Not even inclement weather could dim the spirits of PeopleAsia’s VIP guests, as they trooped to the Grand Ballroom of The Bellevue Manila for the leading glossy’s “Men Who Matter” 2023 Party and Awards Night.
Speaking from Washington, DC, PeopleAsia president, publisher and CEO (on leave) Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez told guests that “‘Men Who Matter’ has become a proud tradition of PeopleAsia, bringing together exemplary men who have achieved so much in their respective professions. They embody excellence, professionalism; their actions and their decisions, their contributions, their accomplishments are significant in more ways than one. Most especially because they can impact society as a whole.”
PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez further added in her editor’s remarks, “It may be raining outside, but it’s ‘shining’ men inside the ballroom of The Bellevue Manila!”
And truly, these modern-day knights in shining armor delivered.
Leading this year’s esteemed honorees is Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, who went a tad teary-eyed, as he dedicated the award to his late mother (Corazon), and his late daughter (Ciara Marie). “I offer this award to my mom, my daughter and my family — the DILG family,” he said, before ending his speech with, “Tandaan niyo, walang taong walang problema. Araw-araw, may problema (Remember, everyone has his fair share of burdens. Every day presents a new set of challenges). It’s how you handle these problems that makes you a man who matters.”
Also wearing his heart on his sleeve, actor and director Coco Martin delivered a 10-minute speech, where he regaled the VIP crowd and online viewers about his rise to fame – from being a janitor, tricycle driver and “TNT” worker (OFW without papers), to becoming the superstar he is today. “May purpose kung bakit ako nandito. Hindi lang para sa trabaho, kung ’di para din makapagbigay ng kaligayahan at inspirasyon sa manonood na Filipino gabi-gabi… Sa aking simpleng pamamaraan, alam ko na nakakatulong ako sa aking kapwa, pati na rin sa aking industriya,” he added.
Also present to receive their “Men Who Matter” Awards were Quezon City councilor Alfred Vargas, NexGen Asia CEO Fred Hui, Grab Philippines director of deliveries Greg Camacho, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. director of government and public relations Atty. Michael Toledo, multi-media artist Leeroy New, Volvo Philippines executive marketing director Chris Yu and Sto. Niño de Paz Chapel chaplain Fr. Dave Concepcion.
The Bistro Group corporate executive chef Josh Boutwood, along with HSBC Philippines CEO Sandeep Uppal, meanwhile, received their awards virtually; while Philippine Orthopedic Center medical center chief Dr. Jose “Brix” Pujalte, Jr. had to miss the occasion due to an emergency operation that required his attention.
In line with the evening’s rather unique dress code, most of the awardees and guests – consisting of diplomats, business leaders, members of the press and more – donned their suits, stunning dresses and sneakers, as they celebrated the achievements of this year’s awardees.
In the end, it was Guatemala Consul Mellie Ablaza who walked home with the “Best in Sneakers” Award, as well as an overnight stay in a Bellevue Tower Suite!
Aside from honoring the men, the 18th edition of PeopleAsia’s “Men Who Matter” awards night also doubled as a party, thanks to the musical talents of the Marcy David Band and The Singing Sensations. Actress and host Issa Litton also added energy to the occasion, while Sweet Comfort Events and Events Central by Anna Winstel decorated the ballroom.
PeopleAsia’s “Men Who Matter” 2023 Party &Awards Night was staged in cooperation with The Bellevue Manila, Singapore Airlines, United Coconut Planters Life Assurance Corp., Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), Converge ICT Solutions Inc., NexGen Asia, The Aivee Clinic, SM Supermalls, Angkas, Sweet Comfort Events Management, Events Central by Anna Winstel and The Philippine STAR.