Starstruck at ‘People of the Year’

They say “13” is a lucky number. For PeopleAsia magazine, it is simply more than just that.

On its 13th anniversary, PeopleAsia magazine paid tribute to world-class and inspiring Filipinos through the elegant and much-awaited “People of the Year 2012” awards night held recently at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. It was such a highly anticipated event of the year that guests started filling in the ballroom of the hotel at 5:20 p.m. for the 6 p.m. affair.

This year’s awardees come from diverse backgrounds. Their inspiring stories, extraordinary talents and contributions to society have truly made an impact in the lives of other people. 

This year’s “People of the Year” are Apl.de.Ap of the Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas, actresses Angel Locsin and Anne Curtis, actor and director Eddie Garcia, fashion retail magnate Ben Chan, renowned restaurateur Margarita Fores, fashion designer Randy Ortiz, National Artist F. Sionil Jose, Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, tycoon Josephine Gotianun-Yap, award-winning basketball coach Norman Black, hotelier Prateek Kumar, broadcast journalist Karen Davila.

PeopleAsia also gave Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile its first ever Lifetime Achievement Award. There were also Special Awards given to real estate magnate Andrew Tan of Megaworld Corp. and Emperador Distiller’s Corp. and green warrior and senatorial hopeful Juan Miguel Zubiri. PeopleAsia also handed the “People’s Choice Award” to young advocate Chris “Kesz.”

The event also staged a fashion show that featured Randy Ortiz’s SM Men’s Fashion and his couture Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

“People of the Year 2012” was presented by Dusit Thani Manila, Citibank, L’Occitane, Chevrolet, Thai Airways, Megaworld Uptown Bonifacio, SM Men’s  Fashion, International Container Terminal Services Inc., Aboitiz, Titania Wine Cellar and Jing Monis Salon.

Photos by JOEY MENDOZA, FERNAN NEBRES, MANUEL GENEROSO and RENJIE TOLENTINO