Stellar People of the Year
MANILA, Philippines – It’s the time of the year that PeopleAsia, through its prestigious “People of the Year” awards — a tradition the magazine started 12 years ago — recognizes and honors outstanding men and women who not only amaze and inspire but also empower others.
Year after year, People of the Year’s line-up of awardees has never failed to impress, as they are all worth emulating because of their passion and dedication.
The People of the Year awards held last Monday at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, which also marked PeopleAsia’s 17th year, glittered with well-heeled guests from the diplomatic corps, business, entertainment and social circles.
Welcoming guests were PeopleAsia publisher and CEO Babe Romualdez, associate publisher Kevin Belmonte and editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, who was stunning in a Rhett Eala number.
“Seventeen years ago, we launched our magazine with feature stories of people from all walks of life. Today, PeopleAsia has become the most popular glossy magazine in the country with our loyal readers looking forward to every issue knowing that they will find stories that would motivate and inspire, warm the heart and encourage them to believe that they can excel and be the best that they can ever be,” Babe Romualdez said in his welcome remarks.
For his part, Sofitel Philippine Plaza area general manager Adam Laker noted, “Tonight is about a fantastic group of people that are being recognized by an amazing magazine. We are very proud to be associated with this publication and we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the most fantastic people here in the Philippines for People of the Year.”
The night’s ambience was set by the Marcy David Orchestra, which accompanied world-class singer Cocoy Laurel with his heartfelt performance of the night’s theme, People. People of the Year awardee Regine Velasquez-Alcasid also performed a rendition of one of her beloved hits, On the Wings of Love. The program was emceed by PeopleAsia beauty editor Bianca Valerio.
Babe Romualdez, together with Sara Soliven de Guzman, daughter of the late STAR publisher and PeopleAsia founding chairman Max Soliven and People of the Year awardee Ambassador Preciosa Soliven, presented the Max Soliven Lifetime Achievement Award to Celia Diaz Laurel, accomplished artist and wife of the late Vice President Doy Laurel; and tycoon Dr. Andrew Tan, who was represented by his son, Megaworld’s Kevin Tan.
Included in the prime roster of awardees who were honored were Double Dragon Properties chairman and CEO Edgar “Injap” Sia II, SL Agritech’s Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Sta. Elena Construction’s Alice Eduardo, Aivee Group’s Dr. Z Teo, award-winning actors John Lloyd Cruz and Christopher de Leon, TAPE Inc.’s Tony Tuviera, Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa and seasoned broadcast journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon, who also received the Volvo Iron Mark Award.
The first Resorts World Manila “Lucky Person of the Year” award was given to Hidilyn Diaz, who won the silver medal for the women’s 53-kg. weightlifting division at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Babe Romualdez and Resorts World Manila president and CEO Kingson Sian presented Hidilyn an Orlina trophy titled Jubilation made by former People of the Year awardee, renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina.
Also present to Philippine Airlines’ “Airline of the Year” award was its president and COO Jimmy Bautista. The country’s flag carrier, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, stirred excitement in the room when it raffled off a total of four Business Class tickets, two to any Asian destination and two to London. The lucky winners were Sofitel’s Yasmine Hidalgo and Coca-Cola FEMSA’s Mikaela Lopez (one Business Class ticket each to any Asian destination); and Volvo Philippines’ Christopher Yu and Academia Filipina de la Lengua Española’s Pepe Rodriguez (one Business Class ticket each to London).
Guests also enjoyed Sofitel’s sumptuous buffet spread and flowing drinks.
It was another successful gathering that paid tribute to remarkable men and women who continue to make a positive difference to the lives of people who cross their path. *
(People of the Year 2017 was supported by Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Volvo, Aboitiz, ICTSI, San Miguel, Philex Mining, GAOC, Resorts World Manila, SL Agritech, Megaworld, Shell, Philippine Airlines, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Jewelmer and The Philippine STAR.)
