Celebrating 10 years of People

It’s amazing but time has really flown since the time Max Soliven first broached the idea of putting up a new publication that would highlight people and their stories. Together with the Philippine STAR Group, we launched in November 1999 a sleek and glossy magazine called “People Asia” at the Sofitel (then known as the Westin Philippine Plaza). This launching was graced by President Joseph Estrada, and I remember our maiden issue was very well received especially since it had the most popular MTV VJ Donita Rose on the cover, with an intriguing and attention-grabbing inset photo of Joyce Jimenez clad in nothing but body paint.

Like most other magazines, we had some difficulty at the onset but once the magazine got going, there was no stopping us. Certainly, our magazine has come a long way. We have reached 10 years, and tonight, we celebrate this milestone by honoring the “People of the Year” awardees in ceremonies that will be held at the Sofitel, the very same hotel where the magazine was born, so to speak. We started the People of the Year awards in 2004 to give recognition to exemplary individuals whose lives and achievements have contributed to society in a positive way. Our awardees tonight include presidentiables, world boxing champions, media industry icons, achievers and real-life heroes in every sense of the word.

We have presidential candidates Sen. Noynoy Aquino and former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro who have been attracting a lot of media attention not only because they are on the opposite sides of the political fence but also because they happen to be cousins. We will also be honoring Manny “The Pacman” Pacquiao, the most popular Filipino in the world today whose historic defeat of Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto made him the first and only boxer so far to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions. Another Filipino boxing champion who gives pride and honor to this country is current WBA super flyweight champion Nonito “the Filipino Flash” Donaire whose humility continues to inspire fellow Filipinos. 

We also have GMA 7’s vice president for news Jessica Soho, a multi-awarded broadcast journalist whose popular program “Reunions” has reunited so many missing persons with their families; Charo Santos-Concio, host of the longest-running drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya and the first female president of giant network ABS-CBN; Rico Hizon, the only Filipino anchor for the British Broadcasting Corp. whose website GoodNewsPilipinas.com has been spreading good news about Filipinos and the Philippines as a counterpoint to the negative publicity about the country and its people; and veteran journalist and Manila Overseas Press Club chairman emeritus Emil Jurado who has been wielding his pen to amuse, exasperate and deliver exposes from the time of President Elpidio Quirino up to the present.

Also in our list of awardees tonight is 2009 CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida, an ordinary individual whose extraordinary approach in educating street kids via his “Kariton Classroom” has given hope to thousands of Filipino children by providing them with basic education and diverting their attention from joining street gangs and petty crime groups. Other distinguished awardees whose achievements have significantly contributed to society in so many include Rustan Marketing Corporation president Nedy Tantoco; Taguig City First Lady Kaye Tinga; Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera; Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres; former Sofitel GM Bernd Schneider; art patron Mita Rufino and “fashion prince” Inno Sotto.

Aside from our People of the Year awardees, we will also give special recognition to Asia’s leading airline Singapore Airlines for its A380 aircraft and Camarines Sur as the country’s top destination in 2009. Notable individuals will also be given special awards such as Agriculture Secretary Art Yap, Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Luis Arias Romero; Thai Airways GM Nivat Chantarachoti; popular actress and singer Sarah Geronimo; and “Ondoy” heroes Judge Ralph Lee, Gerald Anderson, Jericho Rosales and Muelmar Magallanes.

Muelmar saved more than 30 individuals including a six-month-old baby girl from the rampaging waters of Ondoy – but at the cost of his own life. This young man’s courage and selflessness has undoubtedly left an imprint in the lives not only of the people he saved but to many Filipinos. His family will join us tonight to accept the special award on his behalf.

In lour view, People Asia become one of the most prestigious and most widely-read magazines among Filipinos here and abroad because it highlights people and their interesting stories. After all, there is nothing more interesting to people than to read about other people, whether their stories are controversial, intriguing, inspiring, exasperating. A former foreign diplomat told me that the most interesting thing about the Philippines is the interesting stories of Filipinos in almost every part of the country, which is why the features in People Asia are unique and interesting.

Tonight, People Asia celebrates 10 years of people — and we look forward to the next 10 years.

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I cannot believe that just a few days ago, we had dinner with Press Secretary Cerge Remonde together with Kevin and Isaac Belmonte and Joey Concepcion. His passing away was an absolute surprise to all of us. As a matter of fact, I even invited him to attend the People of the Year awards tonight.

Life is indeed short, and for Cerge, it was a short one at 51 years. Our sympathies go to his family.

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