PeopleAsia celebrates 16th anniversary with ‘AlDub’

MANILA, Philippines – The stars of the most talked about love team of 2015 grace the cover of PeopleAsia’s 16th anniversary issue as the magazine’s “People’s Choice” awardees. This puts Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza on a prestigious roster, which includes 14 “People of the Year” awardees from business, politics, entertainment, sports and other fields – all featured in the magazine’s December 2015-January 2016 issue. Photographed by Raymund Isaac, the cover story captures Maine and Alden as they relive the glory days of Philippine cinema in the equally iconic Sampaguita Gardens. The two stars also got up close and personal with the magazine’s writers, revealing a more serious side to the stars who brighten up the screens with their comedic antics.

Aside from the “People’s Choice Awardees,” the magazine also honored its “People of the Year.” Leading the list are Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales who, despite personal tragedies, is unflinching in her job of going after the corrupt; Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Lilia de Lima, whose leadership has sustained the growth of investments that has generated millions of jobs over the years; world renowned pianist Cecile Licad, who was also one of the youngest pianists to receive the Leventritt Competition Gold Medal; and Araneta Group chairman Jorge Araneta, whose leadership has kept the iconic Araneta Center a preeminent venue for commerce and entertainment

Actor John Arcilla, whose powerful portrayal of Philippine hero Gen. Antonio Luna has resonated among Filipinos; and singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla whose reign as the country’s “Divine Diva” is unchallenged are also honored as “People of the Year.”

The rest of the awardees are no less remarkable, each one excelling in his or her respective profession. They are the quintessential host and STAR columnist Johnny Litton; doctors Vicki Belo and Aivee Aguilar-Teo, who have made it their mission to make Filipinos beautiful; GMA News anchor Vicky Morales-Reyno, whose name is also synonymous with making dreams come true; basketball player and 2015 Jones’ Cup Mythical Five Jayson Castro; famed fashion designer Jeannie Goulbourn, whose Natasha Goulbourn Foundation is spreading awareness about depression; CATS Motors Inc. chairman Felix Ang, who has made his mark in the automotive industry; and Rockwell Land president and CEO Nestor Padilla who is the driving force behind the property development company that has raised the bar in luxury living in the country.

Last but definitely not the least, this year’s “Lifetime Achievement” awardee is Philippine Airlines chairman and business tycoon Lucio Tan. As PeopleAsia publisher Babe Romualdez said in his publisher’s note, “During my early days in RPN 9, I spent a lot of time talking to ‘El Kapitan,’ and I would always see him writing things down on a lined yellow pad, which I found quite unique… Whatever people may say about him, it is but right to give Lucio Tan the full credit for his steadfast commitment that has kept PAL afloat even through the most trying times in the history of the flag carrier that is a source of pride and honor to this country.”

A special recognition is also being given to Napoleon Nazareno, Smart and PLDT president and CEO.

Read more about PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year” awardees in the magazine’s December 2015-January 2016 edition, now available in leading newsstands and bookstores nationwide. A digital version will also be released in the Apple App Store, Android Store and Magzter by Dec.20. For more information, call (02) 892-1854, or text 0932 8443281.