Educational Excellence Award (Post-Secondary)

LARNES JOY NABARRETI | MAPLE, ON

Larnes Joy Nabarreti’s journey bridges classrooms, cultures, and clinical care. A PhD Nursing candidate at York University, she blends scholarly excellence with hands-on practice, graduating Cum Laude, earning Dean’s Honour Roll recognition, and the Praxis Award. As Sessional Assistant Professor and Course Director, she transforms nursing education through gamification and cooperative learning, sharing her innovations internationally. Her research on Internationally Educated Nurses is deeply personal— shaped by her own immigrant experience—and drives her advocacy for equity in healthcare. Balancing doctoral studies, teaching, and critical care practice, Joy mentors with cultural humility, proving that leadership thrives where passion, innovation, and compassion meet.

Educator of the Year

JEFFREY KO | ST. CATHERINES, ON

Dr. Jeffrey Ko blends 18 years of clinical expertise with a passion for shaping the next generation of nurses. A Niagara College professor and 2022 Educator of the Year, he teaches complex subjects like Pharmacology and Critical Care with a student-centered, real-world approach that consistently earns top evaluations. His mentorship, particularly for internationally educated nurses, empowers them to pass licensure exams and excel in Canadian healthcare. Recently elected to the College of Nurses of Ontario Council—the first from Niagara College—Dr. Ko champions public safety, curriculum innovation, and leadership development. His teaching, advocacy, and mentorship leave a lasting impact on nursing.

(The Educator of the Year Award category is presented and supported by SANDYCOVE DRUG STORE.)

Young Leader of the Year Award

REGINE LURA | MONCTON, MB

Regine Lura exemplifies young leadership through her service, innovation, and advocacy. From international student to Civil Laboratory Support Technician at NBCC, she continues to empower communities in New Brunswick. As past Student Union President, Filipino Association officer, and the youngest board member of Downtown City Housing, Regine has led food drives, literacy programs, multicultural events, and housing initiatives. She uplifts newcomers through her platform Archi-Tech in Canada, offering guidance on life and study abroad. A woman in STEM and recipient of multiple awards, Regine leads with compassion, inclusivity, and vision.

(The Young Leader of the Year Award category is presented and supported by IKUBO MEDIA.)

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

ROMMEL LUMBAO | TORONTO, ON

Architect Lumbao is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Lumbao Architects, a Filipino-Canadian firm that has grown into a respected multidisciplinary practice with over $5 billion in completed projects across North America. From residential homes to large-scale commercial developments, his firm delivers innovative, sustainable, and community-driven design solutions. With clients including McDonald’s, Tim Hortons, and the Canadian Forces, he has proven expertise in both private and public sectors. Beyond business success, he champions immigrant architects, offering mentorship, training, and career pathways. His leadership blends global excellence with inclusive values—positioning him as both an industry leader and community builder.

Excellence Award in Arts and Culture

JENNILEE AUSTRIA – BONIFACIO | TORONTO, ON

In September 2023, Jennilee Austria published her debut novel, Reuniting With Strangers – a work deeply rooted in her years of community advocacy with Filipino newcomer youth and families in Toronto. As a school settlement worker and founder of Filipino Talks, she supported more than 1,200 students navigating the emotional challenges of family reunification. When the pandemic halted in-person programs, she transformed these lived stories into fiction, creating a linked short story collection that reached far beyond its intended audiences. Celebrated as one of CBC’s Best Books of 2023, the novel earned national recognition and keynote invitations at Pathways to Prosperity and IRCC.

Excellence Award in Sports and Fitness

ABBY ALBINO | TORONTO, ON

Abby Albino is redefining what leadership in sports looks like. As a Filipino-Canadian woman thriving in Toronto’s male-dominated sports industry, she has used her voice to champion inclusion, community, and youth engagement. During her six years with MLSE, she shaped defining moments—like the #WeTheNorth campaign, Toronto FC’s 2017 MLS Cup win, and the city’s first Filipino Heritage Night with the Raptors. Now Head of Brand and Business Strategy at Canada Basketball and co-founder of Makeway, a trailblazing sneaker and streetwear boutique for women and LGBTQ2S+ communities, Abby blends sports, fashion, and culture—proving excellence is measured by impact, legacy, and empowerment.

Excellence Award in Media

CHERRIE LEI MERCADO | MARKHAM, ON

Cherie Lei Mercado-Santos is one of the most trusted Filipino journalists of her generation, with over 30 years of excellence across CNN Philippines, ABS-CBN, GMA7, and TV5. In 2016, she was appointed Assistant Minister and Spokesperson at the Philippine Department of Transportation, a testament to her credibility. Now in Canada, Cherie is reshaping Filipino media through Filipino TV, producing shows like Immigration 101 and Thrive in Canada that amplify immigrant and community voices. With nearly 200,000 digital followers, her work provides clarity, hope, and representation. Cherie embodies media excellence—ethical, community-rooted, and transformative.

