Thu, Jan 15, 2009
By Fatima Parel; Video Submitted by FalseVoice
All roads lead to the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila tonight as People Asia magazine honors its “People of the Year 2008 ” in glittering awards rites to be graced by the country’s movers and shakers.
The prestigious roster of awardees is led by former President Corazon Aquino as special awardee. The other awardees include Vice President Noli de Castro, Sen. Manny Villar, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Go Negosyo’s Joey Concepcion, “Megastar” Sharon Cuneta, Philippine National Red Cross governor Rosa Rosal, Century Properties Group head and Special Envoy to China Joey Antonio, Kuok Group-Philippines CEO Andy Bautista, social worker Dominique Lemay, fashion designer and social entrepreneur Rajo Laurel, and international singing sensation Charice Pempengco.
The magazine, which is also celebrating its ninth anniversary, launched the awards, a brainchild of the late STAR and People Asia publisher Max Soliven five years ago. The awards night has since become a much anticipated event at the start of every new year.
The special award, which goes this year to Mrs. Aquino, is a first for the magazine. As an icon of democracy, Mrs. Aquino’s inspiring story of courage and integrity continues to encourage and empower Filipinos as well as citizens of other nations from all walks of life.
De Castro rose from being a radio field reporter to TV Patrol anchor, earning the tag “Kabayan Noli” for being accessible to the people. The vice president is a frontrunner in surveys for “winnability” in the next presidential polls.
A “self-made” man, Sen. Manny Villar’s rags-to-riches story is a source of inspiration to millions. He was the biggest homebuilder in Asia before he threw his hat into the political ring. The first post-war House Speaker to have also become Senate president, he is also a frontrunner for the presidential polls.
The first woman US Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie Kenney’s people-oriented style of diplomacy has created stronger RP-US ties. Active, sociable and sports-oriented, Kenney has reached to many Filipinos from all walks of life, from Luzon to Mindanao.
With over 25 years in the political scene, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay certainly knows what public service is all about, and he continues to serve the people of Makati with the same zest as he did years before, making this city one of the most flourishing in the country.
Business is undoubtedly in his genes, and Go Negosyo’s Joey Concepcion has used his expertise to encourage Filipinos to start their own businesses. He has published several books on entrepreneurship that aim to spread the Go Negosyo mindset among Filipinos.
Mention the word “Megastar” and there’s only one face that will come to mind: Sharon Cuneta. The actress-singer has been through many hurdles but her grace, strength and of course, her unmatched talent has continued to endear her to her many fans through the years.
A visionary in real estate, Century Properties chairman Joey Antonio has led his company to great heights of success. Antonio tries to cultivate the real estate industry through education and has set up an academy for the purpose.
Holding two top positions in two different institutions is no mean feat, but FEU’s law dean and Kuok Group CEO Andy Bautista makes it look easy with the savvy way he balances his multifarious responsibilities.
Despite an uncertain future, Dominique Lemay left his beloved country of France two decades ago to make his way to the Philippines. To this day, the head of the Virlanie Foundation continues to help thousands of Filipino street children by giving them comfort, providing shelter and much-needed guidance in their lives.
Rosa Rosal came into the limelight as a dramatic actress with a flair for contravida roles. In real life, however, her beautiful face is matched by an equally beautiful and caring heart, saving the lives of countless Filipinos through her untiring work as governor of the Philippine National Red Cross.
Fashion maverick Rajo Laurel proves that high fashion is not only for the rich and famous, as he utilizes his talent to provide livelihood for the women of Payatas through his Rags2Riches line.
A star is definitely born in Charice Pempengco, a young lass from Laguna who makes the whole country proud by conquering the international stage, the only Filipino to have performed abroad with big stars like Celine Dion, Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli. She has been seen on international television in the Oprah Winfrey show and ellen.
The “People of the Year” awards will be hosted by Johnny Litton and Champagne Morales.
This year’s event sponsors include HSBC, Volvo, Thai Airways, Dockers San Francisco, Ever Bilena Gandang Pinay, International Container Terminal Services Inc., Eurocopter, Margarita King, Havaianas and The Philippine STAR.
Source link: philstar.com
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