At the FAPCCA Media Awards, which took place on Nov. 24 in Whittier, Los Angeles County, 24 additional people were presented with their trophies. The Filipino American Press Club of California (FAPCCA) gave the medals and trophies to a select group of media professionals in the United States.
I believe I may have the least number of years spent in America among the awardees, though it’s not necessary to confirm that. What matters to me is how personally significant the recognition feels, being relatively new to the Filipino American community — a network I have found to be both embracing and empowering.
There is no more tangible proof of this positive vibe than the honor I accepted at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, in the presence of esteemed journalists, advocates of factual reporting, and respected guests, all achievers in their own right. The award came with a medal and certificates of recognition from the California State Assembly and the City of Carson.
I was officially honored with the “Outstanding Author and Journalist” award due to my credentials as, first, a writer of articles published in various media outlets — primarily based in the Philippines, with a few operating in California — and second, as the author of several books, including the recently published And For The Record, parts of which I wrote while staying at my mother’s place in San Bernardino County.
Part of what makes a particular award-giving body stand out is its clarity in identifying who belongs in its pool of honorees. In the case of the FAPCCA Media Awards, a biennial event now in its third edition, its objective is clear: to recognize Filipino-born individuals or those of Filipino descent working in the US, either full-time or part-time, as media professionals. It’s no surprise that the roster of awardees includes top news anchors Tony Cabrera, Irene Cruz, and Denise Dador; editors-in-chief Marc Pijuan and Leizel Trinidad; and photojournalists Joe Cobilla, Andy Tecson, and Bobby Crisostomo. We are united not by our proximity to VIPs and newsmakers but by our years of dedicated practice as media professionals.
I have personally experienced the challenges of this profession — being pushed aside in a crowd while chasing quotes from celebrities, occasionally bullied by rock stars who disliked my published critiques of their music, or even mocked by an intoxicated individual who assumed media work relied solely on sensationalism. Working in media involves a touch of glamour but requires immense grit.
While I can’t speak for the other awardees, the trophy I took home, accompanied by a short acceptance speech, symbolizes my journey as a writer. In my speech, I shared how I’ve further advanced my career since moving to America, finishing a memoir published by Penguin Random House, penning a Christmas ballad (“Sana Kapiling Ka” by Neon) distributed by ABS-CBN Music, and even swapping my usual Manila brandy for Jack Daniel’s. These milestones are a testament to my passion for storytelling. Ever since I discovered my love for writing and realized I could craft stories that resonate, I knew it was my life’s calling.
When I was hired by Manila Bulletin in 2000 as a staff writer for features, just a year after graduating college, I felt certain I had found the community where I truly belonged.
Although I also have roots in the music industry as a recording artist and songwriter, my work in media plays a different yet equally thrilling tune. It’s a rhythm sustained by telling stories, from the fading stars stepping out of the spotlight to the rising talents capturing the public’s imagination. Media practice can span a lifetime, and I wouldn’t be surprised if all my co-awardees continue sharing news until they write “30.”
“The club promotes excellence across elements of mass media, publicity, public relations, marketing, and entertainment,” said FAPCCA founder Thelma Calabio. Her co-founder Andy Edralin also expressed, “By fostering a strong sense of community, the organization has become a trusted source of information and a catalyst for positive change.”
I want to thank FAPCCA for recognizing the value of sharing information professionally, carried out by men and women who are trained and passionate about delivering with class, style, and a commitment to truth and tenacity.
That evening, at the media awards gala with my mother and siblings—who dressed up to support me—and all the honorable individuals in attendance, I went home with a sweet smile and a sense of pride. It reminded me that being a writer, or a media professional, is indeed noble work.
