BPI seeks outstanding OFWs in Europe

MANILA, Philippines -  The prestigious annual BPInoy Awards of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), is honoring overseas Filipinos in Europe by opening the nomination exclusive to the more than 500,000 Europe-based Filipinos who are either working or residing in the said region. 

BPI president and BPI Europe chairman Aurelio Luis R. Montinola III said Filipinos are known for genuine trademarks of values that make them persevere to excel in all endeavors wherever they go.

 Montinola explained that with BPI’s full banking presence in the European region through BPI Europe Plc, the focus of this year’s BPInoy Awards will exclusively be for the European Union. 

“Share with us in this spirit of nationalism by bringing recognition to them who deserve it,” he added. 

Outstanding individuals of Filipino heritage, regardless of current citizenship, of good moral character, and living and/or working in Europe may be nominated for the awards. 

Two awardees will be chosen representing excellence in any of the following fields: arts and media, sports, service, business, science and technology. 

Any Filipino individual or organization may nominate by sending a short article about the nominee, specifically on the nominee’s accomplishments that have brought honor and pride to the country, which answers the questions: “In your own words, why does your nominee deserve recognition as a BPInoy Awardee?” and “Is there anything else that makes your nominee exceptional or unique? For example, how have your nominee’s efforts made a difference for the betterment of Filipinos in Europe? How can you say that your nominee’s accomplishment created impact in the community and the nation?”

This year’s awardees will be joining the roster of past BPInoy Awardees such as world renowned musical theater artist Lea Salonga, US-based technology entrepreneur Diosdado “Dado” Banatao, internationally-acclaimed fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, successful heart surgeon Dr. Jorge Garcia of the Asian Hospital & Medical Center, celebrated fashion designer and entrepreneur Josie Natori, first Filipino BBC anchor Rico Hizon, executive chef for the White House Cristeta Comerford, renowned economist and chief representative for the Asia and the Pacific of the Bank for International Settlements Dr. Eli Remolona, painter Anita Magsaysay-Ho, international singing sensation Charmaine Clarice “Charice” Pempengco. 

Indiana-based neurosurgeon and philanthropist and founder and chairman of the Hydrocephalus Foundation of the Philippines Dr. Manuel “Manny” Cacdac, international record producer and music artist Allan P. Lindo, Jr. a.k.a. Apl de Ap, world boxing legend Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao, and Procter & Gamble vice president for North America Baby Care Ma. Fatima de Vera-Francisco. 

Entries must be submitted on or before Sept. 15, 2012 to the online nomination page of BPI Europe, www.bpieuropeplc.com/bpinoyawards.