TOP AWARDS 2019

honoring carefully selected Pilipinos for their Lifetime and Outstanding Achievements and Leadership Excellence in their field of expertise and chosen profession, as well as Community Leadership

JANUARY 27, 2019 SUNDAY • 6:00 PM DOUBLETREE BY HILTON WHITTIER

Special Message Hello and congratulations to all who have generously participated in the making of the Annual TOP AWARDS (The Outstanding Pilipinos Awards), which is now on its fifth year.

I organized the very first TOP AWARDS in 2014 and I have not ceased to produce this event because I never fail to witness the results it delivers to our community.

TOP AWARDS continue to inspire achievement and success.

Here at the TOP AWARDS, we honor carefully selected and very distinguished Pilipinos who have achieved exemplary success, made invaluable contributions of outstanding significance to their profession and field of expertise, as well as being influential to the enrichment of everything Filipino in the community.

We also give recognition to those who has displayed leadership excellence in the arts, business and community, especially those who have led the empowerment of the Filipino in our community through civic leadership and getting elected to city and state government.

For the very first time, we are naming Young Ambassadors of Goodwill who will promote everything that is wonderful and great in our Filipino race and culture. They will be role models who will and can inspire Filipinas of all ages to be vibrant, energetic, beautiful, ambitious, eloquent and constant achievers.

Tonight, my utmost gratitude to my event partners for your unwavering support towards the success of this event. Ditto to my ever-supportive colleagues and production staff -Alice Gonzalez, Janice Jimenez, Shirley Lumanog, Joy Angeles, Randy Trinidad, DJ Ernie, Pol Joaquin, Joe Cobilla, Andy Edralin, Thelma Aranda Sugay, Karen Santos, and Erik Ovanespour. To Grace Hu and Trese Childs of DoubleTree by Hilton - Whittier, thank you.

To everyone else, thank you for your unselfish support with your time, money and effort in making this event a memorable one. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.

MUTCH CARINO Founder - Producer TOP AWARDS

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

JANET NEPALES

DR. BILL ROMERO

Janet Susan R. Nepales is an award-winning journalist who is also the first Filipina journalist voting member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) who presents the annual Golden Globe Awards. She is currently serving her second term as Executive Secretary of the HFPA and is the first Filipina to be voted to that position. Weekly, Nepales writes the “Hollywood Bulletin” column in Manila Bulletin, the “Hollywood Insider” in the GMA-7 Network Online. She is the Hollywood correspondent of GMA-7 and is a co-host in the “So Hollywood” segment of Jannelle So’s TV show. Janet is a UST Journalism cum laude alum who was recognized by the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) as one of the “100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the U.S.” in 2012 and as one of the “100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the World” in 2013. She is a co-author of the first FWN book entitled “DISRUPT: Filipina Women: Proud. Loud.

Leading Without A Doubt.”

Dr. Bill Romero has emerged as a top aesthetic physician on Long Island, New York and nationwide. His extensive training and experience in non-surgical techniques uses the natural features of his patients and leaves them with a youthful, but not overdone, look. His very much soughtafter skills have made him a Top 25 Botox and Juvederm injector (top 1% in the U.S!). He is a Faculty Member of the Allergan Medical Institute and regularly lectures on the proper indications and techniques of cosmetic injectables.

He is the president of the Upsilon Sigma Phi North America and, most recently, president of the U.P. Medical Alumni Society of America.

JOURNALISM

MEDICINE

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

ALBERT CABUCO

FAITH BAUTISTA

F&B MANAGEMENT

DIVERSITY RELATIONS

Albert has more than 40 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Currently, he is Vice President for Food and Beverage of Palace Entertainment, located in Newport Beach, CA where he oversees and directs the food and beverage management and operations of 9 Water Parks including Wet n’ Wild in Sydney, Australia, 6 Theme Parks, 2 Animal Parks and 5 Family Entertainment Centers across 10 states. He holds a BS Degree in Business Management from Ateneo University, and a Certification from Cornell University, School of Hotel Administration (Amusement Industry Institute Program), and a Certificate from University of California, Irvine (The Paul Merage School of Business) for the Strategic Management Program. He is also a member of the Customer Experience Advisory Board at Rutgers University. Albert is a Certified Instructor, Hotel and Restaurant Management, State of California Council for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education.

