Award-winning journalist and documentarist Kara David was recognized as the Star Icon of Investigative Journalism and Media Excellence at the recently concluded The Global Filipino Icon Awards 2025, held on April 5 at Dusit Thani Dubai.
David, known for her fearless pursuit of truth and deep commitment to social issues, was among the most celebrated personalities of the night. Her recognition underscored her long-standing dedication to bringing untold Filipino stories to light through powerful documentaries and in-depth reporting.
In her heartfelt message, David humbly shared, “I feel so humbled to receive such an award, lalo pa’t sa aking pagkakaalam, tulad ng sinabi kanina ni Con-Gen Marford, ang salitang ‘ICON’ ay karaniwang binibigay sa mga taong may mataas na naabot sa buhay o may nagawang kahanga-hanga.” However, she quickly shifted the spotlight, saying, “Pero sa totoo lang, looking at all of you today… kayo, mga global Pinoys ang tunay na kahanga-hanga.”
The awards night, organized by The Global Filipino Magazine under the leadership of its new publisher, Madam Maryam Delim Aljawi, gathered celebrities, changemakers, and community leaders from around the world to honor the achievements of Global Filipinos. David led the evening as Guest of Honor, joining a star-studded lineup that included Arci Muñoz, Shereen Ahmed, Chef JP Anglo, Thirdy Ravena, Harvey Cenit, and international fashion designer Michael Cinco.
“Way back 2009, nagkaroon ako ng programa sa telebisyon na OFW Diaries, kaya alam ko yung hirap na pinagdadaanan ng mga Pilipino sa abroad makapagbigay lang ng tulong sa kanilang pamilya,” she recalled. She then praised the transformation of OFWs from hardships to achievements: “Pero look at you now, mga professionals, entrepreneurs, achievers in your respective industries… kayo ang tunay na ICONS ng global Filipinos.”
David’s speech was not just a message of admiration but a moving reflection on sacrifice and purpose. “Alam ko at one point in your life, naisip ninyo bakit ko ba ginagawa ito? Is it worth it? Tapos maiisip ninyo yung pamilya ninyo… and that will give you strength,” she said. “Ako, kayo, tayong lahat Filipino… kahit saan, kahit kailan.”
“Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for persevering. Thank you for lending your talent to the world,” she added, echoing the theme of the night: honoring resilience and global excellence.
Now in its fifth year, the event recognized 48 Star Icons, 46 individual Special Icon recipients, and 40 business honorees. A major highlight was the announcement of the 10 finalists for the Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2025, representing excellence across education, sports, arts, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
“Tonight is a special night for all of us,” said publisher Maryam Delim Aljawi during her opening remarks. “It marks a new chapter for The Global Filipino Magazine—a fresh start with the same strong mission: to celebrate and support the success of Filipinos around the world.”
Now in its fifth year, the awards event recognized 48 Star Icons, 46 individual Special Icon recipients, and 40 business honorees. One of the main highlights was the unveiling of 10 finalists for the highly anticipated Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2025, representing excellence in fields such as education, sports, arts, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
“We have been a voice for OFWs, a platform to recognize their achievements, and a bridge that connects Filipinos across the globe,” Aljawi added, emphasizing the magazine’s enduring commitment despite challenges. “Let this evening inspire us to keep lifting each other up… and to continue building a community rooted in unity, pride, and purpose.”
The event was also graced by dignitaries including Consul General Marford Angeles, Vice Consuls Kenneth Jimeno, Paola Belle Ebora, and Aleah Gica. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand Ver extended his warm congratulations through a special video message.
