‘Nurse the Dead’ team among honorees at Filipino-American awards gala

LOS ANGELES, California — The cast and production team of “Nurse the Dead,” an iWant original series filmed in Hollywood, were among those honored at the 2026 Legacy and Media Awards Gala organized by the Filipino American Press Club of California last October 10.

The gala recognized Filipino-Americans for their contributions to entertainment, healthcare, journalism and community service, as the United States observes Filipino American History Month this October. It also highlighted charitable initiatives supporting vulnerable communities in the Philippines.

Created by Fil-American filmmaker Mark Labella, the series features producer Marvin Aritrangco, lead actress Jelynn Malone, director Drea Castro, and actress Georgina Tolentino. 

Labella said the production was inspired by his experiences as a frontline worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“‘Nurse the Dead’ was based on a real experience. I was in the front lines during the pandemic, and we just really wanted to make a show about Filipino nurses,” Labella said. 

For Malone, the series also recognizes the sacrifices of Filipino healthcare workers and the values that define their service. 

“I just think that Filipino superpower is love, care, and service, which is why ‘Nurse the Dead’ is so important,” Malone said.

She also highlighted the global presence of Filipino nurses and the importance of recognizing their contributions. 

“There’s nurses all over the world from the Philippines. And so it’s truly rooted in love and care and service. And I think that the show represents that. Filipino culture represents that,” she added. 

Beyond healthcare, the series also explores the immigrant experience and the importance of family in Filipino culture. 

“‘Nurse the Dead’ is really about family and values and the resilience of the immigrant experience of Filipinos coming here and going after their dreams,” actress Georgina Tolentino said. 

Director Drea Castro emphasized that the production gives audiences an opportunity to see Filipino and Filipino American identities represented together on screen. 

“Makikita mo lahat ‘yung mga pagkatao natin as Filipino. Like our hospitality, pagmamahal natin, and ‘yung family dynamic natin dito as a Filipino American and Filipino,” Castro said. 

She added that the series portrays the experiences of Filipinos who leave their homeland to build new lives in countries such as the U.S. and Canada, offering audiences a perspective rarely represented in mainstream entertainment. 

Producer Marvin Aritrangco encouraged audiences to support Filipino productions. 

“Manood po kayo sa iWant. Suportahan n’yo po ang ‘Nurse the Dead,'” Aritrangco said. 

The gala also highlighted charitable initiatives addressing the needs of vulnerable communities in the Philippines. 

Jensen Quijanos, one of the founders of DarSen 12 Foundation, Inc., shared the organization’s efforts to establish a safe home for elderly Filipinos who have been left behind. 

Quijanos said the foundation works with Gabay sa Landas Foundation and Home for the Golden Gate to support the initiative. 

“We were given this award for tonight, Safe and Welcoming Home, because we are building a home for all the old men of the Philippines that are left behind,” Quijanos said. 

He encouraged others to become involved in the project and help provide care and support for elderly Filipinos in need. 

Meanwhile, Miss Philippines USA 2026 Lilith Brielle highlighted her advocacy for protecting children in the Philippines, particularly those affected by human trafficking. 

Through Gabriel’s Angels, she said her foundation organizes arts-related events and fundraising initiatives to support vulnerable children. 

“My advocacy this year has been protecting the rights of the children, the most in the Philippines,” Brielle said. 

She added that the foundation raises funds through community activities, particularly those involving the arts, to help children affected by human trafficking in the Philippines. 

For other awardees, the celebration was an opportunity to recognize the talents and contributions of Filipinos across different industries. 

“I think it’s very important to have events like this because it shows the people what the Filipino community can actually do and what we have, as our powers, our talents, our skills, and everything we can offer to the world,” Christopher Melendez said. 

Dr. Leo Abelita also emphasized the importance of Filipino immigrants representing their community positively. 

“This is very important for us immigrants here in the U.S. to be a good representation of who we are,” Abelita said. 

Another awardee highlighted the importance of recognizing Filipino American experiences, describing the ceremony as an opportunity to “uplift Filipino American stories and impact.”

Observed every October in the United States, Filipino American History Month recognizes the history, contributions, and achievements of Filipino Americans. 

Through the Legacy and Media Awards, FAPCCA brought attention not only to professional accomplishments but also to efforts that strengthen cultural representation and provide assistance to underserved communities. 

From Filipino storytelling in Hollywood to initiatives supporting vulnerable children and elderly Filipinos, the honorees demonstrated how recognition can extend beyond individual success and create meaningful change. 

The celebration underscored the continuing contributions of Filipinos abroad and the importance of preserving their heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.  — Photos by John Saavedra, ABS-CBN News