Ms. Faith Bautista is the President and CEO of National Asian American Coalition, a HUD-approved home counseling agency and the nation’s leading Asian American nonprofit advocating against foreclosures, greater economic and small business development ,and in advancing the growing economic and social power of Asian Americans. Appointed

by President Trump’s Administration in 2017, she is currently one of the five members in the U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund Community Advisory Board, advisory boards for Federal Communication Commission on broadband adoption and diversity, the California Utility Diversity Council, First Republic Bank, Royal Business Bank, Citizens Business Bank, Charter Communications, She also the President/CEO of National Diversity Coalition, a non-profit advocacy organization comprised of community organizers, faith-based leaders, and business owners. She is one of the Founders of The Capital Corps, LLC. Ms. Bautista is also a member of the Charter External Diversity and Inclusion Council (EDIC).

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

GENEVA CRUZ

INES OTBO

PERFORMING ARTS

SENIOR CARE

Geneva Mendoza Cruz is an award-winning Filipina singer and actress. She began her as one of the member of Smokey Mountain and in 1992 was also the first (and youngest) Grand Prize winner of “The Voice of Asia” in Kazakhstan, Russia. Her first solo album, I Like You, went double platinum and produced several hit singles, including “Anak ng Pasig” which was chosen as Best Pop Song by the 1992 Catholic Mass Media Awards. Her most recent album “To Manila” is her 5th studio album and has earned her accolades. She’s an animal rights activist and a proud single mother of son Heaven and daughter London.

A Certified Public Accountant by Profession, Ines worked as a Financial Comptroller to an international Oil and Gas Drilling Company based in Whittier, CA. Migrated to the US in 1990. In 1994, she decided to open a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly with the hope to make a difference in the lives of the population she serves. She owned and operated nine 6-Bed residential facilities for elderly in the cities of La Habra, Brea and El Monte since then. Owned and operated a stand alone Memory Care Facility in Orange County specializing in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. Currently, she serves as a Senior Vice President for 6Beds, Inc., an advocacy group representing 10,000 plus Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly and Adult Residential Care Facilities statewide. 6Beds, Inc. advocates for a safe, affordable and quality residential care for the frail elders, physically and intellectually

BAYANIHAN AWARD

STEVEN SUGARMAN Steven A. Sugarman founded Banc of California, Inc. (NYSE: BANC) and its national banking subsidiary Banc of California, N.A. He later served as the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. Under Mr. Sugarman’s leadership, Banc of California was recognized twice as one of Forbes Magazine’s Top Banks in America, Fortune Magazine’s Fastest Growing Companies and among the largest, independent banks in California with an Outstanding rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for Community Development.

As CEO of Banc of California, Steve helped so many Filipinos own a home and get small business loans. He worked with NMC on programs to help Filipinos in home ownership and small business.

He understands the culture and enjoys working with his kababayans.

Steve Sugarman is National Diversity Coalition General Counsel. NMC is a member of NDC. He also serves on the Yale Law School Executive Committee as a Regional Representative and as board member of Los Angeles Team Mentoring (LATM) He was the recipient of the LATM Keystone Award. He received the Outstanding CEO Award from the Korean American Chamber of Commerce in Orange County. Mr. Sugarman was awarded the Giraffe Award for leadership relating to public service.

OUTSTANDING CIVIC LEADERSHIP

THOMAS SMALL

RACHELLE ARIZMENDI

MAYOR, CULVER CITY

MAYOR, SIERRA MADRE

Culver City Mayor Thomas Aujero Small was elected to City Council in 2016, having previously served as Commissioner of Cultural Affairs in Culver City. Mayor Small’s work with the city has focused on excellence in urban planning, sustainable design and mobility, including the Transit Oriented District Visioning process. He recently led the effort for the city to win grants from the Mayor’s Innovation Project, the Harvard Behavioral Insight Group, and the National Institute for Civil Discourse, for programs to enhance public outreach for neighborhood planning and alternative modes of transportation. Mayor Small has been featured or quoted on design and mobility in the New York Times, the LA Times, NPR and the Washington Post, and was recently interviewed live on CNBC on new transit technology.

In 2014, Rachelle Arizmendi, was the first person of color to be elected to the City of Sierra Madre City Council. She was selected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor in 2017 and was recently re-elected to the City Council. Rachelle is also the Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment. PACE is a nonprofit, community development organization that annually serves over 50,000 people. She was recently recognized this last September in London, UK as one of the most Influential Filipina Women in the World.

