PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year” Awards Night & YouTube Channel Launch: Still about YOU!

In November 1999, PeopleAsia founding publisher Max V. Soliven declared on his first publisher’s note that the magazine they were launching at the turn of the millennium was clearly about one thing. “This is about YOU,” he wrote.

And 25 years later, that still rings true at PeopleAsia. With a few addendums, of course!

For one, PeopleAsia further transforms from silver to screen, as it announced its expansion into new media. Aside from presenting awards to this year’s “People of the Year” awardees, the magazine’s publisher, president and CEO (on leave), Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, also led the launch of PeopleAsia’s YouTube Channel.

“Creating a YouTube channel is a concept that we have been mulling for quite some time, and we are happy that this germ of an idea has turned into reality because we know that video content through YT is very powerful in reaching — and engaging with — a wider and larger audience across the globe,” said Romualdez who pressed the ceremonial subscribe button with PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez and newly appointed digital channels head Jose Paolo dela Cruz.

People of the Year 2025

The awardees came in full force to  accept their awards at the Grand Ballroom of Fairmont Makati.

Carlos Yulo who won two gold medals at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris and Cinemalaya Best Actress Marian Rivera-Dantes added star power to the night’s glitzy ceremonies.

Also honored during the event were Sen. Loren Legarda for her tireless advocacies in climate change mitigation and culture preservation, and Sen. Risa Hontiveros for her fearless anti-corruption crusades and progressive legislation.

PeopleAsia also acknowledged the “Father of Philippine Glass Sculpture” Ramon Orlina for his decades-long contribution to Philippine art, and celebrated the achievements of Marriott International Philippines multi-property vice president and Marriott Manila general manager Bruce Winton.

Living hero and “Medal of Valor” recipient Ret. Col. Ariel Querubin was also recognized for his patriotism and advocacy to inspire fellow senior citizens, along with Local Water Utilities Administration chairman Ronnie Ong who has been working to provide greater access to clean, potable water.

Businessman, oral surgeon and philanthropist Dr. Steve Mark Gan was recognized for his innovative work in dentistry, among others.

The magazine also named Singapore Airlines, represented by station manager for Manila Chun Boon Au as “Airline of the Year  Hall of Fame” awardee; and  HSBC Philippines, represented by COO Henry Bremridge, as “Bank of the Year. ”

Well-heeled guests comprising business leaders, diplomats, celebrities and society figures were also treated to a sensory feast, from the stellar floral arrangement of event stylist extraordinaire Dave Sandoval to a sumptuous buffet spread and overflowing drinks provided by PeopleAsia, the Fairmont Makati and Philippine Wine Merchants. Lively performances by Raymond Lauchengco, Shiela Valderrama, Kiana Valenciano and the Marcy David Band entertained the crowd. Monaco Consul and entrepreneur RJ Ledesma hosted the affair.

Kris has risen

“Queen of All Media” Kris Aquino also made her first public appearance after being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition.

Kris told members of the press that she came to support her good friend designer Michael Leyva who was one of the “People of the Year” 2025 awardees. When asked by PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez why Michael was so special, Kris said:  “Because he is acting like the dad today. Bimb said his parents are here. So it’s really he’s more than just a friend. He’s really like the younger brother I never had. And there are people who say that I’ll be there for you or maaasahan mo ako. But Michael has proven that so many times and in so many ways. And he gave his two cars to us!”

Aquino, who wore a yellow face mask and was joined by her son Bimby, noted that the awards night coincided with the 39th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution.

PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year” 2025 Awards Night was staged in cooperation with Fairmont Makati, Manila Electric Company (Meralco), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corp., Ayala Corp., The French Baker, Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Toyota Motor Philippines, Wilcon Depot, CITTI Elite and Silversea, Montes & Kaiken, The Aivee Clinic, FuTech Innovations Philippines, Inc., Fundador Brandy, Hartman Communications, SM Supermalls, and The Philippine STAR. *