STAR's Ricky Lo bags Dr. Rizal award

MANILA, Philippines - STAR Entertainment editor Ricky Lo received this year’s Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Excellence at ceremonies yesterday at the Kaisa Heritage Center in Intramuros.

Lo was cited for raising the “bar in Philippine entertainment writing by going beyond gossip, scandal, shattered love lives and jealousies among the stars and intrigues in the inner workings of studios.”

The award recognizes exemplary members of the Chinese-Filipino or Tsinoy community who have “contributed greatly to the county and community through their professions and endeavors, thus contributing immensely to the growth and development of the country.”

Lo received the award in the journalism category. STARweek editor Doreen Yu received the distinction in 2002, the year the award was launched.

The award, now on its 7th cycle, is given by the Manila Times in partnership with Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran, an organization of Tsinoys who advocate active participation in all aspects of nation building.

The award also took note of Lo’s national and international stature, having “interviewed every major star in the entertainment world, not just locally but internationally.”

Other awardees for this year are: internationally acclaimed furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue for arts and culture; economist, educator and Confucius Center director Ellen Huang Palanca for education; Dumaguete regional trial court judge Crescencio Tan Jr. for public service; “father of Philippine franchising” Samie Lim for business and entrepreneurship; three-term former Philippine Medical Association president Dr. Nenita Lee Tan for medicine; social worker and volunteer Luisa Ng-It Chua for community service; and shooter Jethro Tan Dionisio for sports.

Regal Films matriarch Lily Yu Monteverde received a special award, while the Philippine Ling Nam Athletic Federation, an organization of fire and rescue volunteers who also develop and promote the traditional lion and dragon dancing and other martial arts, received a group award for community service.