Honor the Past, Uplift the Present, Inspire the Future
Standing (L-R): Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer, Daly City Councilwoman Juslyn Manalo, Joel Garcia, Reuben Seguritan, Robert Ragsac, Gloria Caoile, South San Francisco Councilwoman Flor Nicolas, Maria Banatao, Mona Lisa Yuchengco. Seated (L-R): Amy Agbayani, Cynthia Bonta, Michael Dadap and Dado Banatao (Photo by Minerva Amistoso)
Organized by PositivelyFilipino.com in partnership with The Filipino Story, the celebration paid tribute to 10 outstanding Filipino American pioneers whose lifelong work and advocacies have enriched Filipino consciousness in America, preserved culture, and paved the way with a legacy defined by their enduring courage and tenacity.
The term, "manongs and manangs," refers to the elder, pioneering generation of Filipinos who immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century and beyond. This tribute not only honors their sacrifices but also reminds the generations that have come after them of the wisdom, grit, and cultural pride that continue to guide Filipino Americans today.
The program started promptly at 1:00 p.m. with welcome remarks from Jaena Rae Cabrera, Program Manager of the Filipino American Center at the San Francisco Public Library, followed by Mona Lisa Yuchengco, Positively Filipino Publisher.
Veteran TV broadcaster Lloyd LaCuesta then took the stage as host, infusing his introductions with humor and reverence. The mood in the packed auditorium was both festive and reflective, on an afternoon where stories, memories, and music created a dynamic archive of Filipino American history.
Lloyd LaCuesta (Photo by Minerva Amistoso)
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere were mini reunions of friends, some who hadn't seen each other in over 40 years. The presence of honorees who represented national community-based organizations like the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) was also noteworthy.
This year's tribute celebrated the following esteemed Manongs and Manangs:
Linda Nietes-Little – California
Linda Nietes-Little ( (Photo Courtesy of Linda Nietes-Little)
Cultural Gatekeeper and Entrepreneur
Introduced by Christina Buhain Newhard, Linda Nietes-Little set the tone of the event with a history lesson. In her video message from Los Angeles, she explained how the words manong and manang were derived from the Spanish hermano and hermana and Filipinized into endearing titles of respect for our elders.
As founder of Philippine Expressions Bookshop in 1984, the first U.S. bookstore devoted to Filipino literature, Nietes-Little became a tireless promoter of Filipino and Filipino American writers. Her bookstore, once tucked away in Southern California, blossomed into a cultural "sacred space" for generations of readers and authors.
“Anyone who is older than you are is a Manong or a Manang. Thus, the Filipino early immigrants were called Manongs and Manangs for that reason. Today, I am very happy to accept this award, and I thank you all for your presence. Mabuhay to all of you.” --- Manang Linda
Jon Melegrito – Maryland
Jon Melegrito ( (Photo courtesy of Jon Melegrito)
Community Activist and Writer
Introduced by Mila De Guzman, journalist and activist Jon Melegrito joined the event through a heartfelt video message. Born in Nueva Ecija in 1944, and the son of a Bataan Death March survivor, his life has been defined by service and storytelling.
He gave voice to immigrants and workers through his journalism, but perhaps Jon's greatest legacy is his tireless advocacy in obtaining the Congressional Gold Medal for Filipino World War II veterans in 2016.
“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk further, walk together.” --- Manong Jon
Dr. Jorge Garcia – Washington, D.C. and Manila
Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist, Educator, and Hospital Founder
Introduced by Dr. Agnes Alikpala, Dr. Jorge Garcia’s award was accepted on his behalf by his son Joel Garcia. Known as one of the top heart surgeons in the United States, Garcia pioneered cardiac surgery in the Philippines, performed the country’s first heart transplant, and founded the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang.
In his video message, Garcia reflected on how his career bridged both America and the Philippines.
“I don’t think I could have achieved my successful career in any other country in the world, only the USA. Because of that success, I was able to return to the Philippines and contribute to our nation building. As I enter my sunset years, I hope the next generation of Filipino Americans will pay it forward to both the United States and the Philippines.” --- Manong Jorge
Cynthia Bonta – California
Cynthia Bonta and California Attorney General Rob Bonta (Photo by Minerva Amistoso)
Civil Rights Activist and Community Activist
Introduced by Mona Pasquil-Rogers and her son, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Cynthia Bonta stood as an icon of indomitable activism. She and her husband, Warren, worked alongside Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, Cesar Chavez, and Dolores Huerta during the Delano Grape Strike, living in a union-owned trailer while raising their children.
Her activism encompassed labor rights, anti-Marcos protests, cultural preservation, and mentoring young leaders. Rob Bonta’s tribute was deeply personal.
“I accept this prestigious award on behalf of community organizers who work patiently, sensitively, and with compassion and love to build movements, one individual, one community at a time… a heavy but beautiful burden.” --- Manang Cynthia
“There is no Rob Bonta without Cynthia Bonta… She is a fearless fighter and a champion for justice—but most important, she is my mom.” --- Attorney General Rob Bonta
Reuben Seguritan – New York
Reuben Seguritan (Photo by Minerva Amistoso)
Immigration Lawyer, Community Leader, and Author
Introduced by Ben Olivas, attorney Reuben Seguritan was praised for five decades of defending Filipino nurses, doctors, and veterans. His book, "We Didn’t Pass Through the Golden Door," chronicled the struggles of Filipino immigrants.
