About
Hi, I am Esmeralda Padilla-Gould
TV Host • Producer • Recording Artist • Beauty Queen • Community Advocate
Born into the Philippines’ Padilla showbiz family, I carry a love for entertainment and a passion for creating opportunities for others. From the Philippines to Las Vegas, my journey has been guided by faith, creativity, and purpose.
Since beginning as a newscaster on ACTV’s Asian News in 2017, I have hosted and produced shows including Music Planet, Music Asia, Culture Clash, and VegasVibes Junction. I am the creator, host, and executive producer of INSPIRED VOICES: Where Inspired Songs Are Heard, a platform for independent artists to share their original music and the stories behind it.
I am also co-executive producer of Maid to Shine, written and directed by Giovannie Espiritu—a project especially close to my heart, with my son, Kenneth Gould, appearing as Miguel.
As a recording artist, my songs celebrate love, hope, and connection. I wrote the music and lyrics for “Smile Forevermore,” with music arranged and produced by Leandro Mena. My releases “Christmas Is Love,” “Sa Bawat Pasko,” “New Year Na Naman,” and “Sana’y Laging Ikaw” feature music and lyrics by Jimmy Borja, with music arranged and produced by Raizo Chabeldin. “STAY” features music and lyrics by Jeffrey Gould and Tom Tiedman, with music also arranged and produced by Raizo Chabeldin.
In 2020, during the pandemic, I was chosen to interpret “Prayer of Love” in both English and Spanish. Composed by Master Ted Sun and translated into multiple languages, the song offered a message of hope, compassion, and unity during a time of uncertainty. I recorded my versions in Las Vegas, and the song was released in Taiwan and other parts of Asia, reaching audiences across borders with a message of love and solidarity.
Beyond entertainment, service remains at the heart of my work. I am a former president of the Las Vegas Spring Valley Lions Club, former Vice President and COO of FilAmTV Network, and Editor-in-Chief of The Fil-American Post, where I spotlight people and stories that inspire. I also proudly hold the title of Mrs. Asian Las Vegas 2014.
My purpose is simple: to uplift others, create space for talent, and use my voice to make a difference.
FASHION AND MODELING
- Modeled for French designers Anne Fontaine and Louisa Voisine at “Derby by the Lake” in Lake Las Vegas — May 7, 2016.
- Invited model for the Kenneth Barlis fashion show in San Diego, California — October 2014.
- Mrs. Asian Las Vegas — 2014–2015.
Music and Performing Arts
- Former member of the Our Lady of Las Vegas Church Filipino Choir.
- Singer for several nonprofit organizations in Las Vegas.
- Songwriter and recording artist with six original releases:
- “Smile Forever” — Music and lyrics by Esmeralda Padilla-Gould; music arranged and produced by Leandro Mena.
- “Christmas Is Love” — Music and lyrics by Jimmy Borja and Bing Migrino Mende; music arranged and produced by Raizo Chabeldin.
- “Sa Bawat Pasko” — Music and lyrics by Jimmy Borja; music arranged by Dante Tanedo and produced by Raizo Chabeldin.
- “New Year Na Naman” — Music and lyrics by Jimmy Borja; music arranged by Dante Tanedo and produced by Raizo Chabeldin.
- “Sana’y Laging Ikaw” — Music and lyrics by Jimmy Borja; music arranged by Bobby Velasco and produced by Raizo Chabeldin.
- “STAY” — Music and lyrics by Jeffrey Gould and Tom Tiedman; music arranged and produced by Raizo Chabeldin.
- Chosen in 2020 to interpret “Prayer of Love,” composed by Master Ted Sun, in English and Spanish. Recorded in Las Vegas and released in Taiwan and other parts of Asia, the song shares a message of hope, compassion, and unity.
- Opening act for Jed Madela’s two concerts in Las Vegas — October 25, 2015, and February 14, 2016.
- Opening act for JayR and Kris Lawrence’s 2016 World Tour Original Music Only concert in Las Vegas — July 2, 2016.
- Product Advocate and Director for the Melaleuca Las Vegas team. Invited to sing at the convention’s “Talent Show,” attended by 10,000 people in Salt Lake City, Utah — May 15, 2015.
- Winner of “Best Voice Female” at the Rumi World Music Awards — 2016.
Aviation and Travel
- Former Flight Attendant for Saudia Airlines
Writing and Broadcasting
- Creator, TV Host, and Executive Producer of INSPIRED VOICES: Where Inspired Songs Are Heard — a platform for independent artists to share their original songs and the stories behind them.
- Co-Executive Producer of Maid to Shine — an original romantic comedy series written and directed by Giovannie Espiritu.
- Editor-in-Chief of The Fil-American Post — highlighting inspiring individuals and stories from the community and beyond.
- TV Host and Producer of VegasVibes Junction — 2017–present.
- TV Host and Producer of VegasVibes at ACTV.
- TV Host and Executive Producer of Culture Clash at ACTV.
- TV Host and Producer of Music Asia at ACTV.
- TV Host and Producer of Music Planet at ACTV.
- Newscaster on Asian News at ACTV — 2017.
- Contributing Writer for MANILA UP Magazine — June 2016.
Leadership and Community Service
- President, Wellness Enhancers International Foundation — 2018.
- Recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award for Most Outstanding Humanitarian Service — April 2017.
- President-Elect, Las Vegas Spring Valley Lions Club — July 1, 2016–June 30, 2017.
- Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman for International Affairs, Wellness Enhancers International — 2015.
- Philanthropist of the Year, Wellness Enhancers International — 2015.
- Director of Membership, Las Vegas Spring Valley Lions Club — 2014.
- Received a Certificate of Recognition for sponsoring a children’s feeding program and providing donations to Balud Elementary School in Cebu City, Philippines.
Awards and Recognition
- Best TV Host — Filipino American Press Club of California (FAPCCA) Media Awards, 2024.
- Thomas Jefferson Award for Most Outstanding Humanitarian Service — April 2017.
- Best Voice Female — Rumi World Music Awards, 2016.
- Philanthropist of the Year — Wellness Enhancers International, 2015.
- Crowned Mrs. Asian Las Vegas — 2014.
- Best in Costume — Mrs. Asian Las Vegas 2014 Pageant.
