MANILA, Philippines - In 1986, Corazon Aquino united Filipinos to bring down a 20-year dictatorship. Now, after more than 20 years, the late former president has once again brought Filipinos together by being the first recipient of the National Thank You Day Awards.
Hosted by Mo Twister and Maxene Magalona, Toblerone’s First National Thank You Day Awards, recently held at the SM Mall of Asia, honored extraordinary and inspirational individuals in the Philippines who deserve to be shown our sincerest appreciation. And no one deserved the award more than one of the greatest leaders of all time for her fight for freedom and democracy: the late former President Cory Aquino.
Presented by Elio Machillanda, Snacks Category marketing manager and Carlo Licuanan, senior brand manager of Kraft Foods (Philippines), Inc., the recognition was accepted by the former president’s daughter Viel Aquino Dee.
“For this year’s National Thank You Day, we want to go a step further than just asking Filipinos to say thank you more often,” says Carlo Licuanan, senior brand manager, Kraft Foods (Philippines), Inc. “And by giving them a chance to vote and nominate their favorites through the website, we are encouraging them to say more meaningful thank you’s which is what National Thank You Day is all about.”
This year’s nominees include a list of outstanding individuals such as people’s champ Manny Pacquiao, fresh from his victory over Miguel Cotto, comedy king Dolphy, broadcaster and public servant Daniel Razon, and CNN Top 10 Hero of 2009 Efren Peñaflorida.
A tribute to master rapper Francis M, who took part in the first National Thank You Day celebration together with daughter Maxene, was also given a heartwarming tribute during the awards with his wife Pia Magalona accepting the honors.
Toblerone also awarded the winners of the Spread the Sweetness of Gratitude Photo Competition lead by Remi Ann Sta. Cruz’s “My Best Playmate Ever” and Jordana Queddeng’s “Walang Iwanan” remind us that we should not forget to thank those who are closest to us, while Pat Laroco’s “Smooch & Pooch” shows us how family can mean a lot of different things.
“With the success of National Thank You Day and the 1st National Thank You Day Awards, I think we are that much closer to becoming the Thank You Capital of the world,” says Licuanan.