The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to music and the Filipino community, Sharon Cuneta, Kuh Ledesma and Apl.de.ap will be honored as recipients of The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA) Awards this year.
Although Sharon and Kuh aren’t Fil-Ams, they are celebrated because of their lasting impact and exemplary achievements in the art of music.
Meanwhile, Apl.de.ap, Allan Pineda Lindo, in real life, is a true-blue Fil-Am who has also contributed immensely in the enhancement of rap music not only in the world but in the Philippines as well through her membership in the internationally renowned Black-Eyed Peas Band.
Allan was born in Sapangbato, Angeles City but he migrated to the US during his growing up years and comes home to the Philippines every now and then to help his fellow Filipinos advance their socio-economic spheres like support to coconut planters in various parts of the country.
Fil-Am health care professional and artist Edgar Santiago was nominated to the prestigious award but he didn’t make it to the top list.
“Better luck next time,” said people close to Edgar.
Santiago is the manager of Maximino Plus, a merger of American Housecall, a medical service and American Personal Care, a caregiving system across the US.
Aside from his healthcare management, Ed is a cultural worker in the US as an active member of the Amihan Philippine Dance Company.
2026 TOFA’s battle cry “Honoring Legacy, Inspiring Generations” will be held on October 24, 2026 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts at Downtown Jacksonville, Florida.
Talk TV King Boy Abunda will host the awarding.(Boy Villasanta)