President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, wearing an Ito Curata, came to cheer for the awardees who symbolized the triumph of the human spirit.
Your columnist and co-host Korina Sanchez called the night "fascinating" and truly it was.
The roster of awardees included Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Sen. Alfredo Lim, National Book Store founder Socorro Ramos, Splash Corp. president/CEO Dr. Rolando Hortaleza, Susan Roces, chairman and president of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Philippines Tom Zita Jr., children’s rights and environment crusader and Bantay Bata 163 founder Gina Lopez, GMA 7’s Felipe Gozon, actor/director Cesar Montano, First Quadrant president/CEO Doyee Tumpalan, food and beverage director of JW Marriott Hotel in Washington DC Al Rivera, modern day Cinderella Juliet van Ruyven, internationally renowned bag and jewelry designer Bea Valdes, chairman of the Mega Group of Computer Companies Raffy Garcia III and the 23rd SEA Games champions. Susan Roces was represented by daughter Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares and Al Rivera was represented by his best friend Louie Alas of Letran College, "Coach of the Year 2005."
The gold medalists present – Benjie Tolentino of rowing, Andrea Marie Rafanan and Kevin Kong of diving, Richard Ng and Lester Pimentel of wushu, Viktoria Agbayani and Christina Custodio of Muay Thai, Nimpa Baral and Joy Lanting of softball – merited a much-deserved confetti shower and a standing ovation.
PEOPLE Asia chairman and publisher Max Soliven delivered an inspiring welcome speech. In full force were PEOPLE Asia CEO and president Babe Romualdez, PEOPLE Asia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez and GM Elizabeth Mendoza.
Tenor Nolyn Cabahug and soprano Rachelle Gerodias left the audience spellbound with their song numbers The Prayer, I Believe, Light of A Million Mornings and Time to Say Goodbye.
The "People of the Year" Awards Night was presented in cooperation with Volvo (Viking Cars), Standard Chartered Bank and Air France-KLM, with First Vita Plus, Pilipinas Shell, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, Dockers, NBC Joey 92.3, Maja Fragrances, Personal Care Products and The Philippine STAR as major sponsors.