The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA), an organization that honors the achievements of Filipinos in the USA, named the 2023 Presidential Volunteer Service Awardees during the recent awarding ceremony at the Triad Theater in New York City.
Founded by New York-based journalist Elton Lugay, TOFA acknowledged the prestigious recognition of remarkable individuals who rendered their talents and skills, expertise, and wisdom in diverse community events around the United States.
The distinction was acknowledged by the office of The White House in Washington, D.C.
This year’s recipients included senior creative manager Angelene Coronel, healthcare worker Richie Garcia, special education teacher Deirdre Levy, public health expert Rachelle Peraz Ocampo, civil rights advocate Clifford Robin Temprosa, and digital creators Dennis Almario, Chris Labaco, Jonathan Maravilla, Erwin Pajarillo, and Eric Relucio.
Dominating the roster were artists and performers Arianne Aldecoa, Denise Kara Almario, Bernice Bernabe, Eric Celerio, Marga Empress, Manilyn Gemproso, Asia Guzman, Melody Himarangan, Erno Hormillosa Jr., Gene Juanich, Hansel Mendoza, Morris Montilla, Marcus Oche, Bobby Ramiro, Ellis Young, Hannah Zapanta, and Mark Anthony Atienza.
Atienza, a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Music Production from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), recalled that he was surprised by the recognition. He thought he was just only attending the affair. “I feel honored and blessed to receive this award. It continues to motivate and inspire me to constantly give back to the community.”
Since residing in the US since 2021, he sang in Filipino restaurants, to include Kabayan and Kusina Pinoy Bistro. Atienza was the opening act of some biggest celebrities’ concerts, such as Morissette Amon, Marcelito Pomoy, Erik Santos, Gary Valenciano, and KZ Tandingan.
He likewise has been part of special traditional Masses such as Simbang Gabi and social gatherings of the Philippine Consulate and the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc.
With his determination and passion, Atienza, along with his fellow TOFA singers Almario, Guzman, Relucio, Young, Zapanta, Neeko Delos Santos and Geo Rebucas, showcased their vocal prowess with the US National Anthem during the Filipino Heritage Night at a National Basketball Association (NBA) game at Madison Square Garden in November 2022. They were also invited to serenade the White House for its Christmas Open House last December 2022.
Despite missing his home country, Atienza shared that he temporarily decided to stay abroad because of the opportunities which opened up for his career. “As an independent artist during the pandemic, it was really hard for me because I had no place to perform,” he stated. “No way to somehow make a living with my music.”
He lauded all musicians and digital creators in the industry for inspiring him to become a better person. “I hope and pray that with your art and contents that you’re making, you’ll continue to use it to make an impact on our society.”
Atienza wrote songs for multimedia companies GMA Music and Viva Music. His original pieces were also featured in the movie Walwal, which was directed by award-winning filmmaker and Benilde Digital Filmmaking (DFilm) Chairperson Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes.
He recently released his first debut album 20/20, which was based on his own experiences of love and heartbreak during the pandemic.