Veteran journalist Jessica Soho was honored with the prestigious “Icon of Filipino Media Excellence” award at the Global Filipino Icon Awards 2024, held last night at Dusit Thani Dubai. The event celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of Filipinos in the UAE, organized by The Global Filipino Magazine.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Soho expressed deep admiration for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), emphasizing their heroism and sacrifices. She stated, “Global Filipino Icon Awards 2024, thank you very, very much. This award humbles me to my very core.”
She continued, “Sa akin po kasing palagay, ang dapat hinihirang na icons, heroes, excellent at outstanding, kayo po iyon, mga OFW, Global Filipinos, Global Pinoys. Kulang ang salitang bayani para sa inyong kadakilaan, para sa lahat ng inyong tinitiis at isina-sakripisyo lalo na po ang mga nanay at tatay na malayo sa inyong mga anak. You truly represent the best among us—kayo po ang pinakamahusay na ehemplo kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging Pilipino!”
Soho also highlighted the economic impact of OFWs, stating, “Iyung inyo pong remittances ang isa mga sumasalba sa ekonomiya ng ating bansa, lalo na sa mga nagdaang financial crisis. At nagpapaunlad din sa ating kanayunan. Kayo ang isa sa mga matatawag na ‘economic drivers’ sa ating bansa.”
The awards night, now in its fourth year, drew 250 attendees from the Filipino community across the UAE. The event featured three categories: Special Awards, Star Icon Awards, and the Emerging Global Icon Awards. The Special Awards recognized significant contributions in various fields, while the Star Icon Awards celebrated community leaders from the Middle East. The Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2024, a highlight of the evening, was awarded to Nouel C. Omamalin.
Philippine Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Marford Angeles also delivered a special message at the event. Fashion icon Michael Cinco received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion Excellence, with other notable awardees including Pia Wurtzbach and Cory Quirino.
Gabriel John Rimando, Publisher of The Global Filipino Magazine, expressed his pride and gratitude for the presence of Jessica Soho and other esteemed guests. He remarked, “We are especially honored to have Jessica Soho with us tonight. She is a journalism icon and a brilliant example of Filipino talent. Her presence highlights the importance of unity and teamwork.”
Nouel C. Omamalin, crowned as the Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2024, shared his journey from the Philippines to becoming a renowned pastry chef and successful entrepreneur in Dubai, embodying the resilience and passion of Global Filipinos worldwide.
Soho concluded her speech with a message of hope and inspiration for the OFWs, saying, “Panalangin ko na sana matumbasan ang lahat ng inyong nai-ambag sa inyong mga pamilya at sa ating bansa. Makauwi rin kalaunan sa Pilipinas ang bawat isa sa inyo para ma-enjoy rin ang lahat ng inyong pinagsikapan sa mahabang panahon!”
