Four from Cebu recognized for excellence

CEBU, Philippines — Two Cebu City public servants and two local artists got national recognition for their outstanding brands of service via the 5th Philippine Faces of Success 2024 held at Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City, over the weekend.

Cebu City Councilor Dondon Hontiveros and Barangay San Nicolas Proper Barangay Captain Clifford Jude Niñal along with singers Roland Abante and Luke Mejares were among the close to 60 awardees nationwide.

Hontiveros and Niñal were awarded for being outstanding public servants.

Hontiveros was awarded for being active in helping athletes improve and the youth in general to have a better future through education while also helping constituents in the delivery of services to the barangay, without much publicity.

Niñal was awarded for his work for the street dwellers especially during the pandemic and continuing until now. He also personally delivers services to the barangay like when rationing water, conducting clean-up drives, or driving their fire truck and bus in responding to emergency situations not only in his own barangay but to other barangays in need.

Hontiveros and Niñal said they only became aware of this award after they were sent the invitation to attend the awarding ceremony and neither of them knew what the exact qualifications were for such recognition.

Niñal personally accepted his award while Hontiveros missed it due to his hectic schedule.

Meanwhile, singers Roland Abante and Luke Mejares were also given recognition in the same award.

Abante, from Santander, rose to fame after joining “America’s Got Talent” and although from Bohol was scouted while studying at the University of San Jose-Recoletos.

Mejares is a former member of South Border and was also part of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

The Philippine Faces of Success 2024, along with the 1st Fashion Pillars Award and the Philippines Trending Brand 2024, was organized by Richard Hinola in recognition of successful Filipinos in the country mostly in the field of public service and show business.

“This visionary approach underscores the brand’s commitment to recognizing outstanding achievements and fostering a sense of unity within the Filipino community” part of the award’s invitation read.