Charles Simbulan

Charles Simbulan, founder of Gawad Amerika Foundation (GAF), has announced the construction of historic landmarks such as a museum and walk of fame in Angono, Rizal in December.

During a media conference in Quezon City recently, Simbulan said that the items to be displayed in the museum will be collected from GAF awardees since 2001. "There will be items from politicians and entertainment icons like April 'Boy' Regino."

The walk of fame is similar to the tourist attraction in Hollywood where the names of celebrities are embedded in the sidewalks.

"I am doing this because I want the legacy of these awardees to serve as an inspiration to the younger generation. If we can inspire this generation, I believe we can have a better world," said Simbulan. "It can inspire your career,  your business, or even the academe. It can inspire our future leaders. I think that's one of the best things that we can do."

Simbulan said there are board members composed of seven people who are involved in these projects. "If we don't do this now, then when? People should be inspired by what we do."

There are no plans of building the same museum in the US. "It's only in Angono, Rizal where we will build the Gawad Amerika Museum. But of course, the focus is Filipino-American. So let's start in our country. As you know, Gawad Amerika is not only helping Filipinos. We are helping Americans," said Simbulan, during his short visit to the Philippines.

GAF is a non-profit entity based in California USA, established on Feb. 13, 1996. GAF's mission is to help the helpless and give hope to the hopeless. GAF takes pride in its mission to shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, protect abused women/children, and counseling. GAF works hand in hand with other non-profit organizations, community leaders, political figures, and business owners. GAF is funded mostly by private donations and some government agencies.

On Jan. 15, 1998, GAF began to recognize the achievements of Filipino individuals and the Fil-Am persons who excel in their fields of interest. Committed to promoting pride in Filipino heritage, Gawad Amerika Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of Filipino American entrepreneurs and artists by showcasing exemplary Filipino businesses, firms, and talents. While fostering a visionary spirit, this foundation also upholds traditional Filipino morals and values as it rekindles the nature of the true character.  

In September 2002, GAF launched “Gawad Amerika Awards Night (GAAN),” an annual celebration to recognize the excellence of those individuals and entrepreneurs who have gone above and beyond in their area of specialty. GAAN is an independent award-giving body mainly composed of newspaper publishers and selected reputable community leaders. 

By creating an environment in which exemplary Filipino-Americans can validate their importance in American society, Gawad Amerika awardees encourage other prospective and fledging Fil-Ams to pursue their dreams and aspirations.  Gawad Amerika continues to endorse fresh ideas and talents in constructing new and innovative projects.

“Ang Pilipino ng Bagong Milenyo-APBM” is the newest project for GAF established on July 1, 2006.  It is a competition-based awards program that seeks to recognize Filipino-American entrepreneurs who reflect the richness of the Filipino-American business community.  The competition is open to any Filipino-owned business which has been in operation for a minimum of three consecutive years.  The judging of the applicants will be made by an independent panel of experts in expertise.  

The “Ang Pilipino ng Bagong Milenyo” project is organized as a broad-based proactive force working for economic change for Filipino American entrepreneurs in the United States.  Sponsored by Cinemax Entertainment and PrimediaUSA, “Ang Pilipino ng Bagong Milenyo” promotes entrepreneurship and fosters a visionary spirit for the advancement of the Filipino American business community, which models the essence of Gawad Amerika’s statement of mission.

The GAF is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, visit our contact us page, or call (818) 224-9390.