2025 Johnny Litton Awards recognize influences that champion social good in its third year
Doctors Rollin Tabuena and Ma. Daisy Tabuena were honored with the distinguished Humanitarian Award, along with other notable individuals
By Jemimah Mapa
From Left: 2024 Mr. Chinatown Philippines Denzel Royce Chang, Radha Jewelry model Celine Poissovvier, Dr. Rollin Tabuena, Johnny Awards Co-Chair Roselle Rebano, Mr. & Ms. Chinatown Philippines President Vanessa Lo, 2024 Ms. Chinatown Ma. Lourdes Chiong De Leon, and Dr. Ma. Daisy Tabuena
As the social media landscape continues to thrive, various content creators are now viewed as influencers who shape opinions and influence consumer behavior online. When people hear the word "influence," they no longer think of celebrities, but rather the personalities they usually see on various social media sites. With this, several influencers and the influences they have made are now being recognized by numerous award-giving bodies like the Johnny Litton Awards.
The Johnny Litton Awards is a formal awarding ceremony for the outstanding contributions of men and women who made a significant impact in the lives of Filipinos through their knowledge, resources, compassion, and influence. The event was made to celebrate the living legacy of Johnny Litton, a Filipino TV personality, and his decades-long presence in the media, lifestyle events, and public relations. He is known for his long-running talk show, "Oh No! It’s Johnny!," which aired for 12 years.
The third Johnny Litton Awards: Celebrating style and service
Last July 21, 2025, the third edition of the Johnny Litton Awards named a range of personalities and influencers across different fields and industries. Aside from the intimate gathering of distinguished guests at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom, the Chinese-themed event “The Last Emperor—An Opulent Banquet” has been a night of purpose, artistry, and tribute, made even more special with a glamorous fashion show.
A few of the luminaries recognized at the awards night were Justice Conchita Carpio, Marichelle "Macheck" Torres, Crystal Jacinto, and Atty. Dominador Buhain, Jacques Christophe Branellec, along with Aracellie "Nene" Leonor, Prescy Yulo, Atty. Hazel Riguera, Vivian Vicente Caramba, Bernardino Caramba, and Cecilio "Paul" San Pedro. Humanitarian recognition was also given to Ma. Cecilia Bravo, Lynn Baustista, Connie Guanzon Garcia, Dr. Rollin Tabuena, and Dr. Ma. Daisy Tabuena.
Dr. Ma. Daisy Tabuena and Dr. Rollin Tabuena receive their Humanitarian Awards at the third Johnny Litton Awards
Redefining medical care through dancing
Hailing from Iloilo City, esteemed pulmonologist Dr. Rollin Tabuena and his wife, accomplished neurologist Dr. Ma. Daisy Tabuena, are known for their unique approach to healthcare, blending their passion for medicine with the arts. Dr. Rollin was recognized for his trailblazing effort as Iloilo City’s first bronchoscopist trained in transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy, transforming the landscape in pulmonary medicine and tuberculosis innovation. His contribution, the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Test Kit or the TB Lamp, has been a groundbreaking work in TB diagnostics, producing rapid and accurate results to underserved communities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ma. Daisy was honored for her pioneering work and commitment to advancing neurological care in the country. Her expertise in electromyography (EMG), Nerve Conduction Studies, and Dystonia, a first in Western Visayas, has helped address complex neurological disorders such as X-Linked Dystonia Parkinsonism. It is a rare genetic condition endemic to Panay Island. She also played a role in responding to dementia, epilepsy, stroke, sleep disorders, and neuromuscular conditions.
Cecille Bravo, Johnny Litton Awards Chairperson Marissa Fenton, Johnny Litton Awards Co-chairperson Roselle Rebano, Lynn Bautista, Vivan Caramba, Bernie Caramba, and Dr. Rollin Tabuena raised a toast for Johnny Litton.
A night of sophistication and inspiring stories
The renowned medical professionals, known as the “Dancing Doctors of Iloilo,” also graced the post-modern segment of the dazzling fashion show and modeled the fine couture by Renee Salud, Nono Palmos, and Bo Parcon. Prominent individuals also joined the roster of awarded key figures, like singer Martin Nievera for his decades-long career and his role as the voice of a generation, Jewelmer CEO Jacques Christophe Branellec for championing environmentally friendly approaches in business, and Cecilio Paul San Pedro of Sterling Bank of Asia for transforming online banking and enhancing security measures during the pandemic.
This was hosted by the energetic Giselle Sanchez and organized by Johnny Litton Awards chairperson Marissa Fenton and co-chairperson Roselle Rebano.
More than the influence
Beyond their revolutionary contributions in the medical field, Dr. Rollin and Dr. Ma. Daisy is also known for championing and promoting a healthy lifestyle by blending their medical expertise with the art of dancing. They use their influence as the Dancing Doctors of Iloilo to inspire communities and advocate for preventive healthcare in an engaging way.
In today’s world, where an influencer often equates to online fame, the Johnny Litton Awards remind us that true influence is measured by positive change. Dr. Rollin and Dr. Ma. Daisy’s platform has been instrumental in improving the lives of the people, a compassion seen by the Johnny Litton Awards.