The Global Filipino Star Icon Awards proudly celebrated Filipino excellence on the global stage during a prestigious ceremony held at Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai last January 31, 2026, gathering distinguished leaders, icons, and emerging changemakers from around the world.
One of the evening’s most distinguished honors was awarded to Aquino Plotado, who received the Global Filipino Legacy Award for Film, Real Estate and Philanthropy. The recognition highlighted his significant contributions across multiple industries and his unwavering commitment to philanthropic initiatives that continue to positively impact communities both locally and internationally.
Aquino made a memorable appearance wearing an eye-catching sky-blue suit created by internationally acclaimed Filipino designer Michael Cinco. Plotado exclaimed that it had always been his fervent wish to don Cinco’s world-class creations.
Aquino Plotado with the other awardees, including Piolo Pascual, Renee Salud, Catriona Gray, Zeinab Harake, and Atom Araullo, among others
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.