OUTSTANDING CIVIC LEADERSHIP

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADER

MELISSA RAMOSO

JASON TENGCO

Melissa was recently elected as a councilmember of Artesia. For over 14 years, Melissa served and advised federal and state legislators. She is District Director for a State Assemblymember. She has aided trafficked Philippine Nationals, helped veterans and reunite families. Melissa served as California Democratic Party State Chair to the Filipino American Democratic Caucus and is currently State Chair to the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus. In 2013, Melissa ran for office as the youngest Filipino American in California and second youngest in the U.S. In 2014, Melissa received the Filipina Women’s Network’s “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Award.”

Jason Tengco is the youngest-ever Executive Director of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). Previously, he was the National AAPI Outreach Director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. During the Obama administration, Jason was appointed as the Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on AAPIs or (Asian American Pacific Islanders). He was also a fellow with former Congressman Mike Honda. Jason hails from the Bay Area and graduated from UCLA.

COUNCILMEMBER, ARTESIA

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADER

ELLEN SAMSON

FRED DOCDOCIL

Ellen was a Commercial Property Executive for 25 years overseas before she ventured out in the highly competitive home care business. This led to her advocacy for senior and dementia care. To be a success, Ellen expanded her network and influence by being actively involved in the local and national Filipino American Chambers of Commerce activities. She is currently the President of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) and Corporate Secretary / VP for International Trade for the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC). Next was establishing Arete International, which provides Executive Virtual Assistants and consultancy services to small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups.

A newly appointed Commissioner for the City of Carson, Fred is an active member of multiple organizations, including the Kagay-anons of SoCal and the Filipino Community of Carson. He is a Past President and current Board Member / VP – Budget & Finance for the FilAm Chamber of Commerce of SouthBay LA Area; a Trustee / VP - External for the Philippine Independence Day Foundation; and a Household Head & Speaker for Couples for Christ.

Professionally, Fred is the Business Development Coordinator for Nikkei Credit Union, wherein he is helping the company open up a new Division he’ll be managing in Carson. Named Mabuhay Credit Union, this is one of, if not the first Financial Institution to specifically help the FilAm Community in SoCal.

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADER

MACKY FORTU

ROSEMARIE MEJIA

Macky Fortu is based in City of Los Angeles as a Sr. Accountant. He is an Elected Board Member of the Rampart Village Neighborhood Council and an elected Neighborhood Council Budget Advocate for the City. He is the current President of the Rotary Club HiFi, Board Member Auditor of Media Business Club and a Board Member and Auditor of FACLA. In the Philippines, he worked as Manager of the Westmont Bank and PCIBank. If that was not enough, he served in the Military ISAFP. Under his belt, he has as BSBA in Accounting, Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Military Science Degree from the Philippine Military Academy Class 91.

A seasoned Realtor with over 25 years of experience, Rosemarie is also a financial consultant, a real estate investor, & a certified resident property manager. She has earned recognitions as Top Listing Agent, a Hall of Fame Awardee for most sales, L.A. Super Real Estate Agent, Top Seller, Top Producer, and Realtor of the Year. She is also actively involved in philanthropic and humanitarian works.

Rosemarie has won, been chosen and crowned as a Beauty Queen, the most recent ones as Mrs. Philippines USA and Most Beautiful Filipina. A recipient of many awards such as: Outstanding Service & Contribution Award from the City of L.A., Outstanding Leader of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Role Model of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and lately was chosen as one of the Women Leaders 2018-2020.

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADER

EDWARD DUTERTE ABAD

RODEL LUMANOG

Edward is the President of the Rotary Club of Lancaster Sunrise, District 5300 and, through his leadership, the club is heavily involved in community projects not only in Lancaster, California but in the Philippines, as well. They engage in a number of fundraisers so they help those who are marginalized. As President and CEO of Supreme Touch Care Services Inc. in Lancaster, Edward is active in various community work and advocacies. A graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Master of Business Administration, Edward was formerly a Station Manager of ABC TV 5 in Cebu and Chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodcaster sa Pilipinas (KBP Cebu) prior to his migration.

A community builder, Rodel has led various organizations.

He was 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 is the proprietor of Real Estate Concept, RL Investment Corporation and Prime Properties Realty and Lending, to name a few.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

JESSICA CALOZA

PUBLIC SERVICE Jessica has served in various positions in government and politics. Currently, she is the Director of Scheduling for the City of Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti. Previously, she worked in DC and served in the Obama Administration and fundraised for Rep. Becerra and Rep. Honda. Jessica is a first generation immigrant and graduated from University of California San Diego.

