Opinion

‘People of the Year’

- The Philippine Star

January 4, 2015 | 12:00am

To start the New Year, I thought of digressing from our regular opinion column and perhaps come out with something positive by writing about our PeopleAsia magazine’s “People of the Year” awardees — individuals whose actions make a great impact on the lives of other people. It has been 10 years since we started the “People of the Year” with our late founding chairman Max Soliven, and we can proudly say that it has become one of the most successful and anticipated awards in the country today. The honorees are all remarkable in their own right, whose stories not only inspire but encourage, empower and yes, also provoke other Filipinos to do good and become achievers in whatever profession or industry they may be involved in. Like in previous years, our 2014 awardees are extraordinary men and women.

One person who has already made an impact in the world and will surely make his presence in the Philippines strongly felt — nominated by our editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez as a special awardee and voted unanimously by the Stargate Board of Directors — is none other than Pope Francis. The humility and gentle ways of the “People’s Pope” have inspired people all over the world regardless of race, age, color and creed. His visit to the Philippines in less than two weeks is a great cause for celebration among the Filipino faithful, most especially the victims of Typhoon Yolanda who can’t wait to hear the words of wisdom, hope and encouragement from Pope Francis.

Next is our country’s top diplomat, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario who many believe is perhaps one of the best Foreign Secretaries the Philippines has ever had. Early in his term, Secretary Del Rosario has earned the admiration of many for doing a lot for our real ambassadors to the world — the OFWs. He travelled extensively to conflict affected areas such as Syria and Iraq to see firsthand the situation of overseas Filipino workers and supervise the repatriation of stranded OFWs. His articulate defense of the country’s sovereignty despite the overwhelming challenge from China has also given Filipinos a strong sense of pride.

From the business sector, we have SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy whose company’s corporate social responsibility arm has been responsible for the construction of 1,000 disaster-resilient homes for the survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda; philanthropist and TLC Beatrice chair and CEO Loida Nicolas-Lewis who is a source of inspiration for empowering women in the workplace; RCBC president and CEO Lorenzo Tan who is an advocate of innovation and has earned the moniker of “Miracle Man” for his ability to turn ailing local financial institutions around; humanitarian organization founder Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung who is responsible for putting smiles on the faces of children afflicted with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities via free reconstructive surgery; Dr. Edgardo Cortez whose able leadership has turned St. Luke’s Medical Center into a world class medical institution; and Henry Chusuey, chairman of one of the fastest growing resort groups in the country today — the Henann Group of Resorts in Bohol and Boracay.

The entertainment industry has a world class act in singer Lea Salonga who has paved the way for Filipinos in the global stage for achieving several “firsts” such as the much-coveted Olivier and Tony awards for her role in Miss Saigon; “Queen of all Media” and presidential sister Kris Aquino; “Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano and “Concert King” Martin Nievera, both multi-talented and multi-awarded singers and songwriters whose songs are all certifiable hits; “King of Talk” Boy Abunda who was appointed as Ambassador for Art by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts or the NCCA; and legendary Sampaguita Studios Queen and widow of the late action king Fernando Poe Jr. — Ms. Susan Roces, considered by many as the epitome of beauty and grace.

Then there is glass sculptor Ramon Orlina who is admired for his efforts in preserving historic architectural sites, and Cebu-based designer Cary Santiago whose creations have made him one of the significant figures in the Philippine fashion scene today.

This year, we are also giving Lifetime Achievement awards to two exceptional gentlemen: Washington “Wash” Sycip and former Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. Mr. Sycip is a firm advocate of quality education and happens to be the founder of one of the most well known and respected accounting firms in the country, the Sycip, Gorres and Velayo or SGV. People in business look up to him as an icon of integrity and excellence.

Ambassador Tantoco is the guiding hand and chairman of the luxury retail empire in the Philippines — none other than Rustan Commercial Corporation, whose partnership with the World Wildlife Fund for the “Care for Rare” campaign is going a long way in promoting awareness for endangered species.

This year’s 10th People of the Year awards to be held at the New World Hotel is going to be a major milestone and totally different from any other event we have ever held.

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My good friend, retired PNP chief General Art Lomibao, sent me 12 New Year Wishes which I’d like to pass on to our readers:

1. Happiness deep inside.

2. Serenity at every sunrise.

3. Success in every facet of your life.

4. Family beside you.

5. Caring friends around you.

6. A love that never ends.

7. Good health within you.

8. Beautiful memories of yesterdays.

9. A nice day with so much to be thankful for.

10. A pathway leading to better tomorrows.