filipino women entrepreneurs in the country today. As CEO of the BCT group of companies which includes the I HEART Caregiver Services, LA Jobs Employment Agency and the Summit Medical Billing Solutions, Bel’s success is due in part to the vision, leadership and direction she consistently provides to all her projects. Most recently, she was honored as Historic Filipino town’s Ambassador of Goodwill and was also the recipient of the Image Award. It is with great honor that we present her with this evening’s TOP-LA Award for Leadership Excellence in Human Resources.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Human Resources

JANICE JIMENEZ

Janice is a practicing Registered Nurse before she began to focus on her successful real estate and financial planning career whose mission is to help everyone from all walks of life to become self reliant through sound financial planning and business opportunities. She loves her new career and makes more money instead of doing bedside duties. Already one of WFGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top producers, Janice is indeed the deal as this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipient of TOP-LA Award for Leadership Excellence in Financial Services.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Financial Service

SWEENEY MAE MONTINOLA Sweeney is one of LAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S finest events and marketing consultants. Sweeney and her team of professionals have come up with some of the more elaborate and innovative concepts. Her mission: To provide premiere event planning and marketing services within the clients budgetary requirements. Her next big project is Seattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Year Bash 2016. As Marketing Director of Southbay Pavilion, she has won numerous awards for the various marketing campaigns she spearheaded at the mall. For its Filipino American History Month celebration at the mall, she received a Silver Maxi Award from the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers), the premier global trade association of the shopping center industry. Sweeney is the recipient for TOP-LA Award for Leadership Excellence in Marketing.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Marketing

MICHELLE MOLINA

Michelle is not only a pretty face but an accomplished hair and make-up professional. She has worked on some of the most beautiful faces but remains to be humble. A lot of entertainment stars and celebrities have trusted her for hair and make-up services because she simply makes them look fabulous. Her clientele is simply growing and her popularity is soaring. With several years of experience under her belt, she is truly deserving to be this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honoree for a TOP-LA Award for Leadership Excellence in Hair and Make-up Artistry.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Hair & Make-up Artistry

GANDI VILLAREAL

She used to be known for her contributions to the world of beauty but now she has expanded this to include health and wellness. Gandi is one of the top aestheticians in Los Angeles, and now has added her mastery to include Acupuncture. This well rounded woman has successfully helped our kababayans achieve external beauty through her skin care but now she adds internal wellness making her the expert in a more holistic approach. Gandi’s success is a product of her hard work and innovative thinking. No longer is the tag line “Gaganda Ka Kay Gandi” but a more appropriate slogan is “Gaganda Ka at Gagaling Ka Kay Gandi. This remarkable woman is truly worthy to receive a TOP-LA Award for Leadership Excellence in Beauty and Wellness Gandi Villareal.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Beauty & Wellness

KRISTA KLEINER

Tall and beautiful, Krista is multi talented. Born of Euro-Asian descent, she has achieved what most women would only dream about. She was the Philippines representative as Binibining Pilipinas International 2010 where she won best in swimsuit and garnered the talent award. A woman of many gifts, this black belt martial artist was also the choice of Internationallyacclaimed balladeer Julio Iglesias as his singing partner for his Asian tour. Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas band chose to mentor this fine lady whose singing, dancing and now acting accolades are an addition to this already accomplished and self made woman. Our TOP-LA Award for Leadership Excellence in Performing Arts is Krista Kleiner.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Performing Arts

MARICEL ALUNING

Maria Cecilia Aluning or Maricel for short is a name to behold in the field of dentistry. With over a decade of experience as a dentist she is committed to constantly educate the herself so she can keep abreast of new and innovative methods of serving her ever growing clientele. One of the most popular dentists in the South Bay area, she is very much loved because she gives her patients tender loving care and very personalized service. A woman of substance, Maricel is indeed worthy to be this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipient of a TOP-LA Award for Leadership Excellence in Dentistry.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Dentistry