LOIS KLAVIR BANKING

Lois Pagaspas Klavir has been a leader in her commercial and business banking career for 19 years, starting with Philippine National Bank in Manila, and currently the Vice President of JP Morgan Chase Business Banking in LA North market. Lois is also actively serving the Filipino American business community as the Vice President of Membership for the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) and a CoFounding Board Member of the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC).

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

DR. HENRICK MACALINTAL

PHYSICAL REHABILITATION Henrick is the loving husband of Anna and the dependable father to his children; Rheanne, Rohan and Shayne. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and the owner of “Motion Plus Aquatic and Therapy Center” and Aquacycling Corp.

He is an active member of the community as evidenced by his multiple engagements, contributions and outreach programs for others - especially in the Filipino community.

As a Board of Director of the FACC-SLAA, he does his fair share of community work in the South Bay.

BRADFORD ADKINS PR & PUBLICITY

His professional career spans three (3) decades in public, private and non-profit sectors before dwelling in media and public relations. A Certified Public Accountant in the Philippines, he moved to the US to further his training and education (completing his Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems) and for gainful employment at City of Los Angeles, AT&T, PG&E, KPMG LLP, Kaiser, New York Life, Wells Fargo Bank, among a variety of other industries and positions. He loves to share his knowledge of people and events that’s why he writes regular lifestyle, community and entertainment column articles for Philippines Today, Manila Mail, Asian Journal and Philippine News. Awarded ‘Journalist of the Year’ in 2010 by then Senator Leland Yee, he currently writes and publishes a blog – “Scenes In The City” now with online readership in 176 countries (and still counting!).

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

ELLERY ATIENZA

CARL ANDRADA

Ellery finished his Bachelors degree in ‘82 at the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communications with a major in Communications Research. He also cross-enrolled at The U.P. College of Music as a Voice major from ‘75 to ‘78 under Professors Aurelio Estanislao and Elmo Makil. His deep knowledge and experience in music has led him to organizing a band that will play real good music that people would love to listen to, not only because of very wellchosen repertoire that is sensitive to it target audience and listeners. But, most importantly, he makes sure that he has a great sound engineer so his band will sound as it should be -- enjoyable to the ears of the people. For 20 years now, sice 1988, he has led his group, The AM FM Band in The Hague, Netherlands and till the present time, here in Los Angeles. The band has been multi-awarded as Best Showband and Best Dance Band in the past five years here in Southern California. Ellery is an Elder and Head Usher of The Eagle Rock Presbyterian Church.

The man behind Carmelo Designs , Carmelo Andrada Jr or Carl is known for his intricate Philippine inspired costumes using unconventional, indigenous and natural materials.

Carl was a Visual Merchandising Manager of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for 9 years before pursuing a career in costume and fashion design. He joined and won the 2015 Metropolitan Fashion Week Costume Design Competition after which his designs were seen and won awards in major International pageants such as the 2015 Miss Earth, 2017 Miss Universe and 2018 Miss Grand International, 2018 Miss Filipina International and 2016-2018 Miss Asia USA beauty pageants, to name a few. Carl aims to present his creations to all in order to show the rich and diverse Philippine culture.

BAND MANAGEMENT

FASHION

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

ARNIL PABALAN

JOEL DALGUNTAS

Arnil Pabalan spent some time wandering before he found his true calling as a hairstylist. Although he graduated from Flavio’s Cosmetology School in Carson in 1989, he didn’t become a stylist right away. He first worked as a psychiatric nurse then he moved to Paris and cleaned houses for a living. When he moved back to America, that is when he realized that hair is his passion. He opened the doors of AR salon in 1999. In finding his American dream in Hermosa Beach, Arnil no longer wonders whether hairstyling is for him.

Joel Dalguntas is a Real Estate Professional and Financial Educator. He is affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and WFG - World Financial Group. He has been in this profession for 17 years as a Licensed Real Estate agent. As a skilled businessman with a thorough understanding of real estate transactions from every angle, he possesses the kind of first-hand knowledge and insight that puts him at the forefront of today’s real estate market and today’s cutting edge technology.

COSMETOLOGY

REAL ESTATE

EMERGING LEADER

NONIE BELARMINO

KATHERINE BERCASIO

DANCE & FITNESS

CREATIVE DESIGN

A licensed Zumba instructor and a ballroom enthusiast, Nonie Belarmino is the owner of IDance Studio in Carson.

Together with his Zumba family he has helped a lot of Filipino talents by doing fundraisers for them -- Michael Martinez the first Filipino and in Southeast Asia to compete in Olympic figure Skating. Junior New System, the first Filipino Hip Hop Dance Crew that made it to the semifinal round in America’s Got Talent 2018. He has served as a Board Member for Friends of FAPCCA, was recently elected VP for Membership of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce - South Los Angeles Area, and was recently inducted to the BOD of Kalayaan Inc. He is multi-awarded.

