Filipino-Kiwi Heroes

The 2026 line-up of heroes ...

One of the most prestigious recognition programs for Filipinos in New Zealand since 2014. Over 150 heroes honoured  to date.

Hero of the Year - Manu Hoque, Basketball Coach
Music Awards - Francis Albiento, Dann James, Emil Bascones & Refaroza Band
Community Radio Host  - Noriel 'Jay' Perocho Aquino
Influencer of the Year - Win Wolf
Cultural Group  - Philippine Impulse Dancers 

Pinoy Chef of the Year - Carlo Buenaventura, Bar Magda
Sports Star - Leonel Vidallon 
Film maker  Extraordinaire - Zhanella Langit
Creative Arts - Charmaine Bastian, Jennifer & Alexander Domingo
Enterprise Award - Elmer Castillo
Bayani ng Bayan 2026 - Leonel Vidallon

How to Participate

Nominate a Hero and join us for the Grand Awards Ceremony on 12 June 2027 at the Auckland Showgrounds. Free Entry from 10am-5pm.
https://www.fiestapilipinas.nz/

Feedback

“The Hero Awards, initiated by Filipino News, exemplify how we can cultivate a culture of value and recognition. Through active participation, we raise awareness, share meaningful stories, and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Filipino heroes.” - Mimi Rojo Laurilla (Media Personality)

We are deeply grateful and humbled to receive the prestigious Cultural Group of the Year Award 2025.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ritmo Pilipino
Pinoys love what they do and love their hosts and fellow migrants, manifesting it in their daily deeds.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Noel Bautista
'“Hard work opens doors, but passion brings you closer to your dreams.”'. Motto of Nurse of the Year 2021
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Kristine Dianne Balatbat
Congratulations in advance to all the inspiring individuals and organizations to be recognized this year! Heartfelt stories of courage and kindness.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Carmela Laylo, 2024 Awardee
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time, encouragement, and belief in my journey.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Charmaine Bastian, Creative Awards 2026
Incredibly inspiring! I left feeling hopeful and motivated.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ramon J

Upcoming Events

We are proud organisers of some of the most viral festivals across Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Asia Festival: https://asiafestival.co.nz/
To participate, please call 027 495 8477 or email filipinonews@xtra.co.nz

12 JUN 2027 - Auckland

Independence Day Event

10am-6pm, Akld Showgrounds. Free Entry. https://www.fiestapilipinas.nz

15 AUG 2026 - Hamilton

UBE Festival

10am-5pm, Claudelands Event Centre, Free Entry
https://www.halohalo.co.nz

15 AUG 2026 - Hamilton

Southeast Asia Festival

10am-5pm, Claudelands Event Centre, Free Entryhttps://www.seasia.co.nz 

10 & 11 OCT 2026 - Auckland

Auckland Asia Festival

Incorporating the Matcha Festival, Korea Market & Biriyani Festival
https://www.asiafestival.co.nz

21 NOV 2026 - Auckland

BBQ Festival

Also in Hamilton. https://bbqfestival.co.nz/

5 DEC 2026 - Wellington

Halo Halo Festival

Also in Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch https://www.halohalo.co.nz

9th Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards

Manu Hoque

Noriel Jay Perocho Aquino Jr

Chairmaine Bastian

Jennifer & Alexander Domingo

Leonel Vidallon

Francis Albiento

Chef Elmer Castillo

Zhanella Langit

The 2026 line-up of heroes ...

How to Participate

Submit Nominations

Bayani ng Bayan 2026

Event Date: 12 June 2027

Free Entry - Invite Friends!

Sponsorship Enquiries

Feedback

NZ’s Leading Multicultural Festival Network

Upcoming Events

12 JUN 2027 - Auckland

Independence Day Event

15 AUG 2026 - Hamilton

UBE Festival

15 AUG 2026 - Hamilton

Southeast Asia Festival

10 & 11 OCT 2026 - Auckland

Auckland Asia Festival

21 NOV 2026 - Auckland

BBQ Festival

5 DEC 2026 - Wellington

Halo Halo Festival

027 495 8477 filipinonews@xtra.co.nz

6 June 2026, 10am - 6pm Free Entry