FAIRLANE RAYMUNDO

Fairlane Raymundo keen ability in communications is exemplified and may be best known for her writing prowess as she has successfully written highly acclaimed work for Films such as White House, Loving You and the official entry to Metro Manila Filmfest Shake, Rattle and Roll 8 and 9. One of her most notable projects is Super Noypi which was also nominated for Best Screenplay. On top of film writing, Fairlane Raymundo is also a novelist. Her published books include How Lucifer Resigned from Hell and Stars are Just Memories. Currently the Marketing Manager for Emercury and Prestige, Ms. Raymundo is indeed worthy to receive a TOP-LA Award for Leadership Excellence in Communication Arts.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Communication Arts

JUN & MINDA CHIN

Jun and Minda Chin are lovingly referred to as Tito Jun and Ate Minda. They are the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caterer to the Starsâ&#x20AC;? - the power couple when it comes to catering for high end celebrity events as well as community non-profit ones. With their consistent quality and timely delivery of food service not to mention affordability of the same, they have become the go to people for reception services, especially for celebrities like Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Gary V and more. They have remained humble and unassuming through years of profitable business. They are the epitome of humility amidst greatness. They are truly worthy of the TOP-LA Award for Leadership Excellence in Catering Services.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Catering Service

GABRIELLE CURRENT A Rose Princess on board the recent Tournament of Roses float at the Rose Parade, Gabrielle Current was the only Fil-am princess in this widely watched New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spectacle and was also honored at the Rose Bowl. She bested over 800 applicants to become a Rose Princess. Just this October 2015 she coveted yet another title during the Larry Itliong Day and Filipino American History Month Celebration as the champion of the 5th Annual Pinoys Got Talent singing competition. A singer, as well as a dancer, Gabrielle is most certain to pave the way for a brighter future for our youth. Already she has been held as a Teen Ambassador of Goodwill for the Historic Filipinotown. Tonight, we honor Gabrielle with a TOP-LA award for Youth Achievement.

OUTSTANDING YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT

KOBE PARAS At 15 years of age, his video showing him dunking over LeBron James went viral. Basketball scouts noticed and he was chosen to be a part of Team Pilipinas in the FIBA cup - under 18 category. He joined the dunk contest. Though the shortest at 6’3” and the youngest at 15, Kobe won the gold! He was then noticed by cathedral high school in LA and was invited to play for the high school team. At age 17, he played for his country. Again, he joined the dunk competition and became the only 2-time back to back dunk champion in FIBA Cup history. On his junior year at Cathedral, he received multiple offers to play college basketball, amongst them was UCLA. Just last month, this young man signed a 4-year guaranteed contract to play as a UCLA Bruin this 2016. Tonight, standing at 6’5”, 200 lbs. a future shooting guard of the UCLA Bruins. And, who knows, the Los Angeles Lakers! Our TOP-LA Award for Youth Achievement - Kobe Paras!

OUTSTANDING YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT

MICHAEL MARTINEZ

Michael Christian Martin is the first ever Filipino figure skater and the first South East Asian to have qualified for the Olympics last 2014. He started this sport at a very young age and showed exemplary discipline and skill. He is a multi-awarded athlete and has been honored by the Philippine Senate and Congress. He has also been given recognition by the National Youth Commission, Office of the President of the Philippines, for his accomplishments. A two-time Triglav Trophy Champion, Michael has won one ISU challenge and continues to make his countrymen proud. Tonight, it is an honor to present a TOP-LA award for Outstanding Youth Achievement to Olympian Michael Christian Martinez.

OUTSTANDING YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT

CAITLIN SAN DIEGO

Caitln Kristen San Diego was last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first runner up for Binibining Pilipinas USA and winner of Best in Talent. She was also voted by her peers, as Miss Congeniality and received a special award as Miss O Skin care in the same pageant. A beauty queen with a heart, Caitlin is passionate about giving back to the community and helping others be the best they can ever be. Her contribution to various medical mission projects has led her to pursue a nursing degree so she can continue to serve others through this chosen profession. Her hobbies include singing and dancing.