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Filipino excellence was celebrated on the international stage as the Global Filipino Star Icon Awards honored leaders and changemakers during a prestigious ceremony held on January 31, 2026, at Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai.

Among the night’s major honorees was Aquino Plotado, who received the Global Filipino Legacy Award for Film, Real Estate, and Philanthropy. The recognition cited his wide-ranging contributions across multiple industries, as well as his sustained commitment to philanthropic efforts that continue to benefit communities in the Philippines and abroad.

Plotado also drew attention with his appearance at the ceremony, stepping out in a striking sky-blue suit by internationally acclaimed Filipino designer Michael Cinco. He shared that wearing a creation by Cinco had long been a personal aspiration, making the moment even more meaningful as he accepted the international honor in Dubai.

The event brought together distinguished figures from different parts of the world, further underscoring the Global Filipino Star Icon Awards’ mission of recognizing Filipinos whose work and advocacy leave a lasting impact on the global community.

Beyond the awards night, Plotado’s recent accomplishments further underscored the breadth of his influence across business, film, and community service.

In June 2025, he made headlines for securing a landmark AED 1-billion beachfront development deal in Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah through an exclusive partnership with fäm Properties.

In January 2025, Plotado’s film As The Call, So The Echo achieved critical recognition at the 11th Emirates Film Festival in Dubai, winning Best Actor for Enzo Pineda and Best Director for Rusty Palacio Guarin.

Continuing his commitment to education and social impact, Plotado organized a major alumni and community event in March 2025 valued at approximately PHP 3 million, with Mark Herras as special guest. The event honored his alma mater, during which Plotado donated PHP 1 million to the school and personally extended cash gifts to his former teachers and batchmates.

Further strengthening his advocacy for education, Plotado also donated printers, a sound system, a service van, and an e-bike to his former school, Potrero National High School, located in Malabon City.

The star-studded ceremony also honored prominent Filipino personalities whose influence spans entertainment, media, fashion, business, education, and public service. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray received the Global Icon of Beauty, Advocacy and Culture Award, while acclaimed actor Piolo Pascual was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Filipino Arts and Global Representation Award.

Veteran journalist Atom Araullo received the Lifetime Achievement in Public Service Journalism Award, and beauty and business pioneer Ricky Reyes was recognized with the Lifetime Icon of Beauty and Business Innovation Award. Renowned designer Renee Salud was named Global Ambassador of Filipino Fashion and Heritage, while Rian Fernandez earned the title of Designer of the Year.

Additional honorees included Carl E. Balita for Lifetime Achievement in Education and Professional Empowerment, Zeinab Harake for Empowered Woman of the New Media Generation, Glenda Dela Cruz for Global Visionary in Beauty and Entrepreneurship, and Pia Marie Yanson for the Iconic Filipina in Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy Award.

More than an awards ceremony, the Global Filipino Star Icon Awards reaffirmed its mission to celebrate Filipino excellence across generations—honoring both established icons and emerging leaders who continue to shape and elevate the global Filipino narrative.