Two Filipinas, Jasmine Cruz and Dorie Paniza, were awarded Daly City, California’s 2015 highest honors given to residents.
Cruz was cited the Youth of the Year. The 13-year old has received many recognitions performing around the world as a trained dancer in classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, tap.
She was in the Homecoming Gala of Ballet Philippines 45th Anniversary in Manila.
Talking about her award to ABSCBN news Cruz said, “I’m really honored and excited. It’s just a general adrenaline rush really because this is a really big thing for me.”
“I’m again, really honored because the fact that I have the opportunity to show that we can do this and we have the talent and the drive to do it is really amazing,” Cruz added.
Paniza was recognized as Citizen of the Year for dedicating herself to promote awareness in the Filipino American community as Daly City’s Culture and Arts Commissioner and President of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County.
In response to the honor Paniza said, “I still feel overwhelmed and also happy and grateful for being awarded Citizen of the Year for Daly City. I also feel satisfied now and proud for my mom that I’m her daughter.”
“Daly City is well-known as a Filipino community,” added Paniza. “Now is the time that all the Filipinos should unite and work together to be proud that we are Filipino not just here in Daly City but all over the world.”
The two exemplary Filipinas were awarded by Daly City Mayor and Fil-American Ray Buenventura.