Below are the awardees:
Star Icon Awardees:
| Kara David | Investigative Journalism and Media Excellence Award |
| Arci Muñoz | Global Influencer in Lifestyle and Entertainment |
| Sheryl Cruz | Lifetime Excellence in Acting and Musical Performance Award |
| Shereen Ahmed | Icon of Empowerment for Single Mothers and Mental Health Awareness |
| Troy Laureta | Lifetime Achievement in Global Music Excellence |
| Chef JP Anglo | Ambassador of Filipino Culinary Excellence |
| Thirdy Ravena | Champion of Filipino Athletic Excellence |
| Kharl Gibran Lataza | Visionary Entrepreneur in Green Technology and Finance Award |
| Aquino Plotado | Outstanding Filipino Entrepreneur in Property and Entertainment Award |
| Harvey Cenit | Visionary in Avant-Garde Fashion Excellence |
| Donell Gumiran | Lifetime Icon of Visual Excellence |
| Nelson Bautista | Global Nursing Icon of Excellence Award |
| Enrico Mondejar Cardoniga | Pioneer in Filipino Excellence and Motivation |
| Leslie Delos Santos Pableo | Excellence in Photojournalism and Visual Storytelling |
| Ron Awa | Champion of Emerging Filmmakers in the UAE and Beyond |
| Dr. Jordan Tovera Salvador | Excellence in Global Nursing Leadership and Education |
| Ruperto D. Marquez III | Outstanding Filipino Coach in Strength and Athletic Conditioning |
| Elijah Jonah Florido | Excellence in Athletic Achievement and Personal Resilience |
| Virginia Ledesma Rodriguez | Excellence in Agribusiness and Community Development Award |
| Mherck Dela Cruz | Excellence in Creative Visuals Award |
| Hyku Desesto | Visionary Leader in Digital and Visual Media |
| Mico Banua | Innovative Leader in Food and Travel Content Creation |
| Crislen Grace Moore | Excellence in Concert and Pageant Production |
| Katrina Narag | Excellence in Healthcare Leadership and Innovation |
| Eloisa Carpio Oximina | Visionary Leader in Multi-Industry Business Expansion |
| Engr. Alberto Tampipi Jr. | Visionary Leader in Engineering and Construction Excellence |
| Roman Duenas | Outstanding Public Relations Manager in the UAE |
| Mariz C. Delos Santos | Outstanding Filipino in Global Cargo Services |
| Geoffrey Salatan | Leader in Customer Relations Travel Services |
| Beth Climaco-De Guzman | Seasoned Marketing Visionary and Entrepreneur Award |
| Nicolai De Guzman | Creative Genius in Hospitality and Branding Award |
| Gilbert Espiritu | Icon of Filipino Excellence in Corporate Leadership Award |
| Ruzell Forbes Aguilar | Outstanding Filipino Leader in Community Empowerment Award |
| Percivic Delantar | Excellence in Healthcare Innovation and Sports |
| Malou Q. Prado | Iconic Filipina Entrepreneur in Tourism & Hospitality |
| Sugar Silvestre Tiongco | Outstanding Filipina in Hospitality and Culinary Success Award |
| John Carlo Yabut | Outstanding Filipino Entrepreneur in Wellness and Therapy Award |
| Karla Camille Santos | Outstanding Filipino Filmmaker in Social Impact Storytelling Award |
| Abdul Hamid Bandon | Outstanding Filipino Digital Advocate for Public Awareness Award |
| Fely Rosantina Christiansen | Innovative Leader in Filipino Fashion and Identity Award |
| Mary Margarete “Em” Serrano | Empowered Woman of Purpose and Impact |
| Ar. June C. Alzate, MBA | Visionary Leader in Luxury Interior Design |
| Sussykween | Influential Lifestyle Digital Creator Award |
| Marlyn Flores Castro | Outstanding Filipino Entrepreneur in Global Logistics |
| Atty. Barney Almazar | Distinguished Legal Advocate for Overseas Filipinos |
| Faith Sycaoyao | Outstanding Contribution to Global Youth Movements Through Art |
| Direk Romm Burlat | Excellence in Cinematic Direction and Global Recognition Award |
| Junior Brown | Excellence in Music and Cultural Representation |
| Mira Bulakenya | Excellence in Digital Content Creation |
Special Icon Awardee:
| Michelle David | Outstanding Director of Sales and Marketing in Hospitality |
| Teofilo Dano De Sagun | Visionary in Music, Media, and Technology Award |
