“The President of TOFA sent me an official email saying I’m an awardee.
“I’m super surprised when I learned about it. It is hard to get selected for TOFA, all nominees are screened rigorously by its board. I’m grateful for the recognition.”
Former Star in a Million finalist Garth Garcia received an award for his contribution to Youth from The Outstanding Filipinos in America Awards (TOFA) happened at The Town Hall in New York, Sept. 16.
In his speech, Garth said, “Looking back, fighting for your dream was hard and it was through these hardships that I was able to obtain life’s best lessons. Truly, it is through out passion and commitment the we defy the odds—conquer the peak of success.”
The singer and concert producer added, “Never stop dreaming. Dedicating this award to God, my family, my friends, and to all dreamers and believers out there. We can do it!”
TOFA is held annually in New York to recognize Filipino-Americans who have excelled in business, politics, entertainment, fashion, health, community service, culinary arts, culture, sports and finance.
It was founded in 2011 by New York-based journalist Elton Lugay. Some of the awardees were fashion designer Michael Cinco, social media star Bretman Rock, Emmy-award winner Lisa Lew, and first openly gay man elected as Mayor of the City of Boynton Beach in Florida Ty Penserga.
Last September 9, the Fil-Am Prince of Pop staged his first solo concert in New York attended by Filipino community, influencers, supporters, fans, and friends.
Garcia also represented the House of Musa as one of the models at the New York Fashion Week last Sept. 15.
In 2017, Garcia migrated to the US and pursued his postgraduate studies at Harvard Business School while making music on the side. He established his events business named Starlink Productions–a licensed LLC that holds events and concerts in Los Angeles and other cities and states.
As a recording artist and songwriter, Garcia takes pride in some of his awards: PMPC Star Awards for Music as New Male Recording Artist of the Year (2015), Asian Excellence Awards’ Outstanding Recording Artist Award (2016), Gawad Musika’s Best Male Recording Artist of the Year (2017), a WCOPA Multi Medalist, Best RNB Artist for Spotlight Awards, Los Angeles, CA (2018), and he was the only Filipino nominated at Asians on Film Festival in Hollywood, CA for Best Music Video (2019).