Christian is 2012 ASEAN Youth Achiever Awardee

Better late than never.

Christian Bautista was declared ASEAN Youth Achiever Awardee last September at the Impact Exhibition & Convention Center in Bangkok during ceremonies hosted by the Office Welfare Protection & Empowerment  of Vulnerable Groups (OOP) and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand.

“It was an early Christmas gift to me,” said Christian who seems to be making bigger waves abroad than at home (he’s recognized as a superstar in Indonesia and Malaysia where his songs are big hits). “It’s special to me because I won it abroad but is just as important as the other awards I have won so far.”

The awarding ceremony was held in line with the 18th ASEAN Youth Day Meeting and the Seventh ASEAN TAYO Awards, with the theme “The Power of Youth.” The award was presented to Christian by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Yongyut Wichaidit.

According to Christian’s manager Carlo Orosa, Christian was unanimously chosen to receive the honor upon the discretion of Malacanang’s National Youth Commission and the Office of the President of the Philippines.

“Christian was chosen based on his outstanding contribution to the music industry and the impact of his music on the youth of the region covered by ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations).”

Meanwhile, last Dec. 17, Christian appeared as guest in Eat, Bulaga Indonesia in Jakarta. The show opened with the theme song Isang Linggo Isang Tuwa in Bahasa, and then Christian was introduced with so much fanfare.

“He was asked to join the hosts onstage,” recalled Carlo who was in the audience. “During the interview, Christian said that he was excited to appear as guest on the show and was grateful to be given a chance to promote Beautiful To Me (under Universal Music Indonesia), his newest single. Then, Christian sang it, drawing loud cheers from the audience at the SCTV Studio.”

Uya Kuya (the counterpart of Vic “Bossing” Sotto), announced that effectively that day (Dec. 17), Eat, Bulaga Indonesia was officially airing (2:30 to 4:30 p.m.) five times a week from the Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule that was kicked off only a few months ago.

“Apparently,” said Carlo, “the feedback was positive and the ratings were good, so…”

Same night of the same day, Christian also appeared as guest judge and singer in Mencari Bakat (Indonesia’s Got Talent).

“Christian’s appearance trended at No. 5 in Indonesia just moments after that,” reported Carlo.

Aside from appearing in still other shows in Jakarta, he also had interviews and pictorials with several Indonesian magazines including Men’s Health Indonesia, Nova, Chic and Cosmo Girl Tabloid Wanita Indonesia. He capped his promo tour with a showcase last Dec. 19 at Lippo Kemang, the newest Atrium Mall in Indonesia.

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