On December 16th, I had the incredible opportunity to attend my first-ever Unforgettable Gala at the prestigious Beverly Hilton hotel. Stepping onto the expansive red carpet left me in awe of the grandeur of the event. Little did I know, Unforgettable Gala was celebrating its remarkable 21st year, which I only discovered through an entertainment trade paper.
This exclusive black-tie affair, accessible by invitation only, pays homage to Asian Pacific Islander (API) celebrities, influencers, and leaders who have made profound contributions to the realms of entertainment, arts, and culture. The evening was gracefully hosted by Simu Liu, renowned for his roles in “Barbie” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings“.
The gala honored emerging talents of rising stars such as Charles Melton, awarded Actor in Film for his role in “May December”, Steven Yeun, recognized as Actor in TV for “Beef”, Greta Lee, celebrated as Breakout in Film for “Past Lives”, and “Young Mazino”, lauded as Breakout in TV for “Beef”.
With over 700 distinguished guests in attendance, including influential entertainers, leaders, and representatives of API-led brands and businesses, the gala exuded elegance and significance. Notably, this year marked a pivotal moment as Unforgettable Gala embraced a global perspective, expanding its international reach.
Looking ahead, Unforgettable Gala aims to broaden its awards categories to acknowledge even more deserving international members of the API community, further solidifying its position as a beacon of recognition and celebration.
On the red carpet, I had the pleasure of speaking with these talented individuals about their thoughts on being a part of the 21st Unforgettable Gala and which guests they were eager to meet. From IAM Tongi to the trio of remarkable actresses who portrayed Kims in Miss Saigon, to Tia Carrera, the atmosphere was electric with excitement and anticipation, setting the stage for an evening brimming with unforgettable encounters and cherished moments.
IAM Tongi (American Idol winner, Performer)
Ruchel: What are your thoughts of being here at Unforgettable
IAM: It’s pretty cool to be here and it’s amazing to have this opportunity
Ruchel: How are you handling it?
IAM: I’ve been practicing and I’m ready for the singing coming up next
Joan Almadilla (Musician/Actor, Kim in “Miss Saigon”, Performer)
Ruchel: How do you feel about performing on stage tonight around talented actors?
Joan: First of all, we are representing different countries, cultures and different smiles. I feel very proud to be here as a Filipino wearing the clothing with a modern twist. I’m so happy to be here because music is always a part of our lives. That’s how we take out the anger, like unfortunately typhoons and stuff. What do we do? We put a group together to sing together. It’s all music. And to be here tonight to represent, to open the show with Broadway songs, we want to bring people to Broadway and watch more live shows. I am performing with two of my beautiful friends. We all did Ms. Saigon. We were all Kims. We also have a group named Mama Bears. And so, we are performing, and that was one of the reasons why I was like “Yes! I’ll do it.”
Zelda Williams (Director, “Lisa Frankenstein”)
Ruchel: How do you feel about being here tonight in Unforgettable gala?
Zelda: First time in Unforgettable. This is amazing and crazy. I’ve never gotten through a carpet quite this long. It’s wonderful. To be around this many of my peers is also so nice. You don’t really get that opportunity otherwise.
James Ryu (Founder of “Unforgettable”, Opening Remarks)
Ruchel: How do you feel being here tonight and celebrating the 21st year of Unforgettable?
James: This year is very special. It’s our 21st year. It feels very surreal to see that we have developed to this wonderful event that media loves and wants to come and participate and just have a great time.
Ruchel: Is there anybody you’d love to meet that you haven’t met in the past years?
James: Well, I’m a big sports fan, Michelle Wie first time coming here to present the award and I’m looking forward to that. The first time I saw her she was 14 and now she’s about 33.”
Jennifer Paz, Musician/Actor, Kim in “Miss Saigon” (Performer)
Ruchel: Ruchel: How do you feel about being here tonight?
Jennifer Paz: This is my first time. I’m very excited to be here. I am grateful. We’re representing API (Asian and Pacific Islander) Theater Makers which is I think it’s a little long overdue. I was like, let’s do this in honor of API Tony Award winners. So that’s what we’re doing. We’re doing a nice homage to them.