Senior Achievement Award

BELLA CENEZERO | SURREY, BC

For nearly three decades, Bella Cenezero has embodied compassionate leadership and transformative service in British Columbia. Beginning as a volunteer in 1996, she rose to become Director of Programs at Parent Support Services of BC, where she expanded parenting groups into multiple languages and forged partnerships with Indigenous communities. She pioneered support for immigrant families, incarcerated fathers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ parents—ensuring no one was left behind. A co-founder of Fil-Net, she has mentored countless social workers, strengthening culturally competent care across Canada. Recognized with provincial awards, Bella’s legacy is one of equity, dignity, and unwavering advocacy for families and communities.

Manggagawang Pilipino Of The Year Award

MARK ANTHONY GRAVOSO | MARKHAM, ON

Mark Gravoso embodies the spirit of bayanihan, turning his own struggles as an internationally educated nurse into a mission of service. As President of the Integrated Filipino Canadian Nurses Association, he created programs like the Clinical Skills Enhancement Program with QMMC and hands-on workshops that have guided hundreds of nurses toward Canadian licensure. His mentorship network ensures no nurse walks the journey alone, while his advocacy has secured work permits and restored careers for vulnerable IENs. Honored with the RNAO Leadership Award in Political Action, Mark continues to champion Filipino nurses—uplifting lives through advocacy, mentorship, and community care.

Most Influential Community Organization of the Year

PHILLIPINE CENTRE CANADA (PCC) | OTTAWA, ON

The Philippine Centre Canada (PCC), founded in 1999, is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering Filipino-Canadians to thrive and contribute to a more inclusive, prosperous Canada. Guided by values of service, collaboration, openness, accountability, and pride i n Filipino heritage, PCC delivers impactful programs in capacity building, funding support, heritage and culture, and advocacy. From its beginnings in the National Capital Region, PCC has expanded its reach across Canada through i nnovative digital platforms. Led by a professional Board and dedicated volunteers, PCC continues to unite, uplift, and i nspire Filipino-Canadians while fostering stronger connections between the Philippines and Canada.

Community Service Award

TOMAS TAN | TORONTO, ON

Tomas Tan has dedicated decades to uplifting newcomers and strengthening Filipino-Canadian identity through service, mentorship, and leadership. Since arriving from Manila in 1983, he has embodied the spirit of Mabuhay, ensuring that others feel welcomed and supported. As current President of the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), he leads yearround civic initiatives, culminating in the Mabuhay Philippines Festival—celebrating culture, food, arts, and community. As Chair of the CICS Foundation, he champions programs addressing food insecurity and newcomer transition. A respected business leader and mentor, Tomas uplifts entrepreneurs and immigrant families alike, modelling compassion, connection, and community service.

Pinoy of the Year  Award

EDWARD CRUZ | WINDSOR, ON

Dr. Edward Cruz, Associate Dean of Nursing at the University of Windsor, is a trailblazer in advancing Filipino and internationally educated nurses (IENs) in Canada. A Philippine-educated nurse himself, he co-led the creation of the Pan-Canadian Framework for IEN Bridging Programs, now used nationwide. His leadership of the national IEN Mentorship Program, funded by Health Canada, supports hundreds of nurses in overcoming systemic barriers. With over CAD $1.5M in research funding, 358 citations, and multiple national awards—including the King Charles III Coronation Medal—Dr. Cruz embodies transformative leadership, ensuring Filipino nurses thrive in Canada’s healthcare system.

(The Pinoy of the Year Award category is presented and supported by LEMFI.)

