Photos: Courtesy FAPCCA The Filipino American Press Club of California (FAPCCA) held their annual Media Awards on November 24th, 2024. The gala took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Whittier; an event space I had previously been to when I was presented with a “Most Beautiful Filipina” trophy during Maxx Promos’ WOW (Woman of Worth) Awards in 2019, put on by FAPCCA member Mutch Carino. This year, not only did I have the pleasure of attending FAPCCA’s Media Awards gala – I also had the honor of being an awardee. The saga began when Sam Azurel, FAPCCA Board Member and Founder of DVA Productions, petitioned for me to become a member of the FAPCCA. He had been familiar with my work for the Manila Up! family of publications for some time, and in 2022 hired me as the red carpet on-camera host for the Gawad Amerika Awards. Since then, I have become his go-to host for highprofile events such as the Amerika Music Awards, Amerika Prestige Awards, and Hollywood Prestige Fashion Week (which I also walked). Imagine my surprise when I found out that not only had I been accepted – I was informed by FAPCCA Founder Andy Edralin that I would also be receiving an award. So, I selected my best Filipiniana dress and set for the stage. Upon arrival, the event space was already deckedout with festive holiday décor, boasted a step-and-repeat photo-op manned by several photographers who were also awardees, and even had a 360-camera booth guests could indulge in. After checking-in, I was greeted by FAPCCA President Lissa Pacheco Chow – of Chow Entertainment, who also just held her Olympia Arts Awards – alongside FAPCCA Board Member and President of the USA Philippines Business Association, Adrian Lecaros. I was quickly...... Read more on Full Issue!