The Global Filipino Icon Awards 2025 is set to be one of the most anticipated events of the year as it brings together a powerhouse lineup of Filipino celebrities and influential personalities under one roof. Happening on April 5, 2025, at the prestigious Dusit Thani Dubai, the fifth edition of the awards night promises to celebrate Filipino excellence like never before.
This year’s confirmed attendees include a remarkable mix of celebrated icons across various industries:
Kara David, multi-awarded journalist and documentarist, will be honored with the Investigative Journalism and Media Excellence Award. Known for her fearless storytelling and advocacy for the marginalized, David will also grace the event as the Guest of Honor.
Arci Muñoz, actress and lifestyle influencer, will be receiving the Global Influencer in Lifestyle and Entertainment Award for her dynamic presence in both digital and mainstream media.
Sheryl Cruz, a timeless figure in Philippine showbiz, is this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Excellence in Acting and Musical Performance Award. However, due to prior commitments, she won’t be able to attend the ceremony in person but has sent a special message to all attendees and fellow awardees.
Shereen Ahmed, actress and advocate, will be honored with the Icon of Empowerment for Single Mothers and Mental Health Awareness for her trailblazing work in using her platform to break stigmas.
Troy Laureta, internationally acclaimed musical director and producer, will be flying in from the United States to personally receive the Lifetime Achievement in Global Music Excellence Award.
Chef JP Anglo, renowned for championing Filipino cuisine across the globe, is set to receive the Ambassador of Filipino Culinary Excellence Award. He will also be delivering a short acceptance speech on the big night.
Thirdy Ravena, the first Filipino player signed by the Dubai Basketball Club, will be recognized as the Champion of Filipino Athletic Excellence.
Harvey Cenit, Dubai-based designer celebrated for dressing celebrities at global red carpet events, is this year’s Visionary in Avant-Garde Fashion Excellence Awardee.
In addition to the awardees, world-renowned fashion designer Michael Cinco is also confirmed to attend. Having been honored in 2024 with a Lifetime Achievement Award, this will mark his second year joining the celebration. Last year’s ceremony, graced by media icon Jessica Soho as Guest of Honor, drew over 300 attendees from across the globe.
This year, the event is themed “Elevating Excellence, Embracing a New Era,” and will not only honor celebrities and leaders but also highlight community-driven changemakers. The awards are divided into three main categories: Star Icon Awards, Special Icon Awards, and the highly anticipated Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2025.
Ten finalists for the Emerging Global Filipino Icon title—Gino Bañola, Karl Dela Cruz, Amiebeth Caintoy, Nanju Francisco, Pamela Amor Calinog, Bea Bagac, Ron Sanchez, Edcel Cabalan, Anthony Gacis, and Marilou Sandique—will be presented during the program, culminating in the announcement of this year’s winner.
With guests flying in from the Philippines, UK, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Australia, this edition of The Global Filipino Icon Awards is truly a celebration of the global Filipino spirit.
The event is organized by The Global Filipino Magazine, now under the leadership of Maryam Delim Aljawi, who is also delivering the evening’s opening remarks.