GBA Lifetime Achievement Award

DANILO DE CASTRO | OTTAWA, ON

For more than thirty years, Danilo “Dan” De Castro has been a powerful voice for the Filipino-Canadian community—a storyteller, trailblazer, and tireless advocate whose influence has touched countless lives across Canada and worldwide. As the founder and producer of Tinig Pinoy Radio, Dan launched one of the most enduring cultural platforms in Canadian media. Since 1992, Tinig Pinoy has amplified Filipino voices through music, stories, and community dialogue on CKCU 93.1 FM. Since 2012, it has led the way as one of the first Filipino online radio stations, streaming 24/7 Original Pilipino Music to a global audience. It remains the only Canadian station dedicated exclusively to OPM, serving as a bridge between generations and across borders. From 1994 to 1998, Dan was the visionary behind the National Songfest, a nationwide multicultural singing competition that celebrated diversity and showcased the talents of emerging artists from various cultural communities across Canada. But Dan’s legacy extends far beyond the airwaves. I n 1994, he organized a landmark variety show to support Canadian youth participating in World Youth Day in the Philippines (held in 1995)—a deeply meaningful act that empowered the next generation of cultural leaders. He played a pivotal role in mobilizing the Filipino diaspora to participate in the Philippines’ first-ever absentee voter registration, encouraging civic engagement from abroad. He also founded the Pinoy Eh! Newspaper, a community-driven publication that documented Filipino-Canadian achievements, shared critical local news, and gave voice to a growing immigrant population with pride and dignity. Dan took action, leading crucial fundraising efforts for survivors of Typhoon Haiyan and other humanitarian crises. Through his campaign, One Match – It’s In You To Give, he championed bone marrow donor registration among Filipinos in Canada. I n 2013, Dan’s extraordinary contributions were nationally recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, honouring his lifelong commitment to service. Through every broadcast, headline, and act of compassion, Danilo De Castro has become more than a media pioneer— he is a builder of community, a preserver of heritage, and a living example of servant leadership. His life’s work has uplifted thousands and will continue to inspire generations to come.

GBA Lifetime Achievement Award

DR. RUBY L. DE GUZMAN FORMOSO | OTTAWA, ON

Dr. Ruby L. de Guzman Formoso was born on May 30, 1947, in San Jose, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, and immigrated to Canada in 1972. She earned her Bachelor of Science in 1966 and Doctor of Medicine in 1971 from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. She passed her LMCC Board Exam in 1974 and was qualified to practice medicine in Canada. She trained in Anatomical Pathology at the University of Ottawa and passed her Specialty Board Exam in Canada and the American Board of Pathology in 1982. She worked as a pathologist at the Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus until 1988. She trained in Psychiatry and, after passing her specialty board exam in 1992, opened a private psychiatry practice, where she was known to her patients as Dr. Ruby. She practiced until her retirement in 2019. She also became certified in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Clinical Hypnotherapy, and Transpersonal Psychology, and was an active member of numerous professional organizations. Since 1982, Dr. de Guzman Formoso has been a dedicated leader in the Filipino community in Ottawa. She served as Head of the Filipino Canadian Association of the Ottawa Valley, founded and taught at the Philippine Heritage Language School, helped establish the first monthly Filipino Pastoral Mass in Ottawa, and chaired several major community organizations, including the Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley and the Philippine Heritage Foundation of Canada. She was instrumental in commemorating Dr. Jose Rizal with a bust at Maison du Citoyen and led countless cultural and fundraising initiatives. In 2010, through ANCOP Canada and Gawad Kalinga, she and her family sponsored a village in her hometown of San Jose City – the Formoso GK Village – providing homes to families in need. She continues to help the poor by volunteering in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and she has offered counselling at Assumption Parish and taught in the Children’s Liturgy. Her love for arts and culture is evident in her long-time support of the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa, where she participated in community performances and emceed anniversary shows. She also competed as a ballroom dancer and won several trophies with her husband. She enjoys singing, theatre, tennis, and travelling. Married to Dr. Alfredo “Noly” Formoso, she is a devoted mother of three accomplished children, a loving grandmother to seven grandchildren and several step-grandchildren, and a proud great-grandmother to one. Dr. de Guzman Formoso is admired for her strength, love, dedication, humility, and grace, and continues to inspire others through her unwavering commitment to family, service, and faith.

GBA Lifetime Achievement Award

RESTY DEL ROSARIO | MISSISSAUGA, ON

Resty del Rosario is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career in accounting and community leadership. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) i n the Philippines and a Canadian CPA, CGA. Resty’s career includes notable tenure at the prestigious SGV & Co. accounting and auditing firm in the Philippines, followed by his role as Senior Case Manager in International and Large Case Audit at the Canada Revenue Agency, from which he retired. A significant highlight of Resty’s community contributions is his leadership in the successful Philippine Centennial Celebration at Skydome, which drew over 35,000 visitors and raised $120,000. These funds were used as a down payment in 2005 for the acquisition of the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre (KCCC) at 5225 Orbitor Drive, Mississauga, Ontario. Resty was a founding Director of KCCC and was elected President in 2014, a position he continues to hold today. Under his leadership, the mortgage on the KCCC property was fully paid off in March 2023. In June 2025, Resty and the Kalayaan Group led a successful campaign to convince Mayor Carolyn Parrish and the City of Mississauga’s Council to rename a 14-acre park near KCCC to Philippine Park, making it the first of its kind in Canada. Resty also holds several leadership positions, including President of the Mississauga Charitable Gaming Association, representing 90 non-profit and charitable organizations, and Vice Chair of the Carassauga Festival I nc., the largest multicultural festival in Canada. He is also a member of the organizing committee for the Philippine Festival in Mississauga. Throughout his career, Resty has received numerous community awards, including the CGA Ontario Chapter and Ontario Distinguished Service Award, and the Queen’s Jubilee Award from the Government of Canada. Resty is married to Luz del Rosario, a Trustee for Wards 6 and 11 and Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. They have two children: Jonathan del Rosario, Executive Director at a major global tech corporation’s U.S. subsidiary, and Justine del Rosario Lopez, a pharmacist at Markham Stouffville Hospital. He is also the proud grandfather of three: Tobias, Kayla, and Mya.

