Manila, Philippines - The torrential downpour in the metro was no match to People Asia’s much-awaited “Men Who Matter 2011” at the Grand Ballroom of the New World Makati City, Manila Hotel. Despite the rains, VIP guests from government, the diplomatic corps, business and social circles filled the hotel’s Grand Ballroom to honor the 12 men who made the cut this year.
This year’s “Men Who Matter” include action star and “master of reinvention” Robin Padilla, Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, Rustan’s Supercenters, Inc. president Donnie Tantoco, Megaworld vice president and commercial division head Kevin Tan, rock ‘n roll legend Pepe Smith, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, lensman Mark Nicdao, Dusit Thani’s Prateek Kumar, Dr. Z Teo, New World’s Farid Schoucair and internationally acclaimed singer Jed Madela.
This “Men Who Matter” issue was made more special by the launch of People Asia’s free iPad application with interactive features, audio of actual interviews and motion graphics of the cover and inside sections. Download it now at iTunes.
Special guests led by former President Joseph Estrada, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr., Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Rustan’s chairman Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., Rico and Nena Tantoco, Megaworld’s Catherine Tan, SM’s Ed Ponce and STAR columnist Ambassador Preciosa Soliven were warmly welcomed by People Asia publisher Babe Romualdez, editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez and Stargate GM Beth Mendoza.
Three iPads were raffled off during the event and the lucky winners were ABS-CBN’s Liza Madrienes, Expat magazine’s Butch Bonsol and publicist Philip Abadicio.
The event also featured a fashion show that presented the latest collection of SM Men’s fashion. Male heartthrobs walked down the runway modelling SM’s latest collection of casual, business and formal wear.
New World Hotel pulled all stops to make the event warm and festive, from the delectable buffet to the ballroom’s elegant ambience.
Sponsors for “MenWho Matter 2011” included American Express, Chevrolet, SM Men’s Fashion, Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines, Luxe by Goldilocks, New World Makati City Manila Hotel and The Philippine STAR.
Photos by Walter Bollozos, Renjie Tolentino and Manuel Generoso