top of page

Fil-Am Heritage Foundation Honors Community Leaders at 2026 Golden Pearl Awards Gala

Writer: parkwaymediapartners
parkwaymediapartners
21 hours ago
3 min read

LAS VEGAS — The Filipino American Heritage Foundation (FAHF) recognized outstanding leaders in public service, education, cultural preservation, veterans advocacy and community engagement during its 2026 Gala and Golden Pearl Awards on Oct. 10 at the Nevada Ballroom of the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino.


Held under the theme "Heritage: Our Strength. Progress: Our Future," the annual event celebrated Filipino Americans whose contributions have strengthened communities in Nevada and beyond.

This year's Golden Pearl Awards honored Bella Aurora "Amie" P. Belmonte and Leo L. Belmonte, Alex D. Peña, Dr. Miguel Antonio Fudolig, Sonny Vinuya and Jacqueline de Joya.



Among the honorees, Amie and Leo Belmonte were recognized for decades of leadership, philanthropy and public service. Amie Belmonte, the first Philippine Honorary Consul of Southern Nevada, has long been active in public health, civic leadership and community advocacy, while Leo Belmonte has dedicated years of service to veteran, faith-based and Filipino American organizations throughout the region.


Retired U.S. Air Force veteran Alex D. Peña was honored for his tireless efforts on behalf of Filipino veterans and community organizations. Through leadership roles with veterans groups and charitable initiatives, Peña has helped preserve the legacy of Filipino military service while promoting educational and scholarship opportunities.


Dr. Miguel Antonio Fudolig, assistant professor at the UNLV School of Public Health, was recognized for his achievements in research, academia and community service. A biostatistician whose work includes advancing health research affecting Filipino and Filipino American communities, Fudolig spoke about the importance of engaging younger generations. He emphasized building meaningful connections with young Filipino Americans, noting that they will carry forward the community's values, heritage and leadership into the future.


Sonny Vinuya, Southern Nevada outreach director for Gov. Joe Lombardo, received recognition for his longstanding commitment to public service, economic development and civic engagement. Throughout his career, Vinuya has worked to strengthen relationships between government, businesses and diverse communities across Southern Nevada.


Community leader and cultural advocate Jacqueline de Joya was honored for decades of service advancing Filipino American visibility and heritage preservation. Through leadership roles with organizations including NaFFAA Nevada, the Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas and the Filipino American Professional Association, she has helped expand cultural awareness and civic participation throughout the state.


The evening also featured the presentation of the 2026 FAHF Presidential Award to Josie Harrison, recognizing her exemplary leadership and enduring impact on the Filipino American community. The distinction is among the foundation's highest honors and is presented to individuals whose service and commitment reflect the values championed by FAHF.



In his address, Dr. Romualdo Aragon Jr., FAHF president, emphasized the evening's theme, reminding attendees that Filipino heritage remains a source of collective strength and that continued progress depends on future generations embracing both identity and leadership.


Founded to preserve, promote and celebrate Filipino American history and culture, the Filipino American Heritage Foundation has become one of Nevada's leading organizations dedicated to cultural awareness, education and community development.


Beyond recognizing distinguished individuals, the foundation has invested in initiatives that support student achievement, youth leadership, cultural preservation and public understanding of Filipino American contributions. Through educational programming, scholarship support and heritage-centered activities, FAHF continues to build bridges between generations while fostering pride in Filipino American identity.


A memorable highlight of the program was a special video presentation by multi-awarded Filipino American journalist Bev Llorente, showcasing notable Filipino Americans and their journeys. The presentation chronicled stories of perseverance, sacrifice and achievement, illustrating how generations of Filipino Americans have contributed to their communities while maintaining strong ties to their heritage.


Guests were also treated to a moving performance by Kalahi 2.0, whose presentation offered a heartfelt "Balik Puso" experience. Through music and cultural expression, the performance reflected on the migration journey shared by many Filipino Americans and underscored how deeply connected members of the diaspora remain to their roots despite years, and often generations, away from the Philippines.


The evening was masterfully hosted by Filipino American pioneer Gloria Caoile and FilAm media advocate Johann Sayson, whose blend of experience, insight and community connection guided the celebration.


More than a celebration of individual accomplishments, the gala reinforced a message that resonated throughout the program: that the Filipino American story is one of resilience, sacrifice, service and progress. From the pioneers who helped build communities, to today's civic, academic and cultural leaders, and ultimately to the younger generation poised to carry the legacy forward, attendees were reminded that heritage is not simply something to preserve but something to build upon. The program's recurring theme underscored a shared responsibility to honor the past, invest in education, strengthen community connections and create opportunities that will ensure a vibrant future for Filipino Americans in Nevada and beyond.




 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page