MANILA, Philippines - • For its 12th anniversary issue, PeopleAsia pays tribute in two separate covers to world-class Filipinos led by world welterweight champion Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup and Miss World first runner-up Gwendoline Ruais.
The two covers make up an interesting story. During the cover shoot, Binibining Pilipinas representatives preferred not to have the two beauty queens in the same photo. This led the editorial board to decide on having two covers, “which might even turn out to be better,” says PeopleAsia publisher Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez.
This is the second double cover for PeopleAsia, which opted to do the same in 2004, when cover subjects Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the late Fernando Poe Jr. were pitted against each other on the road to Malacañang.
Featured in this special issue, the magazine’s thickest ever, are the “People of the Year” awardees. The longest serving Philippine senator post-EDSA, Edgardo Angara talks about legislation that can change lives – and even the course of history. Newly elected International Criminal Court Judge and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago gets personal as she talks about her growing up years and her dreams of joining the ICC.
Other “People of the Year” include SM Development Corp. CEO Henry Sy Jr. who talks about his vision as a real estate mogul; photographer extraordinaire Jun de Leon on life behind his fabled lenses; and National Artist Ben Cabrera who inspires as both an artist and an advocate. Virtuoso Louie Ocampo also hits all the right notes in an insightful interview, while Philippine Hoteliers Inc. president and vice chair Evelyn Singson talks about how she stays at the top of her game. Broadcasters Ted Failon and Mel Tiangco also share the scoop on their secret to success and meaningful lives.
Last but not least, special awardee George Yang, who brought McDonald’s to the Philippines 30 years ago, also talks about following his heart, while champion educator Maruxa Pita – the first People’s Choice Awardee – opens up on how she built a “heaven” for street kids. She was voted into this award by PeopleAsia fans who voted on Facebook.
All these and more as PeopleAsia caps the year with The Best of 2011, along with colorful side trips to Philippine Fashion Week, Phuket and Singapore. (For inquiries, call Jannette Velasco at 902-1854. PeopleAsia is also available at iTunes. Download your free iPad app today.)