People of the Year unfolds tonight

MANILA, Philippines - PeopleAsia magazine presents its much-awaited “People of the Year” awards tonight at the Grand Ballroom of the Dusit Thani Manila. Coinciding with the magazine’s 13th anniversary, the awards night celebrates world-class Filipinos and their achievements.

The “People of the Year” awardees include Grammy award-winning musician and education advocate Apl.de.ap; taipan and fashion retail magnate Ben Chan; acclaimed actresses and women and children advocates Anne Curtis and Angel Locsin; veteran actor and director Eddie Garcia; broadcast journalist Karen Davila; restaurateur Margarita Fores; National Artist F. Sionil Jose; tycoon Josephine Gotianun-Yap; champion basketball coach Norman Black; international hotelier Prateek Kumar; MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino; Laguna Gov. E.R. Ejercito and fashion designer Randy Ortiz.

 Ortiz will also present two highly anticipated collections – one of which is in collaboration with SM Men’s Fashion.

 Special awardees will also be presented to real estate magnate Andrew Tan and former senator and eco-warrior Juan Miguel Zubiri.

 PeopleAsia’s “People’s Choice Award” this year goes to International Peace Prize-winning child advocate Chris “Kesz.” Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile will be conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award.

 Eric Santos and child protégé Kris Gonzales will serenade guests with their modern-day rendition of classic favorites. Apl – who was flown in especially for the awards night by Philippine Airlines from Los Angeles – also promises to surprise with his hits.

 The event will be hosted by Philippine STAR columnist Johnny Litton and model and best-selling author Bianca Valerio.

 Among this year’s sponsors to “People of the Year” are Dusit Thani Manila, Citibank, L’Occitane en Provence, Chevrolet, Thai Airways, Megaworld Uptown Bonifacio, SM Men’s Fashion, ICTSI, Aboitiz, Titania Wines, Jing Monis Salon, Events 8 and 10-Inch Productions.