Kris Lawrence among Top 100 Most Influential Filipinos

November 7 ------ Now in its 15th year, The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA), a US-based award-giving body founded in 2010 by Filipino journalist and community leader Elton Lugay, recognizes achievements in various fields worldwide, including public service, education, sports, fashion, pageantry, science, and entertainment.

Among Kris’ co-awardees were boxing champ Nonito Donaire, globally acclaimed actress Dolly de Leon, Queen of Soul Jaya, singer-actress Rachel Alejandro, and Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, among many others. “Honestly, kinilig ako!” Kris exclaimed upon hearing about the award for the first time.

He added, “It’s one thing to be recognized for your craft, but to be named among the Top 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the World—that’s a different kind of honor. I felt humbled, grateful, and emotional. It reminded me that every song, every show, every story I’ve shared had somehow touched lives beyond what I could see.”

Kris, whose singing career kicked off after winning the 2nd edition of the Search for Star In A Million (2006), also considers the following among his most cherished awards: Masked Singer Philippines season 2 grand champion (2024), Awit Awards “Most Downloaded Artist of the year, and “Most Downloaded Song of the Year” (2011, for his cover of “Careless Whisper”), Awit Awards Best RnB Recording (2010, 2015, 2018), RnB Album of the Year (2014, 2016) and RnB Artist of the Year (2014, 2016, 2024) at the 26th Star Awards for Music.

Asked to cite the criteria for his inclusion in the esteemed list, Kris elaborates, “From what I understand, it’s a combination of overall influence, achievements, consistency, and contribution to culture—both locally and internationally. I think it’s less about numbers and more about the impact behind them. Influence, for me, is about inspiring people to dream bigger, to believe in themselves, and to walk on purpose.”

Kris admits that being cited as a person of influence makes him even more aware (and mindful) of his values and moral compass, especially now that he’s a dad. He said, “Absolutely! The older I get, the more I realize that influence is responsibility. Now that I’m a dad, I want my kids to see that success isn’t just about fame or trophies—it’s about character, integrity, and how you make others feel. This recognition motivates me to keep growing, not just as an artist, but as a man and a proud father.”

Kris also can’t help but wax patriotic for being recognized by a US-based award-giving body, no less. He proudly shared, “Being born and raised in L.A. but choosing to build my career in the Philippines gave me the best of both worlds. Receiving this kind of recognition from a US-based organization makes me proud to represent what it means to be Filipino—our talent, resilience, and heart. Wherever I go, I carry that flag with me.”

As an interesting sidelight, an official afterparty/concert dubbed “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipino” was held the next day, Oct. 18, at the Orleans Hotel and Casino to honor the 100 awardees, featuring high-octane performances by Kris, Jaya, Nonoy Zuñiga, and other surprise celebrity guests. “That was such a vibe!” Kris recalled. “The energy there was like a big reunion—artists celebrating each other’s wins. The highlight for me was feeling the unity in the room, cheering and reminding the world that Filipino talent is world-class.”

Source: mb.com.ph