FAHF Crowns Nevada’s 2026 Golden Pearls as Josie Harrison Takes the Presidential Award

Reported by the PHLV News Desk, Las Vegas, with News in Photos by Kuya JoHann & Kuya Sol, page C-3 · Adapted for the web by the PTSNV newsroom · Masthead

Heritage was the theme, and the honorees were the proof. The Filipino American Heritage Foundation (FAHF) presented its 2026 Golden Pearl Awards on Saturday, October 10, in the Nevada Ballroom of the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino. Six Filipino American leaders were honored for their work in public service, education, cultural preservation, veterans advocacy and community engagement. The night also brought FAHF’s 2026 Presidential Award, one of the foundation’s highest honors, to Josie Harrison.

The 2026 gala ran under the theme “Heritage: Our Strength. Progress: Our Future.” In his address, FAHF President Dr. Romualdo Aragon Jr. told the crowd that Filipino heritage remains a source of collective strength, and that progress depends on the next generation embracing both its identity and its leadership.

The 2026 Golden Pearl Honorees

Hon. Con. Bella Aurora “Amie” P. Belmonte and Leo L. Belmonte

Recognized together for decades of leadership, philanthropy and public service. Amie Belmonte, the first Philippine honorary consul of Southern Nevada, has long been active in public health, civic leadership and community advocacy. Leo Belmonte has spent years serving veteran, faith-based and Filipino American organizations across the region.

Alex D. Peña

The retired U.S. Air Force veteran was honored for his work on behalf of Filipino veterans and community organizations. Through veterans groups and charitable initiatives, he has helped preserve the legacy of Filipino military service while opening up educational and scholarship opportunities.

Dr. Miguel Antonio Fudolig

An assistant professor at the UNLV School of Public Health, Fudolig is a biostatistician whose research includes health issues affecting Filipino and Filipino American communities. In his remarks, he urged the community to build real connections with young Filipino Americans, who will carry its values, heritage and leadership into the future.

Sonny Vinuya

Southern Nevada outreach director for Gov. Joe Lombardo, Vinuya was recognized for his longtime commitment to public service, economic development and civic engagement, and for building bridges between government, businesses and Southern Nevada’s diverse communities.

Jacqueline de Joya

The community leader and cultural advocate was honored for decades of work advancing Filipino American visibility and heritage. Through NaFFAA Nevada, the Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas and the Filipino American Professional Association, she has helped expand cultural awareness and civic participation statewide.

Want the full bios? Read our pre-gala profiles of every honoree.

A Presidential Award for Josie Harrison

FAHF presented its 2026 Presidential Award to Josie Harrison for her exemplary leadership and lasting impact on the Filipino American community. The award goes to people whose service reflects the values the foundation champions. It caps a big autumn for Harrison, whom Las Vegas Fil-Ams surprised in September with an Appreciation Night at Fil-Am Central.

A Video Tribute and a “Balik Puso” Performance

A highlight of the program was a special video by multi-awarded Filipino American journalist Bev Llorente, tracing the journeys of notable Filipino Americans through stories of perseverance, sacrifice and achievement. Kalahi 2.0 followed with a “Balik Puso” performance, a return to the heart that used music to reflect on the migration journey so many Filipino Americans share.

Filipino American pioneer Gloria Caoile and FilAm media advocate Johann Sayson hosted the evening. The message that carried through the program: the Filipino American story is one of resilience, sacrifice, service and progress, and heritage is something to build on, not just preserve.

About the Filipino American Heritage Foundation

Founded in 2008, FAHF works to preserve, promote and celebrate Filipino American history and culture in Nevada. Beyond the Golden Pearls, the Las Vegas-based nonprofit supports student achievement, youth leadership and cultural preservation through educational programs, scholarships and heritage activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who received the 2026 Golden Pearl Awards?

Hon. Con. Bella Aurora “Amie” P. Belmonte and Leo L. Belmonte, Alex D. Peña, Dr. Miguel Antonio Fudolig, Sonny Vinuya and Jacqueline de Joya.

Who received the 2026 FAHF Presidential Award?

Josie Harrison, for her leadership and lasting impact on the Filipino American community.

When and where was the 2026 FAHF Gala?

Saturday, October 10, 2026, in the Nevada Ballroom of the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

What is the Filipino American Heritage Foundation?

A Las Vegas-based nonprofit founded in 2008 to preserve, promote and celebrate Filipino American history and culture in Nevada through educational programs, scholarships and heritage events. Dr. Romualdo Aragon Jr. is its president.

Related in this issue: The full October 19, 2026 edition · The Welcome sign goes red, blue and yellow · Filipino Short Film Festival, Oct. 30–Nov. 1 · Nursing Class ’93 reunites in Vegas

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