Art & Living Achievements

People Asia magazine one of the Philippines’ most respected publications honored 16 outstanding personalities in its “People of the Year” awards at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Since its inception in 2004, the People of Year awards gives recognition to exemplary individuals whose lives and achievements have contributed to society in a positive way.

The list of awardees includes GMA 7’s vice president for news Jessica Soho, a multi-awarded broadcast journalist whose popular program “Reunions” has reunited so many missing persons with their families; Charo Santos-Concio, host of the longest-running drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya and the first female president of giant network ABS-CBN; Rico Hizon, the only Filipino anchor for the British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC World News) whose website GoodNewsPilipinas.com has been spreading good news about Filipinos and the Philippines as a counterpoint to the negative publicity about the country and its people; and veteran journalist and Manila Overseas Press Club chairman emeritus Emil Jurado who has been wielding his pen to amuse, exasperate and deliver exposes from the time of President Elpidio Quirino up to the present.

Also in on list of awardees is 2009 CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida, an ordinary individual whose extraordinary approach in educating street kids via his “Kariton Classroom” has given hope to thousands of Filipino children by providing them with basic education and diverting their attention from joining street gangs and petty crime groups. Other distinguished awardees whose achievements have significantly contributed to society in so many include Rustan Marketing Corporation president Nedy Tantoco; Taguig City First Lady Kaye Tinga; Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera; Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres; former Sofitel GM Bernd Schneider; art patron Mita Rufino and “fashion prince” Inno Sotto.

Also on the honor roll are presidential candidates Sen. Noynoy Aquino and former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro who have been attracting a lot of media attention not only because they are on the opposite sides of the political fence but also because they happen to be cousins. We will also be honoring Manny “The Pacman” Pacquiao, the most popular Filipino in the world today whose historic defeat of Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto made him the first and only boxer so far to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions. Another Filipino boxing champion who gives pride and honor to this country is current WBA super flyweight champion Nonito “the Filipino Flash” Donaire whose humility continues to inspire fellow Filipinos.

The awarding ceremony was emceed by Johnny Litton and Korina Sanchez, featuring performances by “popstar princess” Sarah Geronimo and the all-male singing group, The Angelos. The awards night also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the magazine, which was founded by the late STAR founding chairman Max Soliven.

People Asia also handed out special awards to modern-day heroes who surfaced during storm “Ondoy”: Quezon City Judge Ralph Lee, the “jetski judge;” and actors Jericho Rosales and Gerald Anderson, who risked their lives to rescue flood victims. People Asia posthumously honors Muelmar Magallanes, who gave his life saving dozens during the deluge.

Special awards were also given to the province of Camarines Sur, led by Gov. LRay Villafuerte as the “Top Destination of the Year;” Nivat Chantarachoti, general manager of Thai Airways; Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, whose programs have been helping uplift the lives of farmers; Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias Romero; Sarah Geronimo, who will be given special recognition for her achievements in the field of entertainment; and the Singapore Airlines A380, the “Oasis in the Sky.”

 

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4. UST singers win honors in Choral Fest in Ireland
5. Efren Penaflorida is CNN Hero of the Year!

 

 

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