The Queensland Filipino Excellence Awards Inc. (QFEA) officially launched the QFEA 2027 Awards at Carina Leagues Club, with more than 150 guests gathering to mark the opening of nominations and the beginning of another chapter in recognising and celebrating Filipino excellence across Queensland.
The evening brought together community leaders, past award recipients, sponsors, partners, media representatives, professionals, business leaders and members of Queensland’s Filipino-Australian community.
The program commenced with the Philippine and Australian National Anthems, led by QFEA Co-Chair Daniel Mallari, Elena Windsor and Joy Lessera.
Honouring the Journey of QFEA
QFEA was honoured to welcome Philippine Consul Sheryll Gabutero, who delivered the Opening Remarks.
Having witnessed the evolution of the awards from their early years, Consul Gabutero reflected on the remarkable journey from the original Queensland Filipino Australian Women’s Achievement Awards to what has now become the Queensland Filipino Excellence Awards – a community-led organisation dedicated to recognising and celebrating the achievements, leadership and contributions of Filipinos in Queensland.
QFEA President Rejoice Guevara Thomson formally opened nominations for the 2027 Awards and shared the vision of QFEA as an enduring platform that recognises and celebrates Filipino excellence across a diverse range of fields, including STEM, business, industry and commerce, community service, young leadership, culture and arts, entertainment, and sports.
Building on the legacy established by those who came before, QFEA seeks not only to recognise achievement today, but also to preserve that legacy and inspire future generations of Filipinos in Queensland to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
The QFEA 2027 Awards
QFEA Secretary Connie da Cunha introduced guests to the award categories and eligibility criteria for the 2027 Awards, providing an overview of who may be nominated and the nomination process.
This was followed by a presentation from QFEA Co-Chair Imelda Kateb on sponsorship opportunities and the different ways businesses, organisations and individuals can partner with QFEA in supporting the 2027 Awards.
The Vinta Journey: Conversations on Excellence, Leadership and Impact
One of the highlights of the evening was the panel discussion, “The Vinta Journey: Conversations on Excellence, Leadership and Impact,” moderated by QFEA Secretary Connie da Cunha.
The panel brought together individuals whose experiences with QFEA span award recognition, leadership, sponsorship and judging:
- Daniel Mallari – QFEA Co-Chair and 2024 Entertainment Award recipient
- Imelda Kateb – QFEA Co-Chair and 2024 Business, Industry & Commerce Award recipient
- Ginger Mendoza – Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Emerging Leader recipient and QFEA 2024 Awards Nominee
- Fely Christiansen – former QFEA Silver Sponsor and founder of Sariling Atin
- Kerry Xynias – Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Round Table Chair and former QFEA judge
The discussion reflected the theme of the 2027 Awards, The Vinta Journey – representing the journeys, challenges, aspirations and achievements of Filipinos who have made Queensland home and continue to contribute to the wider Queensland community.
An Evening of Community and Connection
Guests enjoyed the hospitality of Carina Leagues Club, together with Filipino-inspired ube desserts provided by Dovetail Social, before spending the remainder of the evening networking, reconnecting and building new relationships within the community.
Special VIP guests were also presented with beautiful floral arrangements generously provided by Brisbane Flowers.
A Community Behind QFEA
The successful launch was made possible through the collective efforts of the QFEA Management Committee and the QFEA 2027 Awards Task Force, whose members generously volunteer their time, experience and skills in support of the organisation and its purpose.
QFEA extends its heartfelt appreciation to its generous sponsors and supporters — AWM Print, Maria U. McDonald and Aaron, Mary Ann Tejano Boehme, Rholie Scholz, Teresita White, Lyn Shadbolt, Anne Pearl Marie Nicklin, Lynn White, Crystal Shine Photography, Dovetail Social and Brisbane Flowers — for their contributions towards making the launch possible.
QFEA also acknowledges SBS Filipino and The Philippine Times for their media coverage and for helping share the QFEA story with the wider community.
Our sincere thanks also go to the community leaders, partners, volunteers, guests and everyone who joined us on the evening, as well as those who continue to support the mission and vision of the Queensland Filipino Excellence Awards Inc.
Nominations for QFEA 2027 Are Now Open
Nominations for the Queensland Filipino Excellence Awards 2027 are now officially open.
QFEA encourages outstanding Filipinos making a difference in their profession, industry, business, community, culture, arts, sports, entertainment or leadership to put themselves forward for recognition.
Members of the community are also encouraged to nominate an outstanding Filipino whose achievements, leadership, service or contributions deserve to be recognised.
For information on eligibility requirements, award categories and how to nominate, visit qfea.com.au.