FACCGLA Celebrates Filipino American Leadership at Sold Out MET Gala 2026

Los Angeles, California — The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACCGLA) has hosted a sold out room of entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and changemakers for the Maharlika: Modern Entrepreneurs and Trailblazers (MET) Gala 2026 held at the Skirball Cultural Center on April 18.

Held during FACCGLA’s 25th anniversary year, the gala celebrated Filipino American leadership, service, culture, and community impact while marking the formal installation of the chamber’s 2026 to 2027 Board of Directors under the leadership of President Celeste Rose Monderin.

The board was formally inducted by Honorable Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, who reaffirmed the Consulate’s support for FACCGLA and the Filipino American community, emphasizing that the community has a friend in the Consulate ready to serve and stand with them.

Centered around the theme “Maharlika,” the evening reframed the pre colonial concept as one rooted in responsibility, stewardship, and leadership through service.

A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Modern Entrepreneurs and Trailblazers Awards, recognizing leaders whose work reflects FACCGLA’s LAKAS values of Leadership, Alliance, Knowledge, Action, and Support. Honorees were selected through a structured review process based on leadership, integrity, impact, and contribution. 

Among the Modern Entrepreneur Awards were: Innovation and Vision — Belina Calderon Nernberg; Community and Economic Impact — Roberto Martinez and Industry Leadership and Excellence — Amabel and Alan De Leon.

Trailblazer Awards, on the other hand, included Public and Civic Leadership — Ysabel Jurado; Organizational and Community Advancement — Faith Bautista and Cross Sector Influence and Representation — Marc Anthony Nicolas

The gala also recognized the women of The Filipina Effect, FACCGLA’s leadership and storytelling platform honoring Filipinas making an impact across industries and communities.

Guests experienced an evening that blended cultural pride, meaningful recognition, and purposeful connection, reinforcing FACCGLA’s growing role in advancing Filipino American visibility and leadership in Los Angeles and beyond.

Photos: Joe Cobilla Jr.