Celebrating 120 Years of Filipino Migration to the US

2026 Heritage People's Ball

Chateau and John Gardecki Honored for Performing Arts and Cultural Diversity

In recognition of their remarkable contributions to the performing arts and the promotion of cultural diversity, Chateau and John Gardecki received the Most Outstanding Migrant Award at the Global Migrant Heritage Foundation’s 2026 Heritage People’s Ball. The Gardeckis, Founders of the WIPAC International Piano Arts Competition, have, for over 25

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

years, championed the art of piano performance in their world-renowned premier piano competition. Speaking to the audience upon receiving their award, Mrs. Gardecki shared her oft repeated refrain, “Music gives a soul to the universe… wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

A Celebration of Service and Leadership

The Gardeckis and their fellow awardees embodied the message conveyed by the organizers: “Live a Life that Matters.” During the well-attended ceremony in the ballroom of the Marriott Fairview Park Hotel in Falls Church, GMHF also honored distinguished Filipino Americans for leadership and service in education, health, community service, and civic engagement, including pianist Klyde Ledamo, nurse Aimee Sarmiento, DJ Surdo Salanap, teacher Daisy Colina, engineer Roger Agbanlog, human rights activist Chester Regalado, and many, many others.

GMHF Community Advocacy

The organizers gave a fitting tribute to the generations of Filipino Americans who have helped build and strengthen America, as nurses, doctors, caregivers, teachers, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, in the military, as artists, professionals and public servants, all the while never forgetting the country that gave them their cultural identity.

Under the leadership of its Executive Directors, Jesse Gatchalian, Grace Divina Valera and Arnedo S. Valera, Esq., the Global Migrant Heritage Foundation’s primary goal is to advocate for the protection of the fundamental human rights of immigrants and their families. It has participated in the United Nations Youth Assembly and supported legal, medical and economic programs for Americans of Filipino origin. The foundation has also helped kababayans—fellow Filipinos—in distress, including people affected by human trafficking and domestic violence. More recently, GMHF expressed strong opposition to efforts to deny birthright citizenship.

Joining the Gardecki’s at their table were members of their family, Mark Stubis, WIPAC board director and national media executive, Author Qin Sun Stubis, Henri and Lisa Polgar, directors of the Panamerican-Panafrican Association, a United Nations NGO and Portia and Michael Davidson, distinguished former Presidents of the WIPAC Board. In accepting the award, Mrs. Gardecki stated, “Receiving this award gives a validation to our mission… we built a community that understands that music is not confined by age, profession, circumstance or career.”

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Musical Performances

It was remarkable to see the artistic talent presented at this celebration of 120 years of Filipino migration to the US and 128 years of Philippine independence.  It was a true testament of the richness of Filipino culture in the US across generations. Amongst the memorable performances were saxophonist Kyle Neis and singers Surdo Salanap, Trinity Bosley, and Savannah Salonga. Guest artists Carol Banawa and Aaron McLain also delivered a mesmerizing performance and Roy and Regina captivated the audience with their traditional Filipino dance.