Gwen among Cebu execs chosen as Asia’s Golden Icons

CEBU, Philippines — At least four local chief executives from Cebu, led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, have been honored as Asia’s golden icons.

The more than 200 awardees from all over Asia also include Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, JV Ejercito, and Robinhood Padilla.

Garcia was recognized by the Golden Icon Awards 2023 as Asia’s Good Governance Icon of the Millennium Female Icon 2023.

The lady governor, however, did not show up to receive her award. Her cousin, Karen Fiel Tio, and daughter-in-law, Michelle Garcia, received the award for her.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama was awarded as Asia's Environmental Advocate, and Remarkable Mayor in Exceptional Administration. Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad was chosen as Asia's Outstanding Mayor in Cultural Development and Economic Innovation while Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado was awarded as Asia's Dynamic Leader in Municipal Welfare.

Gatchalian was awarded as Asia's Excellent Leader in Public Service while Ejercito was recognized as Asia's Icon in Legislative Service.

Padilla was awarded as Asia's Advocate of Peace for Upright Governance.

Gatchalian and Ejercito were both thankful for the recognition.

French Consul and Cebuano businessman Michel Lhuillier, who owns over 3,500 M. Lhuillier pawnshops all over the country and abroad, was awarded as Asia's Business Icon of the Millennium.

In his speech, Lhuillier was thankful for the recognition of his hardwork and hopes he can be an inspiration to everyone.

Other Cebuano politicians who were also recipients of the Asia’s Golden Icon Awards include Ako Bisaya Partylist Rep. Sonny Lagon and Cebu Sixth District Provincial Board Member Glenn Soco.

Cebuano businessman Israel D. Alin was awarded as Asia's Dynamic Chief Executive Officer in Logistics. Alin is the CEO of ALiN Group of Companies.

Sugbo Macchiato was awarded as Asia's Best and Most Affordable Iced Coffee while its owner, Mark Noval,

was awarded as Asia’s Most Distinguished Business Leader.

Cebu-based DMY Weddings, Events, Services and Productions owned by Jay-r Yosores was awarded as Asia's Finest Business in Events Industry.

Cebuana fashion designer, Maria Elena Gabaya, was awarded as Asia's Elite Designer for Promoting Contemporary Fashion Designs; Michael Flores as Asia's Trusted and Excellent Car Trader; and Pamilya Abilla as Asia's Inspirational Content Creator in New Digital Media.

The Queen Mother of Cebu Organization was awarded as Asia's Charitable Organization in Promoting Excellent Advocacy in Youth and Community.

There were also international awardees coming from Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, United Arab of Emirates, among others, who came to Cebu City to receive their respective awards.

This annual event is a prestigious international award inspired and established by the joint initiative of the members of the Awards Council who share the same ideals and passion.

According to Celebrity Entrepreneur, Dr. Ronnel Ybañez, chairman of the award giving body, this event aims to recognize, appreciate and inspire outstanding individuals or organizations who made remarkable impacts in their field of expertise within their sectors.

Ybañez said that their selection of winners was carefully selected by the five members of the Awards Council, who evaluate and screen the nominations.

The five members are composed of Aida Patana, reigning Mrs. Tourism Ambassador Universe 2022 and Cebuana entrepreneur; Atty. Abdol Bryan Barte, managing partner of Barte Law Office and President and CEO of Topspot Ads and Property Management; Dr. Alim Fatani Sultan Abdul Malik, national president of Ulama and Imam of the Philippines Association; TESDA deputy director-general Vidal D. Villanueva III; Nelson Sarapuddin, national president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Philippine Eagle Inc.

“The objective of the giving of awards is meant to encourage and to inspire individuals and institutions of their advocacies who make a remarkable impact in our society,” Ybañez said adding “this is for a better community, a stronger nation and a brighter future”. — (FREEMAN)