Maui Filipino Chamber announces 2025 Gintong Pamana Leadership and Scholarship Awardees
Kahului, Hawaii – The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Gintong Pamana Leadership and Scholarship Awards. These awards recognize outstanding members of the Maui Filipino community who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and a steadfast commitment to serving the community, as well as students who are receiving $1000 scholarships.
This year is the event’s 30th anniversary, and the Chamber is calling on past recipients to also join the much anticipated celebration.
2025 Gintong Pamana Leadership Awardees:
Jessica Acop, Program Director at Maui Health, is a pioneering healthcare leader known for building and scaling medical facilities and championing access to quality care for underserved communities. From launching free-standing emergency rooms in Texas to managing Maui’s first wound care clinic, her work has improved patient outcomes and strengthened healthcare infrastructure. In the wake of the Lahaina fires, she mobilized her department to provide critical care and secured vital resources through national partnerships. An advocate for mentorship and education, Jessica’s leadership has been recognized nationally, including the Restorix award in 2023. A proud Indigenous Filipina of the Ibaloi tribe, she brings her values of resilience, service, and community to every role she undertakes.
Everett Balmores, Communications Systems Specialist with the Maui Emergency Management Agency, exemplifies quiet leadership and steadfast service. With a background spanning emergency management, hospitality safety, and retail leadership, Everett plays a vital role in coordinating communications infrastructure and public alert systems across Maui County. During the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, while personally impacted by the loss of his family home, Everett continued to serve on the front lines—supporting local, state, and federal response teams with unwavering dedication. Known for his calm presence, humility, and deep sense of duty, Everett’s leadership in times of crisis reflects a profound commitment to both his work and his community.
Joel Navarro, CEO of the Maui Pono Foundation, is a longtime West Maui resident whose leadership spans real estate, finance, youth development, and disaster recovery. With over 30 years of community involvement—from banking and title services to youth sports and education—Joel now leads one of Maui’s most impactful wildfire recovery nonprofits. Under his guidance, the foundation has distributed nearly $2 million in direct aid, small business support, and community resilience projects. A steadfast advocate for West Maui, Joel also serves on the Lahainaluna High School Foundation board, leads the Lahaina Junior Golf Association, and chairs the Legacy Cup Golf Tournament, all while preserving the values and spirit of Lahaina through dedicated service.
Chef Bernardo “JR” Oao, owner of several restaurants under Oao Sushi LLC, embodies the Filipino immigrant dream through resilience, humility, and heart. Originally from Isabela, Philippines, JR began his culinary journey as a dishwasher, working tirelessly to become a master sushi chef. In 2022, he opened his first food truck, which quickly grew into a thriving restaurant brand with three locations across Maui: Oao in Wailea, Oao Sushi Go in Kahului, and Hachi by Oao in Kihei. A devoted community supporter, JR has provided aid to Lahaina fire victims, sponsored youth athletics, and actively serves through his church. His story is one of faith, perseverance, and a deep commitment to giving back.
Jingo Magic Tamayo is a seasoned media professional, community leader, and cultural advocate whose broadcasting career began in the late 1980s with the Manila Broadcasting Company, where he served as Program Director. After immigrating to the U.S., he moved to Maui in 2013 and helped establish the independent radio station KPMW. Through his prime-time show Biag Ti Hawayano, which became the top evening program for nearly two years, Jingo amplified Filipino voices and promoted cultural pride. He also served as a court interpreter, helping Filipino clients navigate the legal system. During the 2023 Lahaina fire, he stood alongside the Philippine Consul General, delivering critical live updates on DZRH to inform families abroad. Now serving as President of the Maui Taxi Operators, Jingo led successful negotiations with state and county agencies to update long-overdue tariff rates and improve working conditions for predominantly Filipino drivers. His efforts continue to uplift the Filipino community while supporting Maui’s tourism and recovery efforts.
Read the awardees' full bio here.
The 2025 Scholarship awardees were selected through a rigorous vetting process by independent judges. This year includes 15 students:
Braeden Asuncion
Braeden graduated from Maui High School and will be attending University of California, Davis to pursue a degree in Computer Science.
Sarah Cariaga
Sarah graduated from Lahainaluna High School and will be attending University of Nevada to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management.
Michelle Castillo
Michelle graduated from Maui High School and will be attending Chaminade University in Honolulu to pursue a degree in Event Sport and Management.
Kamuela Dahilig
Kamuela graduated from H.P. Baldwin High School and will be attending Santa Clara University in California to pursue a degree in Biology.
Taylor Deocares
Taylor graduated from H.P. Baldwin High School and will be attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Willyn Domingo
Willyn graduated from Maui High School and will be attending Pacific University Oregon to pursue a degree in Software Engineering.
Kalia Kaneta
Kalia graduated from Maui High School and will be attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in Political Science.
Victoria Osborn
Victoria graduated from Seabury Hall and will be attending Metropolitan State University of Denver to pursue a degree in Kinesiology.
Lilinoe Quitazol
Lilinoe graduated from King Kekaulike High School and will be attending Oregon State University to pursue a degree in Computer Science.
Micah Sijalbo
Micah graduated from Maui High School and will be attending Oregon State University to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Jonah Tapaoan
Jonah graduated from Maui High School and will be attending University of California, Merced to pursue a degree in Bioengineering.
Sophia Topinio
Sophia graduated from Lahainaluna High School and will be attending Grand Canyon University to pursue a degree in Entrepreneurship and Finance.
Ikaika Wright
Jonah graduated from King Kekaulike High School and will be attending University of Nevada, Las Vegas to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering.
Charllene Guansing
Charllene is a current student at UH Maui College and is pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts.
Jhenie Yuro
Jhenie is a current student at UH Maui College and is pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts, Pre-Nursing.
The Gintong Pamana Leadership & Scholarship Awards banquet will take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Maui Beach Hotel Ballroom, starting at 5:30 p.m. It will be an evening of celebration and recognition, honoring these outstanding leaders for their significant contributions to our community.
The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce invites individuals and organizations to participate in this meaningful event through admission tickets, sponsorship packages, and advertising opportunities available for purchase by clicking here.
For more information about the event email mauifilipinocc@gmail.com.
# # #
