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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Aquino Plotado honored at Star Icon Awards in Dubai

Aquino Plotado honored at Star Icon Awards in Dubai

Published Feb 5, 2026 08:37 pm

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – 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 Jan. 31, 2026, gathering distinguished leaders, icons, and emerging changemakers from around the world.

Aquino Plotado
Aquino Plotado

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 benefit communities 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.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Global Filipino Icon Star Awards for this incredible recognition through the Global Filipino Legacy Award in Real Estate, Film, and Philanthropy. This honor inspires me to continue building meaningful projects, telling impactful stories, and giving back to communities both in the Philippines and around the world. I share this award with everyone who believes in creating a lasting legacy of excellence, service, and global Filipino pride," Plotado said.

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  P3 million, featuring Mark Herras as the special guest. The event honored his alma mater, during which Plotado donated P1 million to the school and personally extended cash gifts to his former teachers and batchmates.

The awardees at the Star Icon Awards 2026 in Dubai
The awardees at the Star Icon Awards 2026 in Dubai
Continuing his commitment to education and social impact, Plotado organized a major alumni and community event in March 2025, valued at approximately  P3 million, featuring Mark Herras as the special guest. The event honored his alma mater, during which Plotado donated P1 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 for Filipino Fashion and Heritage, while Rian Fernandez was named 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. (Contributed by Tinnie Esguerra)

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