It has been 10 years since PeopleAsia magazine first launched the “People of the Year” awards to give recognition to exemplary individuals from diverse backgrounds and sectors of society.
This year, we trained again the spotlight on the movers and shakers of society at the “People of the Year” awards night at the Grand Ballroom of the New World Makati Hotel last Jan. 19.
The stellar event was graced by Sen. Grace Poe, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo with wife Weng, The Philippine STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte and the diplomatic corps.
With me welcoming the guests were PeopleAsia associate publisher Kevin Belmonte and editor-in-chief and GM Joanne Rae Ramirez.
Meralco customer solutions and innovations VP and marketing head Tony Valdez and former People of the Year awardees maestro Ryan Cayabyab and Miss World 2013 Megan Young were also at the event to present some awards.
Hosted by Victor Aliwalas and Bianca Valerio, the event featured select members of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra that gave vivid colors to the captivating musical numbers of People of the Year awardees Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera together with Arthur Manuntag, who sang the night’s theme, People.
Leading this year’s list are Lifetime Achievement awardees Washington SyCip, founder of SGV & Co. (SyCip, Gorres and Velayo); and Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., chairman emeritus of Rustan Commercial Corp.
Other awardees present were TV’s “King of Talk” Boy Abunda, showbiz icon Susan Roces, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, SM Prime Holdings and SM Investment Corp. first executive vice president Hans Sy, civic leader Loida Nicolas-Lewis; RCBC president Lorenzo Tan; humanitarian Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung; Henann Group of Resorts chairman Henry Chusuey; St. Luke’s president and CEO Dr. Edgardo Cortez; fashion designer Cary Santiago; and renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina. Presidential sister and “Queen of all Media” Kris Aquino also made it to the list.
PeopleAsia also named Pope Francis as a special awardee, for inspiring people with his gentleness and humility, outlining the mission of the Church as service to those who are vulnerable in society, and bridging the gaps that background, economic status, color and creed create among people.
“People of the Year 2015” was brought to you by PeopleAsia and the New World Makati Hotels, and presented by Smart Infinity. It was sponsored by Thai Airways, Philip Stein, Chevrolet Philippines, The Covenant Car Company Inc., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, International Container Terminals Services Inc., Meralco, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Morellato, Sta. Elena Construction Development Inc., Moët & Chandon, L’Occitane, Crossover 105.1 Manila and The Philippine STAR.
Photos by Joey Mendoza, Joey Viduya, Renjie Tolentino and Melo Balingit