'People of the Year' awards unfold

MANILA, Philippines - People Asia magazine heralds the New Year with its “People of the Year” awards last night at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza with a powerhouse roster of awardees led by law student and bomb blast survivor Raissa Laurel, whom the magazine lauds for her courage and strength in adversity. President Aquino will present the award to Laurel and deliver the keynote speech.

The “People of the Year” awardees include Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Miss Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj; internationally renowned fashion designer Josie Cruz Natori; broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez; acclaimed furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue; floral architect Rachy Cuna; fashion designer Rhett Eala, who made the Philippine map an iconic and enduring fashion symbol; actor and YES Pinoy Foundation founder Dingdong Dantes; musician Ryan Cayabyab; architect Felino Palafox Jr.; Fr. Rocky Evangelista of the Tuloy Foundation, a residential care service for street children; and Philippine Airlines (PAL) president and CEO Jaime Bautista. People Asia also gives recognition to Thierry Tea, president and CEO of Eurocopter Philippines, who mobilized his helicopters for rescue missions during typhoon Ondoy.

The “People of the Year” Awards honor extraordinary individuals featured in the magazine who have made a difference in the lives of others by their work, advocacies and character. The much-awaited event will be hosted by Johnny Litton and Joey Mead.

“People of the Year” is presented Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, HSBC, Thai Airways, Chevrolet, Eurocopter Philippines, Aboitiz group of companies, Ipanema, Grendha, International Container Terminal Services, Inc., The Wine Club, PAGCOR, Samsung, Coca Cola and The Philippine STAR.