The Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad (TOFA) awardees, including former Philippine Ambassador to the United States Albert del Rosario who flew in from Manila to join his legions of friends in the area, and flew back the following day, were presented with Certificates of Honor Plaque and the Circle of Leaders Medals of Honor during the gala night at the JW Marriott in Washington D.C. September 1.

Del Rosario joined with the 19 other awardees who came from several parts of the world, including from Athens, Greece and the Philippines. Ambassador Willie Gaa delivered the welcome address while Ambassador Lauro L. Baja, former Philippine representative to the UN and currently special envoy who also flew in from Manila for the occasion was awarded the “Man of All Seasons” accolade which, according to TOFA press release, is bestowed only once in a lifetime by both Filam Image magazine and Pinoy Global Online News, sponsors of the TOFA project. He was also the keynote speaker during the VIP luncheon Aug. 31. Another award, “Friend of the Filipinos,” was given to Mr. James V. Kimsey, Chairman emeritus of America Online, Inc. (AOL). All of the 20 awardees were present. They are Ambassador del Rosario, Guillermo Austria, Dr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles, Romeo San Antonio, Josef Quiroz, Philip Carreon, Dr. Marcos R. Fojas, Dr. Laurel G. Yap, Ms. Carmelita Tapia, Dr. Wilhemina G. Camina, Dr. Herminia P. Festin-Navato, Dr. Napoleon S. Maminta, Dr. Lauro San Jose, Dr. Patricio Reyes, Atty. Alfonso P. Fallarme, Dr. Ceferina Ruiz, Atty. Arlene Machetta, Dr. Aida Ramiscal Martin, Ms. Marlene Birao, and Dr. Jocelyn Bruce.

The gala event went smoothly with Gloria Caoile and Dr. Manny Hipol as emcees. Rochelle Ashana was the event coordinator. The specially imported orchestra, the Executives of New York, provided an enjoyable and memorable evening for all, TOFA said. Earlier, in a dear friend letter in the internet, Nonoy Mendoza, the TOFA organizer, said the affair was a complete success despite sniping from critics.