GBA Lifetime Achievement Award

MONINA LIM-SERRANO | TORONTO, ON

Monina Lim-Serrano was born in Cataingan, Masbate, Philippines, to Sergio Castroverde Lim and Librada Almocera. In 1976, she migrated to Canada with her husband, Franklin Pedro Serrano, and their four daughters, leaving behind her career, family business, and newly built home to start anew. Sponsored by her sister, Nechita Lim-King, Monina soon dedicated herself to community service and advocacy. As Founding President of the Federation of Filipino-Canadians Ontario, she led pioneering initiatives including the accreditation of foreign-trained professionals, the declaration of Philippine Heritage Week in Scarborough, and the 1999 celebration of 50 years of Canada–Philippines diplomatic ties. The Federation also extended aid internationally, including a $200,000 donation of medical equipment to Venezuela after a major earthquake, and helped channel Canadian government assistance to the Philippines during disasters. Her leadership extended nationally and internationally. In 1997, she co-hosted a meeting with Philippine President Fidel Ramos during his APEC visit. She joined Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s Team Canada trade mission, featured on the Toronto Star front page. A year later, she was invited by Premier Michael Harris to serve as an Ontario Business Ambassador. She later joined the Toronto Police Chief’s Advisory Council under Chief Julian Fantino. I n 2002, as President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto, she welcomed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to Canada, accompanying her to key events. That year, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. Appointed to the College of Nurses of Ontario in 2007, she championed the accreditation of foreign-trained nurses. In 2012, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Among her most enduring legacies is the recognition of June as Filipino Heritage Month nationwide. With her daughter, Michele, she witnessed the passage of Motion M-155 in the House of Commons. For 35 years, she has also ensured the annual June 12 flag-raising in Toronto, now held at Queen’s Park. In 2023, Monina received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, honouring her decades of leadership, advocacy, and devotion to preserving Filipino heritage and fostering unity in Canada.

GBA Lifetime Achievement Award

DANNY & NORA ARRIOLA | OTTAWA, ON

Nora and Danny Arriola arrived in Canada in 1974 with determination and quickly found a welcoming Filipino community that became their extended family. From the outset, they dedicated themselves to creating spaces where Filipinos could celebrate their culture, build lasting friendships, and thrive together. I n 1984, they founded the Philippine Dance Troupe of Ottawa (PDTO) to connect their children—and many others—to Filipino heritage through folk dance, music, and song. For over 41 years, PDTO has preserved Filipino culture in Ottawa, nurturing leadership, creativity, and lifelong friendships among hundreds of alumni and their families. Its 40th anniversary in 2024 celebrated the Arriolas’ enduring devotion, uniting generations in vibrant performances and community pride. I n 1995, Danny co-founded the Philippine Independence Committee of the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) with Mel Tabalba to unite diverse Filipino organizations in celebrating freedom, culture, and identity. Under their leadership, PICOV became a cornerstone of the community, renowned for its month-long Philippine Independence celebrations featuring picnics, parada ng lechon, cultural performances, dinner galas, flag-raising ceremonies, and thanksgiving masses. Since 2013, Nora has served as chairperson, rallying volunteers to continue these beloved traditions that now attract families from across Ottawa and beyond. The Arriolas’ legacy is one of unity. Through decades of steadfast and humble leadership, they have demonstrated that inviting others to dance, celebrate, and serve together can bridge divides, strengthen bonds, and instill pride across generations. More than 50 years after their arrival, Nora and Danny remain pillars of the Filipino community in Ottawa. Their vision, resilience, and heart have shaped organizations and events that foster a sense of belonging and preserve heritage. For the countless lives they have touched and their lifetime of service and sacrifice, Nora and Danny Arriola are truly deserving of the Golden Balangay Lifetime Achievement Award.