5th The Outstanding Filipino Americans In New York Awards Set Oct. 31 at Carnegie Hall

"In highlighting the key role Filipino New Yorkers play in every sector and throughout all five boroughs, the TOFA-NY awards also showcase the diversity to which New York owes both its singularity and its strength." - New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio

New York--In its fifth edition, The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York (TOFA-NY) Awards honor 15 organizations and individuals who have inspired the community with their passion, conviction, and achievements. Presented by AARP, TOFA-NY caps the month-long Filipino American Heritage celebrations in the New York tri-state area. This year's TOFA-NY Awards ceremony is slated for 8 p.m. on October 31 at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall.

Mark Bustos, a professional hair stylist who gives free services to the homeless during his day off; Maharlika and Jeepney's Nicole Ponseca, an award-winning restaurateur who propels modern Filipino cuisine into the mainstream; and Councilmember Jonathan Wong, who at 23 became the youngest Filipino American elected to office in Mahwah, New Jersey are among this year's awardees.

They are honored alongside Commissioner Carmelyn Malalis, New York City Commission on Human Rights chair; Steven Raga, New York state chairperson for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations; Dr. Richard Holsman, founder of Holsman Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center; Dr. Kevin Nadal, executive director of The Center for LGBTQ Studies; and Chelle Lhuillier, a member of the transgender engagement team of the Human Rights Campaign's Greater New York Steering Committee.

Award-winning soprano Katrina Saporsantos, fashion designer Betina Ocampo, model and singer Gail Banawis, and entrepreneur John Gadia will also receive TOFA-NY trophies for excellence in their respective professions.

Makilala TV and PAG-ASA Social Foundation round out this year's 15 awardees, along with popular TV and film actress KC Concepcion, national ambassador against hunger of the United Nations' World Food Programme in the Philippines, who will be presented with TOFA-NY's Special Humanitarian Award.

"The awardees are a testament to the excellence of Filipinos in every field imaginable, and their significant contribution to the progress of both the United States and the Philippines," says Philippine Consul General to New York Mario de Leon, Jr., who will once again grace the awards night.

The event's keynote speakers are Loida Nicolas Lewis, co-founder of U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance; Janet Nepales, member of the Hollywood Foreign Press; Gil Quiniones, president and CEO of New York Power Authority; and Ken Natori, vice president of the Natori Company. Cristeta Comerford, the first woman and Asian American to hold the post of White House executive chef, is this year's special guest.

"TOFA-NY honorees are selected out of hundreds nominated by the community," says Elton Lugay, founder and executive producer of TOFA-NY Awards. "Every year, we share their stories because they reveal the many facets of the Filipino American experience and what holds our community together."

Event tickets ($60-100) may be purchased via www.carnegiehall.org, or call CarnegieCharge at (1) 212-247-7800, Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

About TOFA-NY Awards

Founded by New York-based journalist Elton Lugay in 2011, The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York (TOFA-NY) Awards were created to give recognition to organizations and individuals who have raised the profile of Filipino Americans in the New York tri-state area. Serving on the board along with Lugay are Edwin Josue, Jerry Sibal, Rene and Cynthia Ballenas, and Oliver Oliveros, director of nominations, publicity and promotions. Notable TOFA-NY Award winners include Tony winners Lea Salonga, Bobby Lopez, and Jhett Tolentino; Pulitzer Prize winner Jose Antonio Vargas, fashion designers Monique Lhuillier and Josie Natori, transgender activist Geena Rocero, and multi-awarded seasoned journalist Sheila Coronel.

Presented by AARP, the fifth annual TOFA-Awards are sponsored by Philippine Airlines, The Lewis College, The Blakely Hotel, Western Union, DirecTV, Santos Enterprises, Apple One Banawa Heights, Cuisine Studios, Inquirer.net, Rappler.com, Conzerge Hotel Collection, Sweet Habana Catering, and One Philippines.