Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Las Vegas—For their service to the community and for exemplifying Filipino values in this city, ten Las Vegas residents were honored at a gala night last Saturday, June 20th.

The recognition of outstanding Filipino Americans was the conclusion of the first Fiesta Filipino festivities that was organized by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). "The awards are fitting but modest compared to the debt of gratitude that our community owes those who have rendered outstanding service to our people and our adopted country," NaFFAA national chair Greg Macabenta, said in a statement.

Community leaders Rozita Lee, Wilfrido Espiritu, and Noel Casimiro led the awardees that night. All three hold posts at the national and state levels of NaFFAA.

Lee, the national vice chair of NaFFAA, was lauded for creating awareness of Filipino and Asian culture through the television shows that she produced in Las Vegas . Only last May, Lee was also recognized by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman for her efforts in promoting the welfare of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans throughout the United States .Espiritu and Casimiro, meanwhile, hold the NaFFAA Nevada state chair and vice state chair respectively. Their recent efforts resulted in the biggest Philippine Indpendence Day celebration in Las Vegas , where close to 5,000 Filipinos attended.

Three other Filipinos were recognized for their professional achievements in Las Vegas . Elena Brady had been appointed by NV Gov Jim Gibbons as member of the state’s office of minority health advisory board. Belen Gabato is the first Asian member of the NV State Board of Nursing. Educator Francesca Aroc Ridgley, meanwhile, was lauded for her contribution in the field of education.

Medical professionals Dr. Benito Calderon and Luzviminda Banaria were lauded for their charitable involvement in the healthcare of Filipinos in the city. Dr. Calderon is popular for being the physician of the "uninsured"–or those who do not have medical insurance. Banaria, a registered nurse, helped set up the Las Vegas Philippine Medical Mission, a non-profit agency that organizes medical missions to indigent communities in the Philippines.

Other awardees who were recognized last June 20th were Myrna Alforque and Violeta Horn. Alforque is the founder of the Filipiniana Cultural & Arts Foundation, a gathering of men and women who perform traditional Philippine folk dances both at Filipino and mainstream gatherings in Las Vegas .