Jo Koy’s Mom, Josie Harrison, Honored by Las Vegas Fil-Ams as “A Woman for All Seasons”

From News in Photos with Kuya JoHann & Kuya Sol (Sol Felipe D. Llasos) · Adapted for the web by the PTSNV newsroom · Masthead

The world knows Josie Harrison from her son’s stand-up. Las Vegas knows her for showing up. On September 20, 2026, Fil-Am friends and community leaders surprised the mother of comedian Jo Koy with an Appreciation Night at Fil-Am Central in the city’s Filipino Town district. They honored her community involvement, humanitarianism and philanthropy. The coverage runs in News in Photos on page C-3 of the October 5, 2026 Philippine Times of Southern Nevada.

“A Woman for All Seasons”

A banner reading “Appreciation Night for Josephine Harrison — A Woman for All Seasons” framed the stage under arches of balloons. Harrison, wearing a tiara and a lei, received words of appreciation and citations from Fil-Am organizations across Las Vegas. The rest of the night was a celebration of singing, dancing and friendship.

Arielle Duave of Arielle Live TV summed up the evening as “a beautiful gathering filled with love, laughter, and appreciation for a remarkable woman who has made an impact on our community.”

The Organizations Behind the Surprise

In her remarks, Harrison thanked the people and groups who made the surprise possible. She named, among many others:

• Bikolnon Association of Nevada
• Cavite Association
• PAAN
• IAAN
• Pangasinan Association of Las Vegas

Jo Koy’s Mom, Beyond the Punchlines

Fans of Jo Koy know Harrison as the Filipina mom at the heart of much of his comedy. She has been candid that she doubted his career at first. In a 2022 interview with PEP.ph, she said she wanted him to finish school and find steady work before comedy proved itself. She later became one of his biggest supporters and took pride in Easter Sunday, his 2022 film about a Filipino American family.

Her advice to other parents grew out of that change of heart: support your children in what they want to do. Las Vegas listeners have also heard her in her own words on a PHLV Radio podcast episode.

Fil-Am Central and Las Vegas’ Filipino Town

Fil-Am Central sits on the second floor at 3700 S. Maryland Parkway, in the heart of the district the community fought to name Filipino Town. Gatherings like this one are why the district matters. They give the valley’s Fil-Am organizations a shared home for celebrations, citations and the kind of thank-yous that rarely make headlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Josie Harrison?

Josephine “Josie” Harrison is the mother of comedian Jo Koy. Las Vegas Fil-Am organizations honored her in September 2026 for her community involvement, humanitarianism and philanthropy.

When and where was Josie Harrison honored?

On September 20, 2026, at Fil-Am Central on Maryland Parkway in Las Vegas’ Filipino Town district.

Who organized the Appreciation Night?

Fil-Am friends and community leaders. Harrison thanked groups including the Bikolnon Association of Nevada, Cavite Association, PAAN, IAAN and the Pangasinan Association of Las Vegas.

Where can I see more photos?

More photos run on page C-3 of the October 5, 2026 edition, free to read online.

Related in this issue: The full October 5, 2026 edition · Meet the 2027 Fil-Am Nevada USA queens · City Hall glows red for Filipino American History Month · Golden Pearl Awards honorees

Have a community celebration we should cover? Email editor@ptsnv.com. To get every issue free, subscribe here. To advertise in the October 19 edition, email info@ptsnv.com or call 702-530-0706.