Multiple Intelligence Awards recognizes life-changing individuals
MANILA, Philippines - Multiple Intelligence International School, an advocate of the Multiple Intelligence (MI) framework implemented in the United States and other countries, recently recognized individuals who have used their particular “intelligence” to succeed in their fields of expertise and affect the lives of others.
The awarding ceremony was held during the recent “Green MOVEment #4GreenPH” run-by-any-means fun run at the University of the Philippines Diliman Academic Oval. In line with the theme of shared responsibility for the environment, the Multiple Intelligence Awards recognized individuals who make a difference by helping advocate for sustainability.
Now in its sixth year, the MI awardees included architect and Philippine STAR columnist Paulo Alcazaren, Senator Pia Cayetano, singer-composer Noel Cabangon, blogger-philanthropist Jay Michael Jaboneta, educator Dr. Josette T. Biyo, social entrepreneur Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, journalist Maria A. Ressa, and the lone non-individual recipient, “Climate Walk: A People’s Walk for Climate Justice.”
Architect Paulo G. Alcazaren, awardee for Spatial Intelligence, has placed the Philippines on the international map in the field of architectural design. Armed with a master’s degree in urban design from the University of Singapore, Alcazaren has completed over 200 projects in 14 countries while based in Singapore and from his Manila consultancy office, PGAA Creative Design. He also dabbles in journalism and photography, has authored several books on design, architecture, and urban history, and is an advocate for greening our urban Philippine landscape.
Senator Pia S. Cayetano, awardee for Interpersonal Intelligence, is a woman who wears many hats. She’s a lawyer, triathlete, businesswoman, champion of women’s rights, health, and education, and a mother. The youngest woman elected in the history of the Philippine Senate, Cayetano has pushed for the passage of laws benefitting women, children, and the elderly. Her efforts to improve public health services and make education accessible to all have made her a role model for the youth and her peers.
Awardee for Musical Intelligence Noel Cabangon is easily recognizable as the voice behind the popular folk pop song Kanlungan. With local and international concerts, five solo albums, and multiple awards to his name, Cabangon has also championed the creation and popularization of alternative Filipino music with songs and hymns that go beyond trivial subjects and instead speak about social, political, and cultural issues which include the call to protect the environment.
Jay Michael Ortuoste Jaboneta, awardee for Intrapersonal Intelligence, has used his Internet savvy to create awareness and raise funds to enable underprivileged children to go to school. Jaboneta currently serves as head for new media under the Presidential Communications Operations Office of President Benigno Aquino III. He is best known for coming up with the idea that paved the way for the founding of the charitable organization Philippine Funds for Little Kids. Yahoo! Southeast Asia recognized Jaboneta as one of their “7 Modern Day Pinoy Heroes.”
Dr. Josette T. Biyo, awardee for Naturalist Intelligence, is widely known in the world of science for having an asteroid, 13241 Biyo (1998 KM41), named after her by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US. She is also hailed for her innovations in teaching science research called Biyo Science Research Teaching Method, which won for her the Intel Excellence in Teaching Award.
Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, awardee for Logical-Mathematical Intelligence, grew up with a missionary mother. She used her background and influences to seek solutions to alleviate poverty that led to her co-founding Rags2Riches, an organization that helps train people to become social entrepreneurs. This year, she was the only Filipina included in the Forbes 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneurs.
Maria A. Ressa, awardee for Linguistic Intelligence, studied molecular biology and theater at Princeton University. She then applied for a Fulbright Fellowship, with which she completed her master’s in journalism at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Her sterling credentials include a two-decade stint at CNN wherein she served as Manila bureau chief and Jakarta bureau chief. Ressa also headed ABS-CBN’s news and current affairs department. At present she is an author-in-residence at the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) of Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. She also runs her own website (Rappler) and contributes stories to CNN.com and The Wall Street Journal.
The campaign “Climate Walk: A People’s Walk for Climate Justice,” awardee for Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence, hosted a 40-day, 875-km walk from Manila to ground zero in Tacloban. Organized by climate advocates from different civic groups, the activity served to remind everyone about the tragedy of super typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines and to raise awareness on the ill effects of the global climate crisis.
