Carol Banawa was among the Filipino and Filipino-American personalities recognized at this year’s Heritage People’s Ball in Virginia, where she received the Most Outstanding Migrant Award on September 19.
The recognition came as Banawa continues her professional career in the United States, far removed from the Philippine entertainment industry where she first became known.
Banawa is now a Family Nurse Practitioner, having progressed through several healthcare roles after moving to the US. Her professional path included work as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse before she reached her current role.
She has also continued her education in nursing, recently marking the completion of a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
At the awards event, Banawa was part of a wider group of Filipino and Filipino-American honorees recognized for contributions in various fields. Organizers listed 32 awardees for this year’s gathering.
Her recognition adds a new distinction to a career that began with singing and acting in the Philippines before taking a professional turn in healthcare in the United States.
Banawa acknowledged the award in a social media post, thanking those who supported her and dedicating the recognition to migrants who have left their home countries in pursuit of new opportunities.
For Filipino audiences familiar with Banawa as an OPM and television personality, the award marks a notable addition to the name they have known for decades—this time for work carried out beyond the entertainment stage.