Alumni Update July 11 – 17, 2022
Outstanding Sillimanian Awardee Miguel C. Braganza II was awarded the 1st Gawad Alab ng Lahi – Parangal sa Natatanging Ambag ng Isang Indibidwal (Award for the Outstanding Contribution of an Individual) in an awarding ceremony, July 11, 2022 at the Whitby Hotel, New York.
Stage performer Miguel Braganza has devoted his time, energy, and resources to organizing what would become Tanghalan Pilipino, and later on, the Street of Dreams Project for the Arts Philippines, Inc. These groups served as clinics for dance and music performers for and by Filipino-Americans residing in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.
Miguel C. Braganza II receives a hug from Consul General Elmer G. Cato upon the presentation of the Alab ng Lahi Award.
Gawad Alab ng Lahi celebrates the exceptional contributions of the Filipinos in America. The awards night included special performances by Fil-Am Theater Actress Kirby Asunto and the Children Orchestra Society with Michael Dadap as Musical Director. The event was hosted by stage actor Marc dela Cruz, the first Filipino to play the lead role in the Broadway hit “Hamilton.”
Alab ng Lahi Awardee, Miguel C. Braganza II (center), with Silliman Association of New England (SANE) chapter president, Jose Mari Jonathan “Jojo” T. Antonio (Left) and Outstanding Sillimanian Awardee, Atty. Myrish Cadapan-Antonio (Right). The Antonio couple’s presence at the awarding ceremony was also to give support and celebrate Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine’s recognition as Alab ng Lahi Awardee. Acuña-Sunshine is the first Filipina to be a member of the Harvard University Board of Overseers.
The Hiraya Foundation for Filipino-American Heritage Preservation, Inc. was contributory to the tedious and thorough selection process of the awardees in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate of New York, headed by Consul General Elmer G. Cato, the Filipino-American Community Leaders, and representatives from ABS-CBN.
The Hiraya Foundation for Filipino-American Heritage Preservation, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to supporting communities in the preservation of cultural heritage, tradition, history, language, and craft. Outstanding Sillimanian Awardee (OSA), Dr. Dely P. Go, has recently been chosen as president-elect of the foundation.
Outstanding Sillimanian Awardee, Dr. Dely P. Go, President-Elect, Hiraya Foundation for Filipino-American Heritage Preservation, Inc.
