Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awardees 2026

Magic Toothies Honoured with the Filipino-Kiwi Hero Award 2026

Creative Artists of the Year – Children's Authors

Auckland Showgrounds | 6 June 2026

To God be the glory.

On 6 June 2026 at the Auckland Showgrounds, my husband and I were honoured to jointly receive the Filipino Kiwi Hero Award 2026 for Creative Artists of the Year – Children's Authors, organised by Filipino News NZ. They have been recognising Filipinos making meaningful contributions since 2014. Thank you for believing in us. Maraming salamat po to Sir Mel, Ma'am Shiela and Director Ricky. filipinoheroes.co.nz

This award carries special meaning for us as children's authors because it comes from our community's own voice. Filipino News NZ is Aotearoa's only Filipino newspaper since 2000, and has recognised more than 150 community leaders through the Hero Awards. Receiving it during the Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Auckland Showgrounds, alongside musicians, business owners and youth advocates, affirms that storytelling for Kiwi-Filipino tamariki is seen as real cultural work that helps keep our language and identity alive.

Our whole family travelled from Wellington. My husband and I drove so we could bring our two fur babies, TokTok and Babie, because they are part of the family too. Dogs were not allowed inside the venue, so they stayed at a nearby motel while we received the award. We set up a pet monitor to check on them during the ceremony.

We were also given a space to feature our books for everyone at the event. Thank you to everyone who took the time to support us. We are so grateful. We made new friends and connections.

It was a pleasant surprise to be nominated by Ryan and his wife Mitchie Simangan, one of the hosts of Wairarapa Fiesta Radio Station. We were deeply touched by their nomination, which highlighted our contribution to Kiwi-Filipino tamariki and how Magic Toothies connects culture and language across our multi-platform work.

We want to thank our daughters Jen K, Javrielle and Maria Jennifer, TokTok and Babie, Mama Ladelle, Mommy Lydia and Daddy Rico, and all our friends and family for your support.

We also want to thank our growing Magic Toothies family, our subscribers and followers who inspire us to keep going.

Thank you to Sami, Mark Ryan, Sidney, Nikki, Arianne and E. people behind Magic Toothies for your help and support.

We are deeply honoured to receive this award. It comes with great responsibility and care. With God's guidance, we will do our best to bring joy and wonder, help our kids foster meaningful connections, and nurture a generation of proud Kiwi-Filipinos.

Maraming salamat for trusting and supporting Magic Toothies. Mabuhay tayong lahat! God bless us all.