Arlington, Virginia–The Philippine American Foundation for Charities recently honored six outstanding individuals for making a difference and transforming lives at its Dakila Achievement Awards ceremonies.

Ambassador Domingo Nolasco of the Philippine embassy led special guests who praised the honorees. The honorees were educator Francis Tanglao Aguas, World War II veteran Ray Cabacar, Our Own Voice online literary publication founder Reme Grefalda, community organizer Marlan Maralit, nurse Trinidad Padama, public servant Angela Lagdameo, and Master Chef Evelyn Bunoan.

The event, emceed by Jon Melegrito, was held November 12 at the Marriott Key Bridge. In her brief remarks, PAFC President Rebecca Pagsibigan said “dakila” was the Filipino word for great. She took turns with PAFC Chair Ador Carreon in presenting the awards to the honorees.

The program also included a tribute to the late Maria Mabilangan Haley, the highest-ranking Filipino American official during the Clinton administration. In her touching tribute, Asian American community leader Vida Benavides recalled that for promoting political empowerment, Ms. Haley “was a role model for me.”

Ms. Haley was responsible for putting several Asian Americans to top Clinton administration posts. Norman Mineta acknowledged her role in fast-tracking his appointment as commerce secretary. Guests watched a presentation taken from Sonny Izon’s 1998 Centennial video, which included highlights of an interview with Ms. Haley.

PAFC officers Mencie Y. Hairston, Maurese O. Owens and Bing Cardenas Branigin coordinated the program at the successful event. Top Asian American leaders were invited as special guests.

The special guests: Asian American Justice Center President Karen Narasaki; Deputy Assistant Secretary on Intergovernmental Affairs Francey Youngberg of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD); former top U.S. labor official Charmaine Manansala, and Irene Bueno, co-founder and partner of Nueva Vista Group, LLC.

Honoree Francis Tanglao Aguas, Associate Professor at College of William and Mary’s Department of Theater and Dance, inspired his students. He also helped start the Asian American Studies Program.

World War II veteran Ray Cabacar helped lobby for the benefits legislation of fellow Filipino WWII veterans. Angela Lagdameo, senior analyst at Maryland Governor’s Office of Policy, has made an impact on education and immigration issues.

Reme Grefalda founded Our Own Voice, which publishes works of Asian Americans online. As Library of Congress Asian Division Librarian/Curator of the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection, she has organized events focusing on Asian American issues and achievements.

Marlan Maralit made his mark at labor unions as community organizer and education coordinator. Community leader Trinidad Padama, a nurse by profession, became clinical supervisor and associate director of the operating room in different hospitals. Master Chef and popular food columnist Evelyn Bunoan received a Special Award for promoting healthy dishes and coming up with her creative recipes.

Members of the 2011 Selection Committee included Sonny Izon (chair), Ernie Cordero, Realista Rodriguez, retired Army Gen. Tony M. Taguba and Ed Tiong.