Ruchel: Is there anybody you’d like to meet here in UNFO?
Jennifer: I’m excited to meet Simu Liu. I was told Simu’s gonna be introducing us and I’m so excited about that. I have a ten-year-old son. When I told him that, he said “Mommy can you please tell Simu that I say hello?” I’m also excited to meet Adele Lim and Charles Melton.
DeeDee Magno Hall, Musician/Actor, Kim in “Miss Saigon” (Performer)
Ruchel: How do you feel about being here tonight?
DeeDee: It’s my second time performing at UNFO. It’s been a few years. I can’t even remember the year that I was here last. I think the older I get, the more butterflies I get. I don’t know why. It shows that I still care (ha ha ha). I grew up with a lot of music in my household. But I feel so grateful to be amongst my sisters especially from Ms. Saigon and how we are connected. We all played same character, Kim. But Joan was my predecessor on broadway. I got to replaced her. She was tough shoes to fill. I’m just grateful that we remain friends for so many years.
Ruchel: Who do you want to meet?
Dee Dee: I don’t know exactly who’s gonna be here? I get so starstruck. I hope to try to keep my composure. But there are people who I am fan and also friends of like Reggie Lee and Jon Jon Briones. This is such a treat to be here. I’m very thankful.
Justin Chien, Actor, “The Brothers Sun” on Netflix
Ruchel: How do you feel being part of The Brothers Sun and being here tonight?
Justin: It’s my first TV role and first to be part of UNFO. I feel really grateful that I got to be part of it. I’m stoked.
Ruchel: How was working with the academy award winner Michelle Yeoh?
Justin: It was amazing. Michelle is warm, she’s kind and she’s down to earth. She’s a really kick ass actor. It’s so easy when you get to know people like that. It’s a dream come true.
Ruchel: What are your thoughts being here in UNFO?
Justin: I’m honored. To be part of something like this, to be invited to be here, it’s a tremendous honor.
R’Bonney Gabriel, Model, Miss USA (Trophy Presenter)
Ruchel: How do you feel to be here?
R’Bonney: It’s my first time. I’m happy to be here. I’m excited. I’m actually handing the trophy so it’s quite an honor. To be able to share the stage in a short moment w/ incredible talent. It’s very inspiring. I love the energy in this room.
Jean Shim (Director) A Great Divide
Ruchel: How do you feel about being here tonight? Is it your first time here?
Jean: I’ve been here before but I think it was much smaller many many years ago, not as big and glamorous as now. Unforgettable Gala is getting bigger and bigger, It’s really a force. I’m excited because I directed a film.
Ruchel:: Who do you look forward to see?
Jean: I don’t know who’s coming to be honest. I just kinda want to see the people I worked with.
Tia Carrere, Actor, “Easter Sunday” (Presenter)
Ruchel: How do you feel being here?
Tia: First time ever. It’s exciting. Kelly Hu invited me. Kelly’s got a girl gang. Kelly got a whole table of girls. I’m making sure that I don’t drink too much Japanese whisky cause I still have to talk on stage (ha ha ha).
Ruchel: Who do you want to meet?
Tia: I’m excited to meet Iam (Iam Tongi). I’m gonna be presenting him on stage.
Kelly Hu, Actor “The Orville”
Ruchel: Is this your first time at UNFO?
Kelly: Oh no, I’ve been going since they had it here at The Beverly Hilton. I’m a seasoned veteran (ha ha ha).
Ruchel: Is there anybody you’d like to meet here?
Kelly: You know all of my friends are here. It’s been such a great night. I’ve met just about every Asian actor in the business. I’ve been doing this for 37 years and loving every single moment of it. Unforgettable has been supporting the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community for decades.
Ruchel: What’s in the pipeline?
Kelly: I’m in the third season of BMF on Stars and will be premiering on March 3. I was in the second season which aired last year (2022). It’s been amazing. It’s been a great ride.
To learn more about “Unforgettable Gala”, click here.
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