Piolo Pascual among outstanding Filipinos honored in Hawaii

Photo from the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu

At the annual TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Awards) ceremony in Hawaii, Filipino heartthrob Piolo Pascual took center stage as one of this year’s celebrated honorees, recognized for his remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry and his role in elevating Filipino talent on the international stage. 

Known for his dedication and excellence in his craft as an actor, the “Pamilya Sagrado” star’s achievements were spotlighted at the event, which honors Filipinos and Filipino Americans making impactful contributions across various fields, including the arts, politics, healthcare and community service.

Supporting his father at the ceremony, Piolo’s son, Iñigo Pascual, also made an appearance and even performed a song dedicated to his father and the rest of the attendees.

Photo by Mark Salondaka

The TOFA was held for the first time in Hawaii and was hosted by Asia’s “King of Talk,” Boy Abunda.

In a press release, the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu extended its warm congratulations to Piolo Pascual and the other awardees, noting the significance of their contributions to the Filipino American communities.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared Oct. 27 as TOFA Day, right in time for the Filipino American History Month.

By honoring Filipino Americans like Piolo Pascual, former Hawaii Governor Benjamin Cayetano, former Senator Benette Misalucha, incumbent Representative Trish La Chica, and other Filipino American trailblazers, the state celebrated the dedication, talent and resilience of the Filipino community.

The roster of awardees also features Dr. Arnold Villafuerte, Jerry Felicitas and the Filipino Community Center.

TOFA awardees / Photo by Mark Salondaka

The annual TOFA awards, founded by Elton Lugay, is held in October to coincide with the Filipino American History Month.

In her remarks, the Philippine Consulate General 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.”

Piolo and Iñigo are currently enjoying the island state, as seen in their Instagram stories.

The father-and-son duo is set to bring their talents to Canada with a series of back-to-back shows. Titled “Father and Son,” the tour kicks off on Nov. 15 at Rialto Theatre in Montreal, QC, followed by a performance on Nov. 17 at Bell Performing Arts Center in Surrey, BC.