| Wed Lozada | Empowered Filipina in Global Migration Excellence Award |
| Rizza Mae Alinsoot | Visionary in Elite Leisure Experiences Award |
| Lorgie Vergara Asaad | Empowered Filipina Entrepreneur in Creative Innovation Award |
| Erwin Bolante | Outstanding Filipino Nurse Leader in Saudi Arabia |
| Janine Alyssa M. Navarro | Outstanding Filipina Leader in MENA Social Media and Digital Marketing |
| TKD Oryx Sports | Champion Maker Award for Excellence in Taekwondo Sport |
| Fahad Albloushi | Excellence in Super Featherweight Boxing Award |
| Engr. Rheesa Mae Alfaro | Excellence in Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment Award |
| Regina Malabad | Excellence in Finance and Entrepreneurship Award |
| Happy Melendres | Cebu’s Pride in Fashion and Media Excellence |
| Yvonne Taneza | Empowered Filipina Legacy Award in Beauty and Advocacy |
| Florence Alejandro Claro | Excellence in Multisector Entrepreneurship Award |
| Dennis Del Rosario | Healthcare Hero in Emergency Response Award |
| Eliecha Zoe and Ellise Xoe Diaz Malilay | Global Ambassadors of Filipino Talent in Jiu-Jitsu Award |
| Ren-Ren De Chavez | Success Story of the Year in Career Reinvention Award |
| Patricia Estenoso | Visionary Filipina in Corporate Communications Award |
| Brent Cataneo Amado | Rising Star in Global Performing Arts Award |
| Jessie Magcamit Balodong | Outstanding Filipino Makeup Artist for Media Personalities Award |
| Karla Rivera | Excellence in Hospitality Branding and Strategy Award |
| Martinus Miguel | Global Filipino Youth Excellence in Performing Arts Award |
| Corazon Zaraspe Carlos | Innovative Entrepreneur in Beauty & Wellness |
| Liam Matthew Carlos | Rising Football Star of the UAE Under-14 League |
| Mary Grace Sy-Wico | Excellence in Health Insurance Leadership |
| Cathy Gallano | Visionary in Choreography and Performing Arts Award |
| Maria Gill | Trailblazer in Organic Beauty and Equine Business Award |
| Arlie Villarmia | Visionary Leader in Beauty, Wellness, and Business Growth Award |
| Jacquelyn Merano Adormeo | Excellence in Aesthetic Nursing Leadership Award |
| Melchora Traya | Ambassador of Filipino Elegance and Excellence Award |
| Frel Jimenez | Visionary in Food and Event Industry Award |
| Roberto Tandingan Jr. | Visionary in Property Development and Engineering Award |
| Joseph Anor Narag, RPh | Outstanding Leadership in Pharmaceutical Care Award |
| Rudy Argel | Outstanding Filipino Community Advocate |
| Yousef Domingo Adil | Outstanding Filipino Performer in Qatar’s Music Scene Award |
| Martin P. Sumpay Jr. | Excellence in Musical Talent and Community Entertainment Award |
| Jaime Nava Cruz | Outstanding Filipino Author and Cultural Storyteller Award |
| Jairamarie Ysabel Carranza | Outstanding Filipina in Broadway Music Excellence Award |
| Dexter Bartolome | Excellence in Personal Training & Wellness Award |
| Anita Dingle | Outstanding Leadership in Uniform Solutions and Branding Excellence Award |
| Katrina Irene II | Empowered Filipina in the Creative Industry Award |
| Dr. Florence Dalupang-Bueno | Excellence in Human Resources Leadership and Diversity Advocacy Award |
| Carina Lampara-Damag | Excellence in Purpose-Driven Fashion Entrepreneurship Award |
| Alaina Jane Packer | Excellence in Youth Empowerment Through Arts and Pageantry Award |
| Ronald Castro Alfaro | Outstanding Filipino Entrepreneur and Visionary Business Leader Award |
| Dr. Rosanna Millar Barrera | Global Filipino Leadership Award in Health, Culture, and Community Service |
| Viann Alarde | Excellence in Driving Smart Workforce Solutions |
10 Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2025 Finalists:
| Gino Bañola |
| Karl Dela Cruz |
| Amiebeth Caintoy |
| Nanju Francisco |
| Pamela Amor P. Calinog |
| Bea Bagac |
| Ron Sanchez |
| Edcel Cabalan |
| Anthony Gacis |
| Marilou Sandique |
Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2025 Winner:
Pamela Amor P. Calinog
