PAFCOM Gawad Pinoy Pride 2024
15 December 2024
PAFCOM President Maricar Taino, Chairperson of the Board Rosalinda Rupel, distinguished guests, honored awardees, fellow Filipinos, magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat.
We are gathered here to celebrate extraordinary individuals who have not only excelled in their chosen fields but have also become powerful agents of change and inspiration. On behalf of the Philippine Consulate, we stand proudly with our LGBTQ+ kababayan—not just as passive observers, but as committed allies and supporters.
Our honorees this afternoon reflect the very essence of the Filipino spirit—resilient, innovative, and unbreakably proud. In the tri-state areas of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, they have shattered barriers, challenged stereotypes, and illuminated paths for others to follow.
Our support is unwavering and unequivocal. We recognize that true excellence knows no boundaries of gender, sexual orientation, or identity. Each of our awardees embodies the hallmark Filipino values of excellence, hard work, and community spirit—bayanihan—that define us as a people.
By celebrating these remarkable individuals, we send a clear message of inclusivity and equality. We affirm that every Filipino deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, to contribute to society, and to be valued for their talents and contributions.
To our honorees: You are more than a recipient of an award. You are torchbearers of hope, ambassadors of change, and living proof of the incredible potential within our community. Your success is not just personal—it lifts all of us, it inspires our youth, and it challenges outdated perceptions.
Your journeys have been marked by courage—the courage to be authentically yourself, to excel in your profession, and to create positive change. You demonstrate that our diversity is our strength, that our differences are not divisions, but opportunities for greater understanding and unity.
To the young Filipino LGBTQ+ individuals watching: Your potential is limitless. Your identity is a source of strength, not a barrier. You are valued, you are important, and you are an integral part of our community.
We in the Philippine Consulate are committed to supporting and celebrating every Filipino, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We stand for equality, for dignity, and for the recognition of every individual's right to pursue their dreams.
Tonight, we do more than recognize individual achievements. We celebrate the spirit of Filipino excellence, the power of community, and our collective commitment to creating a more inclusive, understanding world.
Mabuhay ang PAFCOM!
Mabuhay ang ating mga kababayang LGBTQ+!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!
Maraming Salamat po at Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!
Comments