Search is on for TOYM 2013

MANILA, Philippines - When businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan found himself swarmed by economic journalists on the sidelines of the launch of the Ten Outstanding Young Men  (TOYM) 2013 Awards, his face lit up only on one topic, the TOYM awarding itself.

 Pangilinan gamely answered prodding journalists’ questions on his various ventures – from telecommunications to power distribution – but it was the TOYM itself that he enjoyed talking about the most.

“Thanks for the TOYM question,” he said in jest.

 Pangilinan is the chairman of the TOYM Foundation, which last month launched the search for the country’s best and brightest young men and women for 2013.

 This year’s TOYM Award officially opened nominations at a formal launch held at the Meralco Lighthouse in Pasig on June 24, 2013, with this year’s theme of “Heroes need heroes.”

 â€œWe’re a country of heroes. Everyday, you see and read stories of Filipinos marking new milestones, conquering challenges and marching forward amidst adversity. This year, we asked ourselves, “How do we inspire a nation of heroes?” Well, you give them their own heroes – people they can emulate and who can inspire them to do greater things,” Pangilinan said.

 The venture is a landmark project of the Junior Chamber International Philippines, sponsored by the TOYM Foundation and the Gerry Roxas Foundation, Inc.

 JCI Philippines national president Ryan Ravanzo, for his part said the TOYM Awards’ enduring prestige is the rigorous selection process.

 â€œIn choosing the awardees, the TOYM selection committee upholds the JCI creed ‘service to humanity’ is the best work in life.’ Essentially, we are looking for the complete Filipino men and women who serve as icons and inspirations for our youth. Our past awardees include some of the country’s finest statesmen, artists, academicians, scientists, athletes, community workers and entrepreneurs, among other outstanding Filipinos,” he said during the launch.

During the launch, newly-elected and re-elected Senators who are former TOYM awardees graced the event. These are Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Francis Escudero and Paulo Benigno Aquino.

The deadline for this year’s awards is on September 30, 2013. Awardees will receive a trophy designed by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva, himself a TOYM awardee.

“TOYM Awards is indeed a celebration of our collective ingenuity and humanity as a nation. I am hopeful that more young, passionate and highly skilled Filipinos will rise to the call for a new breed of heroes,” Pangilinan said.