STAR columnists Kong, Flores win CMMA awards

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine STAR’s Wilson Lee Flores and Francis Kong were among the winners in the 37th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) held at the Star Theater in Pasay City last Wednesday.

Flores received the CMMA trophy for Best Opinion Column for a write-up titled, “Will the simplicity of Pope Francis change our lives?” in his “Will Soon Flourish” column.

Flores received a record 13th CMMA and now holds the distinction of being the journalist with the most number of CMMA awards in the 37-year history of this award-giving body.

He also previously won two CMMA Hall of Fame Awards for “Best Business Column.” Writer, college teacher and self-made realty entrepreneur Flores has also won three Palanca literary awards and other prizes in the past.

Motivational speaker and book author Kong won under the Best Business Column category for his column “Business Matters” that carried the write-up, “It’s all about character.”

The STAR was also among the finalists for Best Investigative Report for the entry, “SAF Commandos Recall 24-Hour Ordeal” by Christina Mendez, which was part of the series of stories about the controversial raid on Mamasapano in Maguindanao that left 44 police commandos and some civilians killed last Jan. 25.

The STAR’s coverage on the efforts to save convicted drug dealer Mary Jane Veloso and the subsequent reprieve given by Indonesian President Joko Widodo also made it as finalist for Best News Coverage. 

The banner story “End of the line for Veloso” was a collation of reports written by Pia Lee-Brago, Aurea Calica, Edu Punay, Marvin Sy, Mendez, Paolo Romero, Helen Flores, Mayen Jaymalin and Janvic Mateo. 

The story on City of Children by Iris Gonzales was also a finalist in the same category.

James Michael Lafferty’s column on “Why Diversity is still a business challenge” was also a finalist under the Best Business Column category.  

The CMMA body also chose Jim Paredes’ write-up on “Love Abundantly” in his column “Humming in my Universe” as finalist for Best Opinion Column.

Bum Tenorio’s column “New Beginnings” was also a finalist for the same catergory. 

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle stressed the importance of strengthening the family during the 37th CMMA Awards night.