Night of the titans

It was the night the titans of politics, business, show business and media gathered to honor the year’s most exceptional people.

President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay, together with top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the country’s movers and shakers, graced the much-anticipated PeopleAsia’s People of the Year awards at Raffles and Fairmont Makati recently.

President Aquino led the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement award to Socorro “Nanay Coring” Ramos.

“People of the Year 2014” also honored the resident ambassadors of the countries that donated to the Philippines in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda. The magazine, together with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, presented plaques of appreciation to 29 ambassadors and their representatives.

The President also lauded the “People of the Year” awards night as an event “that celebrates neither riches nor power, neither prestige nor fame. These are all happy accidents, the byproducts of what is the true cause of celebration: a life dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, whatever field you may be in, and a life well lived — one that has a tangible effect on others.”

Also at the event were Press Secretary Herminio Coloma, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and The Philippine Star president and CEO Miguel Belmonte.

Welcoming distinguished guests were PeopleAsia publisher Babe Romualdez, chairman Ramon Cojuangco Jr., president Kevin Belmonte and editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez.

Hosted by Marc Nelson and Bianca Valerio, the event staged a fashion show that featured awardee Criselda Lontok’s all-new collection, created especially for the awards night. Awardee Kuh Ledesma lent her soulful singing voice to the highly successful event.

Other awardees present were Miss World 2013 Megan Young, superstar Nora Aunor, GAOC’s Dr. Steve Mark Gan, Shell Philippines country chair Edgar Chua, director Brillante Mendoza, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chair Helen Yuchengco Dee, ABS-CBN channel head Cory Vidanes, Divine Healer Academy’s Fr. Gerard Deveza, “Prince of Indie” Coco Martin and five-time PBA “Coach of the Year” Chot Reyes. Other awardees include Raffles and Fairmont Makati GM Tom Meyer (represented by his wife Claudia) and Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla.

Special awards were given to Alexandra Eduque, whose philanthropic and charitable works through Habitat for Humanity have been recognized by international groups; and the MVP Group of companies, represented by lawyer Mike Toledo, for its extensive relief efforts for the typhoon Yolanda survivors.

“People of the Year 2014” was presented by Raffles and Fairmont Makati, RCBC, Thai Airways, Rustan’s, GAOC, NARS, Laura Mercier, L’Occitane, Star World, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Aboitiz, ICTSI, Cream Factory, House of Obagi, L’Oréal, Philex Mining and The Philippine Star.