The organizers of the Global Filipino Icon Awards 2026 have officially revealed the 10 finalists for the Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2026, following the completion of the initial screening and an online deliberation process conducted by an independent panel.
The finalists represent Filipinos from different countries and continents, reflecting the global reach of Filipino excellence across diverse fields including entrepreneurship, public service, healthcare, arts, engineering, advocacy, and community leadership.
Held annually in Dubai, the Global Filipino Icon Awards recognize Filipinos through three major categories. The Star Icon Awards honor established celebrities, public figures, and personalities whose influence extends across industries and borders. Special Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and brands that consistently demonstrate excellence, leadership, and impact in their respective fields. The highlight of the evening, the Emerging Global Filipino Icon, spotlights rising Filipino leaders whose work shows strong promise, measurable impact, and influence at both local and global levels.
The selection of this year’s Emerging Global Filipino Icon finalists was overseen by a panel composed of respected Filipino community leaders, including Josie Conlu, a longtime community champion based in the UAE, and Marian ‘Bobbie’ Carella, former chairman of the Philippine Business Council–Dubai. The panel evaluated nominees based on excellence in field, community impact, and influence and inspiration.
The awards night will take place on January 31, 2026, at the Diamond Ballroom, Kempinski Central Avenue in Dubai, where one of the finalists will be formally declared Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2026.
The finalists
Chef Elmer Castillo
Based in New Zealand, Castillo is a Filipino culinary entrepreneur whose journey began in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. From working as a house cleaner and airport baggage porter in Manila, he rebuilt his path through culinary studies and perseverance. Now the co-owner of Auckland-based restaurant Too Fat Buns, he is also known for mentoring fellow Filipinos and providing employment opportunities that support families back home.
Mary Emelyn Cavita
A Philippine-based entrepreneur, Cavita is the founder and CEO of Virtual Assistant Portal PH OPC and a UK-registered BPO firm. Her companies focus on ethical outsourcing and workforce development, while consistently reinvesting profits into education, healthcare, and community programs that support underserved Filipinos.
Kach Medina Umandap
Umandap made history in 2025 as the first Filipina and youngest Filipino to visit all 193 UN-recognized countries using only a Philippine passport. Through platforms like Two Monkeys Travel and FilipinoPassport.com, she advocates for mobility education, digital work opportunities, and cultural representation for Filipinos worldwide.
Michael Palic Conjusta
A Qatar-based muralist and graffiti artist, Conjusta has represented Filipino creativity on major international stages, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. A multi-awarded artist, he is also the first Filipino to mount a solo exhibition at the Qatar National Library and a national awardee for culture and the arts.
Robin Panganiban Vergara
Based in Dubai, Vergara is a behavior analyst and healthcare leader serving as Medical Director of ABLE UK. He also founded The Behaviour Essentials, an education platform providing global access to ABA training, while mentoring Filipino professionals and advocating for autism services in underserved communities.
Rodolfo D. Lastimosa Jr.
A Canada-based registered nurse, Lastimosa is the first internationally educated nurse to serve as President and Chair of the College of Nurses of Ontario Council. His work impacts regulatory oversight for more than 200,000 nurses, while he continues mentoring internationally educated nurses, particularly within the Filipino diaspora.
Jonathan Sibol
An animal welfare advocate in the UAE, Sibol is known for his long-running efforts in stray animal rescue, feeding programs, and Trap–Neuter–Release initiatives. His advocacy includes community education, partnerships with animal welfare organizations, and awareness campaigns through digital platforms.
Engr. Russell Robert Genovia Matusa
Based in Australia, Matusa is a mechanical engineer and facilities manager at JLL, overseeing mission-critical portfolios for multinational organizations. A doctoral researcher on generative AI in engineering, he is also an active leader within professional engineering organizations and a recipient of multiple national awards.
Serena Althea Blaire D. Mackay
A first-generation Filipino immigrant in the United States, Mackay is the founder of LUHOG Youth Organization, a youth-led nonprofit operating across multiple countries. Her work focuses on civic education, grassroots advocacy, and youth leadership, bridging diaspora engagement and community action.
Rosvic Castro
A Dubai-based fashion photographer and editor-in-chief of VHV Fashion Pages New York, Castro has worked across major fashion weeks in New York, Dubai, and Thailand. Recognized internationally, she is also committed to mentorship and education, particularly in nurturing young creatives.
One of the 10 finalists will be announced as Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2026 during the awards night, joining a roster of Filipinos recognized for shaping communities, industries, and global conversations beyond borders.
