A Golden Evening of Pride and Excellence: The 2025 Gintong Ani Award Honors Outstanding Filipino Achievers in the UAE

Dubai, UAE – January 19, 2025

The grand ballroom of the Aloft Hotel Deira City Center was alight with celebration and heartfelt emotions last night as over 100 extraordinary Filipinos were honored with the prestigious “Gintong Ani Award 2025.” This special evening brought together a community united by hard work, perseverance, and excellence, recognizing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have excelled in their chosen fields and brought pride to the Filipino community in the UAE.

The event, organized by the visionary Mr. Rammie Garcia, was not just an award ceremony but a celebration of stories that inspire and lives that have touched others. Mr. Garcia, who has spent over two decades in the events industry, poured his heart into ensuring that the awards truly reflected the achievements and dedication of the recipients. Speaking to the audience, he shared, “Tonight is not just about the awards; it is about honoring the spirit of resilience and the dreams that our fellow Filipinos have carried to foreign lands. These stories deserve to be celebrated, and I am humbled to be part of this journey.” 

Among the awardees was renowned filmmaker Albert Santos Gayo, who has garnered international recognition for his films. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Gayo shed light on the significance of the award, calling it a beacon of hope for Filipinos around the world. He encouraged his fellow countrymen to be role models, demonstrating excellence and integrity in all walks of life. Reflecting on his work and the global recognition it has received, Mr. Gayo said, “These awards are a reminder that wherever we go, we carry our culture, our passion, and our identity. Let us always strive to be the best versions of ourselves.”

Another recipient, Ms. Paz, moved the audience with her emotional journey. Starting as a nanny in the UAE, Ms. Paz overcame countless challenges to establish her own pastry shop, which now boasts three thriving branches. Her story was a testament to the power of perseverance and the Filipino spirit of turning humble beginnings into grand successes. Accepting her award, she said with tear-filled eyes, “This is not just my award. It is for every Filipino who dreams, who works hard, and who believes that anything is possible with faith and determination.”

The evening was filled with moments of gratitude as many recipients shared how much the recognition meant to them. Some wept with joy, reflecting on the struggles they had faced and how this acknowledgment validated their sacrifices and efforts.

A particularly touching part of the evening was the presentation of six posthumous awards, honoring the lives and contributions of Filipinos who are no longer with us. Their families accepted the awards, sharing how proud their loved ones would have been. These moments brought tears to the eyes of the audience, reminding everyone of the profound impact individuals can have even after they are gone.

The event was further elevated by the presence of Mr. Aaryan Singh, the Global Strategic Partnership Manager and a special guest visited specially from India to attend the evening. Representing DXB News Network, the official and exclusive media partner of the event, Mr. Singh praised the initiative and personally presented awards to the recipients. He commended the efforts of Mr. Garcia and his team, saying, “This initiative is a shining example of what it means to celebrate diversity and excellence. The Gintong Ani Award has brought together a community, honoring its strengths and achievements. This is more than an event—it is a movement that inspires greatness.” 

The evening was a blend of celebration, emotion, and inspiration. As the awardees walked up to the stage to accept their recognition, they carried with them not just their personal achievements but also the hopes and dreams of every Filipino striving for success abroad. Mr. Garcia concluded the event with heartfelt words, expressing his joy and gratitude: “Seeing the happiness and pride on the faces of our awardees makes all the effort worth it. This is the start of something greater, and I am already looking forward to next year’s event.”

The Gintong Ani Award 2025 will remain etched in the hearts of those who attended, not only as a night of recognition but also as a powerful reminder that dreams, hard work, and perseverance know no boundaries.