A number of distinguished and outstanding overseas Filipinos and foreign-based organizations were honored during the awarding ceremonies of the 2014 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas held at the Malacañan Palace. The 33 awardees were commended for their personal and professional achievements as well as their contributions to the development of the Philippines and the welfare of their fellow Filipinos everywhere. Spearheaded by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), the Presidential Awards is a biennial search institutionalized in 1991 through Executive Order 498 and has four categories – Kaanib ng Bayan Award, Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award, Banaag Award, and Pamana ng Pilipino Award. Leading the conferment ceremony was H.E., President Benigno Aquino III and assisted by CFO chairperson, secretary Imelda Nicolas while several foreign dignitaries and government officials including US ambassador, H.E. Philip Goldberg and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Dr. Patricia Licuanan were also present during the event. Congratulations and more power to the 2014 Presidential Awards recipients!
Reviving the glory of Ermita, Malate
The Ermita-Malate Business Owners Association (EMBOA) celebrated its second anniversary with a fund-raising dinner dance at H2O Hotel’s Pacific Hall, Manila Ocean Park. EMBOA is a group of business owners, residents and committed citizens of Ermita and Malate which aims to bring back the glorious days of the place as one of the Manila’s tourist and business destination. Around 300 guests attended the affair that was graced by Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau director Liz Villaseñor. EMBOA president Michelle Pe, in her speech, acknowledged the help and cooperation of each member- establishments to attain the aims and goals of EMBOA. We salute you, Michelle Pe, for your dedication and passion to this admirable feat!