In the heart of Brisbane City, over 400 attendees gathered on 21 April to celebrate excellence, glamour, and culture at a Gala Night graced by distinguished guests including
Her Excellency Philippine Ambassador to Australia Hellen De La Vega; David Crisafulli MP, Queensland Leader of the Opposition; Robert Skelton MP for Nicklin; The Right Honorable Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, and Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner; Atty. Sheryll Gabutero, Philippine Consul for Queensland; Pinky Singh – LNP for Mansfield.
The night served as a platform to honour Filipino achievers in Queensland across diverse fields including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Business, Industry and Commerce; Arts, Culture, Sports and Entertainment; Community Service; and Youth Leadership.
Adjudicated by five esteemed non-Filipino judges, the event brought an impressive 62 nominees across different categories. These awards are bestowed only once every five years. Each nominee received recognition with a certificate, while seven winners (one from each category) were announced and presented with well-deserved trophies.
The evening showcased captivating performances of cultural dances, including Estudyantina, Sinakiki, and various Maguindanaoan and Maranao dances, courtesy of the talented Hiraya Performing Artists led by Dixie Morante. Other talented performers like Jand Mojica, Daren Cox, Zola Bulan, Rhay Alicaya, and the Diamante Band added to the vibrant atmosphere throughout the program. Emcees Camille Bianca Gimeno Punzalan, Annie Morales, and Richard S. Agtarap ensured the proceedings were engaging and lively.
Organised by the Queensland Filipino Excellence Awards Inc. (QFEA), led by President Rejoice Guevara-Thomson, and with support from the Philippine Consulate Queensland, the event recognised the outstanding contributions of Filipino individuals in Queensland.
The Philippine Times served as the official media partner, with representatives Alice Nicolas, Jason Cordi, and Raine Cabral Laysico covering the event and connecting with attendees, including Filipino community leaders and awardees.
The QFEA 2024 awardees and nominees are:
Excellence Award in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Louisa Parkinson
Other Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics nominees:
- Charibel Agapito
- Angel Boyd
- Isabel Byram
- Charisse Farr
- Ivy Gabatan
- Anthony Halog
- Jacquiline Romero
- Alejandro Silagan
- Roderick Villanueva
- Mayonello Yanila
Excellence Award in Business, Industry and Commerce: Imelda Kateb
Other Business, Industry and Commerce nominees:
- Ian Abadiano
- Jairus Aguilar
- Ian Banghal
- Laidee Charmaine Bell
- Rafael Bergola
- Zubie Brown
- Gloria Collins
- Irene Lorico
- Gina Buenvenida
- Ginger Mendoza
- Jachin Navarro
- Christopher Ramos
- Genesis Reyes
- Lyn Shadbolt
- Daisy Smith
- Alexander Tamayo II
- Wendy Turnbull
Excellence Award in Arts and Culture: Alex Salvador
Excellence Award in Sports: George William Nield
Excellence Award in Entertainment: Daniel Mallari
Other Arts, Culture, Sports and Entertainment nominees:
- Chona Allen
- Alanah Bautista
- Helen Bishop
- Maynah Borja-Erece
- Carein Carpio
- Alma Colledge
- Dixie Morante
- Josiah Navarro
- Lyn Shadbolt
- Isabel Wetten
Excellence Award in Community Service: Mena Theresa Edmondstone
Other Community Service nominees:
- Guillermo Capati
- Preciosa Deliverio
- Victoriano Estillore
- Efren Landicho
- Dixie Morante
- Shirley Rosal Nield
- John Martin Nieva
- Sharon Olofernes
- Dyan Paredes
- Cyrus Platon
- Perla Pound
- Angeli Taylor
- Lynn White
- Esther Wilson
Excellence Award in Youth Leadership: Louie Galman
Other Youth Leadership nominees:
- Jozef Borja-Erece
- Gillian Cruz
- Dax Labaja
- Carl McGill
- George William Nield
- Ryan Tenorio
For more information, visit the QFEA Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/QFEAInc, or website at https://www.qfea.com.au.