He was honored as Producer of the Year for Noli Me Tangere the musical, and his iDance Studio was named as the Best Dance Studio among others.

Katherine Bercasio is an accomplished graphic designer and visual strategist. She was the Art and Creative Director for the local editions of Cosmopolitan and Maxim magazines, and for Summit Media and ABS-CBN, in addition to being the lead creative Daily Inquirer’s Hinge Media. She had a two-year stint as Art Director for MediaCorp in Singapore. A former faculty member of DLSU-Saint Benilde, she authored graphic design text books and course wares. Katherine holds a vast portfolio of international clients that include wizy.io, a software lab for Google Apps, and Franchise Buyer Magazine in Australia.

Currently she works as a designer for PeraTile, as a content creator at getcraft.com, and as a branding & creative consultant for American Geriatric & Arété, Inc. Actively engaged in the Fil-Am Creative Network, Coalition of Fil-Am Chambers of Commerce (COFACC,) Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival (LAPIFF,) while holding a position as Board of Directors for Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce- Hollywood (FACCHO) and as the Corresponding Secretary for FACC Southbay Los Angeles Area.

EMERGING LEADER

OUTSTANDING YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT

MERIDEN VILLANUEVA

SHANE SELLORIA

INDIE FILM

Meriden Villanueva is a SAG-AFTRA actress, writer, producer, and the Chief Development Officer of FilAm Creative, a community organization dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of Filipino Americans within the entertainment industry. A Seton Hall University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcasting & Visual Media specializing in TV & Film Production. She currently works in various feature films and TV shows on CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, Disney, Nickelodeon and Netflix.

Shane is an 11 year self-taught ventriloquist. His recent work is Elf the Musical kids ensemble. He haswon various talent contests and has appeared in various commercials (Facebook Mothers day, Marlon and Little Big Shots TV promo, Department of Health PSA), music videos (Contra

by Logic and Big Big Love Black Eyed Peas) and in feature films (Baby Splitters).

YOUNG AMBASSADOR OF GOODWILL

ALEXANDRA ZACKY

DANIELLE VIRAY

Alexandra Zacky is the Miss Young Philippines USA 2018 who is a sophomore at John Burroughs High School with a 3.95 GPA, and dedicates her free time to volunteering within her community. She has raised thousands of dollars in donations for her mission, paired with Saving Par. She aspires to be a marriage and family counselor one day, and she wishes to continue her passion for modeling and music in the years to come.

Danielle Nicole Viray, a Filipina American, 18 years old. She now attends La Sierra University as a Freshman, Pre-Med Neuroscience major, and aspires to become a Psychiatrist.

Danielle hopes once accepted into her dream school, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, she will be able to take a year off and work abroad for a year as a student missionary worker in the Philippines.

YOUNG AMBASSADOR OF GOODWILL

PAMELA SAGUINSIN

JILL MARUCUT

Pamela graduated in June of 2018 with a Doctorate in Business Administration focusing in Human Resources.

She is a UCI Alumni and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Psychology. Crowned as Miss FCC-FACLA 2018, Pamela was also named as Binibining Pilipinas USA’s Miss Congeniality in 2017. She is a fashion model and has modeled for Noell, Puey Quinones, David Tupaz, Carl Andrada, LA Fashion Studios, Kisha Waters and Tineola.

Named Most Beautiful Filipina at the WOW Awards, Pamela was featured on the ramp for the David Tupaz Collection, Carmelo Designs, Raging Runways Fashion Show, Ode to Fashion Week LA, The Movement LA, Slay the Runway for a Cure, Walk Fashion Show and The Society Fashion Week.

Jill Marucut is a union organizer and model. In addition to recently winning “Best in Runway” and “Miss Congeniality” at Mutya Ng Pilipinas Southern California, Jill has also served as a chief negotiator, a university lecturer, a coauthor for research on workers, and a published contributor for “Hello Giggles”.

MUTCH CARINO Producer & Founder

ALICE GONZALEZ Associate Producer

SHIRLEY LUMANOG Logistics

RANDY TRINIDAD DJ ERNIE Technical Directors

JOE COBILLA Photography

POL JOAQUIN Videography

JANICE JIMENEZ Emcee

SHANE SELLORIA Ventriloquist

CARMELO DESIGNS