The ‘Men’ Event
Now on its second print run due to popular demand, PeopleAsia’s latest issue features not just the phenomenal “Captain Ri,” (Hyun Bin) but also captains of industry and other realms who are on the “Men Who Matter” list.
Leading this year’s list of “Men Who Matter” awardees is San Miguel Corp. president and COO Ramon S. Ang, whose 130-year old San Miguel’s COVID-19 response initiatives have amounted to P13.09 billion as of end-May.
“Quite simply, many people depend on us,” he told PeopleAsia contributor Iris Gonzales. “The situation we all found ourselves in was difficult, and we know it’s important that despite the restrictions and limitations on our daily lives, we are still able to provide for the needs of our families. Making sure that the income continues is one big way we can help not just our people, but our economy, as well.”
Richard Gomez, has drawn praise as mayor of Ormoc City, which registered zero COVID-19 cases until recently. “I’ve proven them wrong. Not only am I always here, I have proven to them that I’ve been able to make Ormoc the most progressive and richest city in the region,” says the former actor.
SM Shopping Center and Management Corp. president Steven Tan who is on top of 81 SM Malls — 74 in the country, and seven in China — is optimistic despite the recent pandemic, saying, “Filipinos are very sociable people. So, I don’t think their need for malling will ever go away.”
Another “captain” on this year’s “Men Who Matter” list is Mega Global CEO William Tiu Lim, the man behind the country’s leading sardines brand. When Mega started in the dawning of the new millennium, there were already 26 brands in the market and William refused to be 27th. The rest, as they say, is mega history.
Vince Dizon contributes greatly to nation building as deputy chief implementer of the government’s COVID-19 response, president and CEO of the Bases Conversions and Development Authority, and as a presidential adviser for flagship programs and projects — all at the same time.
“When the country needs you, when the President calls on you, how can you say no?” Vince says.
St. Luke’s Medical Center president and CEO Dr. Arturo dela Peña believes, “There should only be one standard of care, and that is to treat patients as if they’re members of your own family. That way, I’m confident that you will provide no less than your utmost care.”
Fashion designer and humanitarian Michael Leyva worried at first about his clients when the lockdown was put in place. When can they wear their gowns? Then he saw the woes of the frontliners on the news and lost no time in weaving his magic on sewing protective personal equipment for them.
Accenture country managing director Lito Tayag is the Cinderella Man.
“Today, I’m the product of the generosity of many people. I hope that in my advocacies and roles, beyond Accenture, I can make a difference and help other people’s lives transform for the better,” says this father of two.
Furniture entrepreneur Eric Po, managing partner of Home Mavericks Inc., recognizes more than ever the importance of cozy interiors and tasteful furniture in providing people inspiration and a semblance of normalcy in these trying times.
Also being recognized as one of the “Men Who Matter” awardees is Kawit, Cavite Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo, who donated his salary and sold his car to help his municipality raise more funds for its constituents.
“Every single day during the enhanced community quarantine and to this day, I am always on the ground. I roam the 23 barangays of Kawit, making sure that the people feel the local government’s presence,” he tells PeopleAsia contributor Büm D. Tenorio Jr.
Solar energy pioneer James Buskowitz now handles the solar energy requirements of Coca-Cola, their biggest solar energy project to date, the third biggest in Southeast Asia.
“Solar energy — it saves money, it saves lives and it saves the future,” James tells contributor Denise Roco de Leon.
Brian Poe Llamanzares, the youngest chief of staff in the Senate, says, “My mom (Grace) can serve as the politician in the forefront. I can focus on making her vision a reality from behind the scenes.”
Broadcast journalist Alvin Elchico, who has two radio programs on DZMM, a daily commentary show with Doris Bigornia, a Saturday morning consumer show and a news program on weekends (TV Patrol Weekend), takes pride not just in the headline-hogging coverages he’s made through the decades but in the body of work he continuously churns out every day.
Also being recognized as a special awardee is the MVP Group, led by its chairman Manny V. Pangilinan.
Find out more about these inspiring men in the latest issue of PeopleAsia — with another man who matters to millions — on the cover. *
(For inquiries about PeopleAsia’s June-July 2020 issue featuring Hyun Bin and “Men Who Matter” 2020 awardees, please call or text 0920-7738059 and 0922-8776556 or call 8892-1854. You may also message Stargate PeopleAsia via Facebook Messenger and on Instagram @PeopleAsia.)
(You may e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.)
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