Fil-Am first responders who battled LA wildfires honored at MIFF 2025

Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox (center) serenades the Fil-Am first responders at the MIFF closing gala. Photo by Nimfa Rueda

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Filipino American first responders who helped battle the recent Los Angeles wildfires were honored at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) closing gala and awards ceremony Friday night at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.

More than a dozen Fil-Am firefighters and police officers took center stage at the star-studded event, receiving thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the attendees, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, California Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, Consul General Adelio Cruz and Fil-Am and Filipino filmmakers and celebrities.

Hollywood actor Reggie Lee, who introduced the first responders, said they were being honored for their “bravery and courage” during the wildfires that killed 29 people, destroyed more than 16,000 structures and torched more than 37,000 acres.

“So tonight we honor their heroism and say thank-you. Maraming, maraming salamat for your tireless and selfless work, and for the many sacrifices you and your families have made for service to others – to us,” said Lee, who played the role of a police officer in the film “The Dark Knight Rises” and the NBC police drama “Grimm.”

MIFF chairman Omen Ortiz said this year’s festival was dedicated to the first responders “who “valiantly battled the wildfires.”

“As our beloved metropolis recovers and rises from this crisis, we hope the films in this year’s MIFF inspire and spark optimism,” Ortiz said.

“Here in Los Angeles, the city of cinematic dreams, MIFF offers a showcase of the filmmakers and creative talents, reminding us of the power of filmmaking to demonstrate our resilience and strength.”

Fil-Am heroes

Among the honorees was Arleen Bocatija Rojas, Los Angeles Police Department’s first Filipina officer, who was among those deployed to evacuate LA wildfire victims and protect the fire-ravaged communities from looters.

Rojas, who has served as a police officer for 31 years, and a councilmember for the City of Carson, told Inquirer.net USA they were very grateful for the recognition and hope to inspire more Fil-Ams to become firefighters and law enforcers.

LAPD Officer and Carson City Councilmember Arleen Bocatija Rojas (left) with other Filipino American first responders at the MIFF gala. Photo by Nimfa Rueda

“We’re loud, we’re proud and we need more (Filipino Americans) to follow in (our first responders’) footsteps,” she said.

MIFF paid tribute to LA County Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Captains Allan Anolin, Arnold Anolin, Russell Arcebido, David Dantic, Jimmy de los Santos, Eddie Diaz and Battalion Chief Ramon Valdoria.

Law enforcement honorees included Officers Edward Acedillo, Mariko Jackson, Eric Payumo, Marlowe Viray, Sergeant Jonathan De Vera and Sergeant Christian Ventura.

The first responders were joined on stage by singer Deborah Cox, who serenaded them with the song “Hero.”

Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox serenades the Fil-Am first responders with the song ‘Hero’ at the MIFF gala. Photo by Nimfa Rueda

Awards

Among the guest performers at the MIFF gala were Sofronio Vasquez, who made history as the first Filipino and Asian winner of “The Voice,” MIFF Audience Awards Best Actress Morissette Amon and Best Supporting Actress Rachel Alejandro.

From left: Morissette Amon, Liza Soberano and Rachel Alejandro. Photo from GR Rodis / Facebook

From left: Apl.de.Ap, Sofronio Vasquez, Deborah Cox and Troy Laureta. Photo from Sofronio Vasquez/Facebook

Jessica Caloza, the first Filipina elected to the California State Assembly, presented the Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement (Posthumous) Award to the late Lily Monteverde – popularly known as Mother Lily. The award was accepted by the producer’s daughter, Roselle Monteverde-Teo.

Actress Liza Soberano presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Hollywood actor Niko Santos, known for his roles in “Crazy Rich Asians” and the NBC series “Superstore.”

Also receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award were Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Ricky Lee and Vilma Santos.

Dingdong Dantes announces the Lifetime Achievement Award for Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo. Photo by Nimfa Rueda

Traiblazer Awards were presented to Hollywood star Tia Carrere and the team behind the film “The Debut.”

The films “Faith Healers” and “Song of the Fireflies” also received Special Awards.

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King Palisoc’s “Song of the Fireflies” won big with the MIFF Audience Awards, clinching Best Picture, Best Actress (Morissette Amon), Best Supporting Actress (Rachel Alejandro) and Best Supporting Actor (Noel Comia). Seth Fedelin won Best Actor for his role in “My Future You.”

Seth Fedelin wins MIFF Audience Awards Best Actor. Photo by Nimfa Rueda

Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz / Photo by Tony Garcia

The MIFF closing gala also featured a tribute to the late Gloria Romero.

First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos received the Visionary Award for Championing Philippine Cinema. She was recognized for supporting projects that celebrate Filipino films and her work with CineGang Inc., a groundbreaking initiative to boost the Philippine movie industry.

First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (center) with Piolo Pascual (left) and Roselle Monteverde-Teo at a pre-gala event. CONTRIBUTED

Sofronio Vasquez takes a selfie with First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Photo from Sofronio Vasquez/Facebook

“What a truly proud moment to witness our Filipino and Filipino American film luminaries coming together, side by side,” Marcos said. “Seeing out countrymen– regardless of where they are in the world –unite in creativity and passion is testament to the boundless potential we can achieve when we work together.”

In brief remarks, Fil-Am Grammy-winning artist and Black Eyed Peas co-founder Apl.de.Ap said music and film have the “ability to heal, to unite, to comfort and to celebrate” Filipino and Fil-Am communities.

Sofronio Vasquez and Apl.de.Ap / Photo from Sofronio Vasquez / Facebook

Filipino and Fil-Am celebrities who attended the gala included Dingdong Dantes, Lorna Tolentino, Janice de Belen, Enchong Dee, John Arcilla, Arjo Atayde, Maine Mendoza, Seth Fedelin, Francine Diaz, Ruru Madrid, Sofia Pablo, Dante Basco and Ana Perez de Tagle-Kline, who is known for her roles in Hannah Montana and Camp Rock.

Maine Mendoza and Ana Perez De Tagle-Kline at the MIFF gala / Photo from Lilibeth Tenedero / Facebook

Spotted at the MIFF screenings were Jo Koy, Piolo Pascual, Inigo Pascual, Cedric Juan, Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano.

The LA-based MIFF founders are Omen Ortiz, chairman; Ebradu Udarbe, president; Lisa Lew, executive producer; Celia Abaya-Dy, Ruben Nepales and Janet Nepales. The MIFF team also includes Leo Dela Cruz, Erickson Ilog, Ron Ramores and Meriden Angeles.