Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Just a few days before Thanksgiving, the Filipino American community in Los Angeles was once again treated to a spectacular fashion gala-awards show held annually and eagerly anticipated for the past 20 years. Every year since 1988, hardworking Filipino-Americans are praised and recognized for their outstanding influence in society in the yearly awards show called Reflections. It recognizes major achievements, not only of the Filipino-American communities in Los Angeles, but as well as of those individuals or organizations that have had an impact on uplifting the Asian-American society in the United States.

This year’s show, Reflections 20, held last Nov 22, was especially grand and meaningful because it was the finale of this most prestigious and longest-running annual awards celebration of the Filipino-American community.

The founder of Reflections, celebrated stylist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Monet Lu, explained, “A lot of friends asked me why I had to pull the curtains down on this much-awaited and celebrated social event in Southern California. And I always say, I followed my heart’s desire. After 20 long years, it is time to take a much- needed break.”

  The break is certainly well-deserved by this amazing civic leader who first formed the fashion gala-awards show in 1988 to help raise money for a friend who was stricken by the AIDS disease.

Monet Lu was born in Marikina, Philippines to a businessman father and a homemaker mother. He migrated to the United States to explore more opportunities for himself and his family. His journey was far from easy. But because of his unrelenting attitude and admirable work ethic, Monet was able to transcend all challenges.

Establishing his own beauty salon, Monet was able to make a name for himself as an outstanding hairstylist, makeup artist and designer. Soon, Monet’s work as the ultimate stylist became in-demand. Every girl who aspired to be a beauty queen fulfilled this dream under his tutelage. This earned him the moniker the “Queenmaker.”

Monet’s success paved the way for him to establish a chain of salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. But for Monet, success is sweeter if you give back to the community. Thus, he conceptualized the idea of coming up with a fashion extravaganza cum awards show, Reflections, produced by his independent production and marketing firm, Events Specialists International Inc.(ESI). Through Reflections and other events he produces, Monet has fulfilled another passion to give to socio-civic organizations in the Philippines and the US.

A portion of  ESI’s shows’ proceeds is given  to organizations such as the Marikina Revitalization Project, AIDS Center in Pasadena, Alab Ng Puso, Every Nation Ministries, Gawad Kalinga and Bantay Bata 163, among others.

For all his hardwork, Monet has become the recipient of many awards including the Most Successful Man of 2002 granted by Poise International Beverly Hills; the Active Participant of the Asian-Pacific Island Program of the USA awarded by the Department of Justice in 2001; and the Sealing of Lasting Friendship Award from then Secretary of State March Fong Eu in 1981.

He also earned the Governor’s Award for his fundraising efforts on behalf of Mt. Pinatubo victims and a plaque of recognition by the mayor of San Bernardino for his contribution to the arts and fashion during the United Nations Day some years ago.

In December 2005, the Los Angeles Mabuhay Lions Club hailed Monet as its Citizen of the Year for his significant contributions to the Fil-Am community.