World Class Excellence Japan Awards Celebrates a Decade of Impact, Honoring Visionaries, Icons

Emma Cordero, international singer and philanthropist.

World Class Excellence Japan Awards Celebrates a Decade of Impact, Honoring Visionaries, Icons

By Obette A. Serrano – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 17, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The 10th World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA) is set to host a powerful celebration of achievement, recognizing an exceptional cohort of leaders, philanthropists, and trailblazers across diverse fields. 

On June 18, 2026, at the Heritage Hotel Manila, luminaries from entertainment, public service, business, media, education, tourism, and philanthropy will gather to be honored for their profound contributions to society and their unwavering commitment to excellence.

Founded by international singer and philanthropist Emma Cordero, the WCEJA marks its tenth anniversary, a testament to its enduring mission: to acknowledge individuals and organizations whose accomplishments elevate their respective fields and inspire positive change globally.

This year’s ceremony will posthumously honor two titans of Philippine culture. The legendary National Artist Nora Aunor will be bestowed with the World-Class Icon of Philippine Cinema and Performing Arts Award 2026, a fitting tribute to her unparalleled legacy. 

Her son, Ian de Leon, will accept the award. Joining her in posthumous recognition is the iconic Pilita Corrales, who will receive the World-Class Queen of Songs Lifetime Achievement Award 2026, celebrating her timeless influence on music.

The awards will also spotlight distinguished figures in government and public service:

• Ben “Bitag” Tulfo will be recognized with the Champion of Truth and Accountability Award.
• PAO Chief Persida Acosta receives the Excellence in Justice and Public Advocacy Award 2026.
• Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando is honored with the People’s Governor Excellence Award.
• Florentino Macawile is named Public Servant and Performer Award 2026.
• Sam Verzosa garners the Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Public Service Award.

Further accolades extend to:

• Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, World-Class Outstanding Multimedia Lawyer 2026.
• Dr. Milagros Olivarez Borabien, Distinguished Filipino Physician.
• Rogelio F. Cruz Jr., Outstanding International Math Teacher 2026.
• Rhodora Yoshitake, Outstanding International Entrepreneur and Philanthropist 2026.
• PDG Leonida Bayani Ortiz, World-Class Women Empowerment and Civic Leader Excellence Award 2026.
• Mark Paul Sepe, Outstanding Male Environment Advocate and Philanthropist 2026.

The media sector will see a powerful recognition of its influential voices:

• Fernando de Guzman, Leadership Award for Media Excellence 2026.
• Juvy de Guzman, Most Outstanding Broadcaster and Philanthropist 2026.
• Joey Capisonda, Most Outstanding Political Vlogger 2026.
• Noel S. Asinas, Outstanding Social Media Influencer in Entertainment and Business 2026.
• Obette Serrano, Outstanding International Director, Media and Philanthropist 2026.
• Rafael S. Chico, Most Outstanding Host and Service Excellence Advocate 2026.
• Rodel Ocampo Fernando, Most Outstanding Writer 2026.
• Vivian R. Yjares, Most Outstanding Notable Public Servant 2026.
• Victoria C. Cancio, Lifetime Achievement Award 2026.

Institutional recognition includes PTV Channel 4 as Outstanding TV Network of the Year 2026 and Rise and Shine Pilipinas as Outstanding Morning Show of the Year 2026. Zara Lopez will be celebrated as Popular Female Vlogger of the Year.

The entertainment realm will honor a galaxy of stars for their compelling performances:

• Angel Aquino, Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series.
• Ara Mina, Most Outstanding Versatile Actress 2026.
• Katrina Halili, Best Actress in a TV Series for Mommy Dearest.
• Maui Taylor, Outstanding and Empowered Actress of the Year.
• Mon Confiado, Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series for Totoy Bato.
• Rio Locsin, Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series for The Master Cutter.
• Sid Lucero, Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series for My Bespren Emman.

Filmmaking excellence is also acknowledged with Mike Miguel Magat receiving Best International Director–Japan 2026 for Seven Days, and Romm Burlat named Asia’s Best Director 2026.

Music and the performing arts will resonate with the recognition of:

• Darius Razon, Asia’s King of Ballads 2026.
• Gloria Kelley, Outstanding Timeless Songstress of the Year.
• Benz Llavore, Most Outstanding Composer of the Year 2026.
• Joe Trapani, International Choreographer of the Year.
• Aileen Grace Papin, Outstanding Female Balladeer of the Year.
• Jam Leviste, OPM Rising Star of the Year.
• Jocelyn “Meg” Ganzon, Outstanding Jazz Singer and Philanthropist 2026.
• Garry Cruz, Outstanding Recording Artist of the Year.
• Liam Pangilinan, Most Outstanding Recording Artist of the Year.
• Shane Anas, The Rising Voice Award for Excellence 2026.
• Borj Papin, Most Promising Recording Artist.
• Kirk Galendez, Most Promising Recording Artist of the Year.
• Zac P. Carrion, Promising Pop Artist and Performer 2026.

The awards will also celebrate beauty queens and cultural ambassadors, whose grace and advocacy inspire:

• Imelda Papin, Ms. Kawanggawa–Charity Queen 2026.
• Catherine Yogi, World-Class Queen Universe 2026.
• Alicia Davac Paelmo, Outstanding Beauty Queen and Philanthropist of the Year.
• Maffi Papin Carrion, World-Class Tourism Queen.
• Charles Belinario, Outstanding Prince of WCEJA 2026.
• Hanayagi Hakukoma, Outstanding Beauty Queen and Japanese Cultural Dance Instructor.
• Mary Flor Macawile, Outstanding Beauty Queen 2026.
• Yolanda Suematsu, Outstanding Beauty Queen 2026.

Cordero emphasized that the anniversary celebration underscores a decade of recognizing unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication that has significantly shaped industries and uplifted communities.