The Gawad Kasambahay awards. ARCHIVE

The Gawad Kasambahay 2024, an annual awards program that celebrates the contributions of Filipino household workers in the UAE, has entered its final stages with the shortlisting of nominees. On Wednesday (September 25), the organizers announced that shortlisting of nominees is now ongoing, marking a key milestone in the search for the best Filipino household worker in the country. In celebration of this development, a Facebook Live show will be held at 8pm, featuring prominent Filipino influencers such as Jhelai, Yadz, Rachel in Dubai, and Junie Sorsani. The event will also be joined by Gawad Kasambahay judge Dr. Nino Miranda Decenorio, who will provide updates on the nominees and upcoming phases of the awards. The live event promises to engage the Filipino community in the UAE, further boosting the excitement surrounding the awards. Nominees will soon undergo a series of interviews and career development programs designed to prepare them for the grand culmination of the event. The winners will be announced during a gala night on October 26, where the outstanding individuals and their supportive employers will be honored for their contributions to their families and society. Founded by Michelle Guinto, Gawad Kasambahay seeks to recognize the hard work and dedication of Filipino household workers, while also honoring exemplary employers. "This initiative is our way of appreciating the invaluable contributions of our kasambahays. We aim to give them the recognition they deserve and highlight the importance of employers who treat them as family," Guinto said during the awards launch, held at the B-Hub in BurJuman Mall. This year's awards, presented by BalikBayayan Store and Event Partner FilVision, feature multiple categories, including Household Manager of the Year, Kasambahay Achiever of the Year, and Nanny of the Year. Special categories such as Exemplary Employer of the Year, Loyalty Award of the Year, and Kasambahay Idol of the Year will also honor household workers and their employers. Winners will receive a range of prizes, including business class tickets to the Philippines and cash rewards. Past awardees include Rose Bella, who was named Household Manager of the Year in 2019, and Marissa Postre, who earned the Loyalty Award after 38 years of service. Gawad Kasambahay has seen overwhelming participation, with more than 2,000 applications submitted from across the UAE in 2023 alone. ICA/Expat Media
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