“I would like to share this award with the Filipino Americans who have been working in the trenches so that we may partake of the American dream. These unsung heroes endured the frustration of being outsiders in a country which, until now, seems reluctant to embrace immigrants.” --- Manong Reuben
Gloria Caoile – Nevada
Presenter Zenei COrtez and Gloria Caoile (Photo by Minerva Amistoso)
Labor Rights Fighter and Community Leader
Introduced by Zenei Triunfo-Cortez, Gloria Caoile was celebrated for co-founding the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and championing workers’ rights for decades.
“This tribute belongs to every worker who had the strength to stand for dignity, every community member who chose solidarity over silence, and every elder who sacrificed and paved the way for our progress. I stand on your shoulders.” --- Manang Gloria
Michael Dadap – New York
Presenter Rodel Rodis and Michael Dadap (Photo by Minerva Amistoso)
Maestro and Cultural Ambassador
Rodel Rodis, a longtime friend of Maestro Michael Dadap, took the stage to share a personal tribute. In addition to receiving his award, the world-class guitarist, composer, conductor, and Filipino folk art advocate graced the audience with stirring performances. As a co-founder of NaFFAA and artistic director of the Children's Orchestra Society, Dadap's message was both poetic and urgent.
“If folk music is the soul of the nation, if your folk music disappears, the soul disappears. And if the nation has no soul, the nation disappears. For as long as I exist, I promise to inspire young people to sing our songs and speak our soul. --- Manong Michael
Robert Ragsac – California
Presenter Erwin Mina and Robert Ragsac (Photo by Minerva Amistoso)
Retired Aerospace Engineer and Filipino American History Chronicler
Introduced by Erwin Mina, Robert “Manong Robert” Ragsac brought Silicon Valley’s forgotten Filipino roots back to life through his walking tours of Pinoytown.
“Interview your mom, interview your dad. It doesn’t matter if they’re from the Philippines or Germany or the Netherlands—get their story. Because ultimately, it will become part of American history.” --- Manong Robert
Amy Agbayani, Ph.D. – Hawaii
Presenter Evelyn Rodriguez and Amy Agbayani (Photo by Minerva Amistoso)
Civil Rights Trailblazer and Educator
Introduced by Evelyn Ibatan Rodriguez, Dr. Amy Agbayani, affectionately called Manang Amy, was honored for founding Operation Manong and dedicating her life to immigrant and civil rights.
“Every fourth person you bump into in Hawaii has Filipino ancestry. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to make sure we honor and recognize our Manongs and Manangs, their struggles, their aspirations, and their accomplishments…Thank you for giving us voice, visibility, and vision because we are positively Filipino. Mabuhay!” --- Manang Amy
Dado Banatao – California
Dado Banatao (Photo by Minerva Amistoso)
Technology Developer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Venture Capitalist
Introduced by Oliver Segovia, Dado Banatao, known as the “Father of the Semiconductor,” was honored for innovations that made modern computing possible. He is credited with developing several key innovations that are foundational to modern personal computers, including the first 10-Mbit Ethernet CMOS chip, the first system logic chipset for IBM's PC-XT and PC-AT, and one of the first graphics accelerator chips for personal computers. Dado proudly stood at his wife Maria's side as she spoke on his behalf, highlighting their joint commitment to education through PhilDev Foundation, which is celebrating its 15th year anniversary on September 27, 2025.
“Never forget where you came from and never doubt the power of resilience. Our stories may begin with struggle, but they end with hope, and they light the way for those who follow.” --- Manong Dado
A Note of Gratitude
The afternoon's entertainment was provided by Maestro Michael Dadap and his classical guitar, performing solo pieces, La Bella Filipina by Massaguer and Pobreng Alindahao, a Visayan folk song. He accompanied Jean Judith Zeta Javier-Tiu, an actress-singer and cultural performer, with stirring renditions of Sa Sariling Bayan by Constancio De Guzman and Sa Kabukiran.
Building Communities: A Tribute to Our Manongs and Manangs 2025 was made possible through the generosity of many, including:
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Event Volunteers: Carlo Abaya, Minerva Amistoso, Paul Briones, Dewey Cabitac, Emily Cabitac, Margie Carino, Ray Carino, Lieza Danan, Eliza Duerme, Imelda Oppenheim, Irwin Ver, France Viana, and Gean Dee.
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Media and Venue Support: Ken Guanga (for recording the event), the San Francisco Public Library (for providing the stage and audio-visual crew), Goldilocks USA (for the snacks), and BEI Hotel San Francisco (for the hotel accommodations).
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Sponsors: Gordon Manor and the Mallari Family; Cris and Evelyn Raimundo
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Partners: Maryles Casto; LBC; Ben and Rose Olivas; Tancinco Law Offices
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Supporters: AARP; Alex and Barbara Abela; Polly and Lito Cortez; Sonia Delen and Chris Fitzsimmons; Mila and Ernie Llorente; The Pasquil Rogers Family; Jennifer Flores Tasto; BEI Hotel San Francisco; Goldilocks USA.
Closing Reflections
As the program ended, the audience moved to the reception at the adjoining Latino/Hispanic Community Room, carrying with them a shared understanding: the journeys of the honorees are rich with lessons for generations to come. Spanning from activism to the arts, from medicine to technology, and from labor rights to cultural preservation, these stories illuminate a single purpose: a deep love of heritage and an unyielding belief in community.
Their collective message is clear: honor the past, uplift the present, and inspire the future.
Lorna Lardizabal Dietz is a Filipino community publicist and a cultural empowerment advocate. She is a member of the board of directors of the San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center.
More articles by Lorna Lardizabal Dietz
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