People Asia honors the best of 2005

The champions of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games — the Philippine national team — will take center stage tomorrow (Jan. 9) as PEOPLE Asia magazine’s "People of the Year" awards event unfolds at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

They, along with 15 other individuals, will be honored in what is being touted as PEOPLE Asia’s grandest event so far. The awards ceremony, which also coincides with the magazine’s sixth anniversary, will bring together the winners, trailblazers, movers and shakers who have shaped the previous year.

Top broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez and STAR columnist Johnny Litton will emcee this prestigious awards night.

Three government officials will be cited for their significant contributions: Speaker Jose de Venecia for his leadership of what could have been a fractious Congress; Tourism Secretary Ace Durano for groundbreaking efforts that have significantly boosted the tourism industry; and Sen. Alfredo Lim, who has staked his name on the free higher education and anti-political dynasty bills.

Susan Roces, widow of 2004 presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., is being honored, not only for elevating her quest for truth, but also for her status as an often underrated actor/actress with vision and insight.

Other awardees are National Bookstore founder Socorro Ramos, Ernst and Young’s "Entrepreneur of the Year-Philippines" awardee for 2005, who is being cited for the strong entrepreneurial spirit, passion and hard work that made National Bookstore the institution that it is today; Splash Corp.’s Dr. Rolando Hortaleza, who has transformed an acetone-bottling backyard business into a multibillion-peso personal care products company that remains all-Filipino to this day; and Doyee Tumpalan, who took the stigma out of multi-level marketing by fair business practices that have spawned livelihood opportunities for hundreds of thousands.

Also joining the roster of awardees is Precious Lara Quigaman, who clinched the Miss International 2005 title after a 26-year drought of beauty pageant victories for the Philippines.

Gina Lopez of ABS-CBN Foundation is recognized as a low-profile philanthropic muse whose numerous programs for Bantay Bata 163, Bantay Kalikasan, Bayan Foundation and E-media have made a difference in the lives of millions of Filipinos.

Also being honored are GMA-7 president lawyer Felipe Gozon whose tenacity to introduce novel and quality programs has made his network number one in the country; Cesar Montano, who is being recognized as a world-class actor and director with his "Panaghoy sa Suba" an international film fest favorite, coming on the heels of his Hollywood role in "The Great Raid."

Al Rivera, Food and Beverage director of JW Marriott Hotel in Washington DC, founded an international exchange program that enables Filipinos to train and work in Marriott Hotels abroad.

Bea Valdes has become the country’s pride as her intricately beaded bags and finely-crafted jewelry have caused quite a stir in America, following a feature in US Vogue.

Other "People of the Year" awardees are Juliet Torcelino van Ruyven, who exemplifies a rags-to-riches life and now inspires Filipinos with her book The Tale of Juliet; and computer wiz Rafael Garcia III, who used his IT expertise to improve many systems in government offices.

Topnotch tenor Nolyn Cabahug, soprano Rachelle Gerodias and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra will perform during the glittering awards night.

The "People of the Year" Awards Night is presented by PEOPLE Asia magazine with Volvo Cars, Air France-KLM and Standard Chartered Bank. Other sponsors include First Vitaplus, Pilipinas Shell, Dockers, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits and Maja.

PEOPLE Asia is published by the Stargate Media Corp. with Max Soliven as chairman and publisher, Jose Manuel Romualdez as president/CEO, Ramon Cojuangco Jr. as vice chairman, Miguel Belmonte as associate publisher and Joanne Rae Ramirez as editor-in-chief.