P-Noy lauds 'People of the Year'

MANILA, Philippines –  Power mixed with celebrity as President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile joined the leading lights of high society, civil society and business at People Asia magazine’s “People of the Year” awards night held recently at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

And of all the stars that glittered that night, Bar bomb blast victim Raissa Dawn Laurel shone brightest. No less than President Aquino presented a Special Award to Raissa for her courage and strength in adversity. 

Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up Venus Raj with People Asia president Kevin Belmonte.

“The blast that robbed you of your legs could have defeated a normal person. But instead of giving up, it brought out the best in you. Never did you show the public any hatred or self-pity. You were always determined to overcome the challenge presented to you with both optimism and confidence. The strength you displayed has inspired our entire country,” President Aquino told Raissa.

Mr. Aquino also lauded the 13 other awardees for “commendable dedication and excellence in your chosen fields, never thinking twice about sharing your talent with the nation.”

Aside from Raissa Laurel, the others who were honored for this year were Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, international designer Josie Cruz Natori, industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue, floral architect Rachy Cuna, designer Rhett Eala, Miss Universe 2010 4th runner up and reigning Bb. Pilipinas Universe Venus Raj, actor and founder of YES Pinoy Foundation Dingdong Dantes, composer Ryan Cayabyab, news anchor and radio host Mike Enriquez, architect Felino Palafox Jr., Philippine Airlines president and CEO Jaime Bautista, Fr. Rocky Evangelista, SDB of Tuloy Foundation (a residential care service institution that has complete facilities for the children’s living and learning needs), and special awardee Thierry Tea, president and CEO of Eurocopter Philippines, who assisted the Philippine National Red Cross during the devastation caused by Typhoon Ondoy.

President Aquino presents the ‘People of the Year’ Special Award to Raissa Laurel as People Asia publisher Babe Romualdez and chairman Ramon Cojuangco Jr. look on. With them is Raissa’s father, Roberto.

“People of the Year” was presented by Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, HSBC, Thai Airways, Chevrolet, Eurocopter Philippines, Aboitiz Group of Companies, Ipanema, Grendha, International Container Terminal Services Inc., The Wine Club, Luxe by Goldilocks, Coca-Cola, Samsung and The Philippine Star.

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Photos by Mike Amoroso, Fernan Nebres, Manuel Generoso and Renjie Tolentino