Several years ago, independent actress Althea Vega left our homeland to pursue her Hollywood dream. But most Hollywood stars start in New York City and inch their way to Hollywood. 

This is exactly what the lead actress of the independent movie Metro Manila starring John Arcilla is doing, making waves in New York City. Before conquering NYC, the leading lady of Jericho Rosales’ Basurero was awarded the Director’s Choice during the Miss Swimsuit USA International held in Maya, Mexico, last year.

Vega has once again proven that she can empower people and younger generations to achieve more as she was awarded by the New York Glam with the Outstanding Global Artist Impact Award at the Kalayaan Hall in the Philippine Consulate in New York City last Feb. 10.

The actress of the indie movie Watch Me Kill tells us about her award, “The Outstanding Global Artist Impact Award is given to the most inspiring artist that stepped beyond our Philippine boundaries. This award recognizes the leadership, courage, contribution, and actions that empower the artist to work globally, creating opportunities for others and inspiring the greater moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand the associated challenges of the global stage.

I also interviewed the U.S-based Filipino Fashion Designer Grace Bruca, the founder of Steadfast Creative Arts Productions, who produced the New York Glam: "My company’s vision is to create opportunities, platforms, and growth..to bring inspiration and innovation to every individual. I noticed Althea in her USA short film The Dark Military Rogue, which American filmmaker Loren Lepre directed. I started to review all her films from “Astray” with Angel Aquino, “Watch Me Kill” with Jean Garcia, Basurero with Jericho Rosales, “Metro Manila” with John Arcilla and Jake Macapagal, Amor Y Muerte, Off Sinners and Saints, and many more.

It takes guts for a Filipina actress to fly to unknown territory, especially if you are already a big fish in a small lake. And for her strength and perseverance in the United States, I give her the Outstanding Global Artist Impact Award.” 

Althea Vega was also featured in Time Square Billboard for February 2024, acknowledging her being awarded the Global Artist Impact Award, gracing the runway of New York Fashion Week, and her achievement at the World Finals of Swimsuit USA International, winning the Director’s Choice Award in Mexico last Nov. 4, 2023.

Vega is currently working on a film in Texas with director Rommel Eclarinal. It is a short film about a struggling Filipina healthcare worker making a connection with an old woman with dementia. She is also pretty excited as The Dark Military Rogue, where she plays the female lead role, is up for second selection in the Hollywood Blood Horror Festival ‘24. The same film is also up for Best Film (Best Horror Short Nomination) at the Scream Queen Shockathon Film Festival 2024.