For the first time in over 15 years that we’ve run our Christmas Contest, we’re picking a record 30 winners to bring home cash and other prizes donated by our generous sponsors. We chose 20 winners last year but because of the overwhelming response to our contest this year, we’re opening the doors to more winners.
Several entries were disqualified for failing to conform to requirements. Some submitted essays that went over the five-sentence limit. Others didn’t include contact details or age or occupations or schools. We received thousands of entries through e-mail, Instagram, twitter and delivery to The Philippine Star office. The entries came from all over the country and we thank everyone for the patronage.
Most of all, we wish to thank our donors. So far, we’ve received a record P170,000 in cash – broken down into P50,000 from the POC, P20,000 from Atty. Tony Cablitas, P20,000 from Jean Henri Lhuillier, P20,000 from Cynthia Carrion, P20,000 from an anonymous source, P20,000 from sportsman/horse owner Hermie Esguerra, P15,000 from NorthPort and P5,000 from GAB chairman Abraham Mitra. The first prize winner will receive P50,000, second P20,000, third P10,000, fourth P5,000, fifth P5,000 and the other 25 winners, at least P3,000 each. We have pledges for more cash donations so if they come in, we’ll increase the share of the bottom 25 winners. Chooks To Go is also giving a chicken voucher for each of our 30 winners through Bounty Agro Ventures president Ronald Mascarinas and Bounty Sports head Mel Macasaquit. Chooks To Go has been a consistent sponsor in all of our contests, including the recent Baguio seminar at UP and the UST Varsitarian Inkblots national convention.
We’re grateful for the donations from our friends, benefactors and sponsors – Sonak Corp. president Anil Buxani (basketballs, volleyballs, badminton sets), Rommie Chan (Vita Coco, tote bags, shirts, gift packs), Ever Bilena CEO Dioceldo Sy (Blackwater Deo mist sprays, Deo soaps, Advance Uncover 12-color eyeshadows, matte lipsticks, pro waterproof eyeliners), PBA commissioner Willie Marcial (shirts, Hardcourt annuals, personal blenders), Alaska PBA governor Dickie Bachmann (shirts, basketballs, 20 gift packs), San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua (San Mig Light beer, Ginebra Blue, Primera brandy, shirts, caps), Meralco senior vice president Al Panlilio (golf umbrellas, windbreakers, large tote bags, rechargeable lamps, electric kettles, spill-free mugs, USB power adapters, magnetic car cellphone holders), SBP executive director Sonny Barrios (3x3 and 5x5 basketballs), Robina Gokongwei-Pe (P3,000 Robinsons gift certificates), Rain Or Shine PBA governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon (electric fans, tumbles, shirts, caps), Columbian PBA governor Bobby Rosales, San Miguel Corp. vice president Kin Lichauco (20 gift packs), Magnolia PBA team manager Alvin Patrimonio (shirts, USBs, pouch bags), Danise Flores of Centaur Marketing (Red Bull jerseys, shirts), PLDT executive assistant to the chairman Abet Dungo (power banks, Victorinox cards, Illy blend boxes, rechargeable lamps, traveling bags, sports bags, jackets, electric kettles, suction mugs), Cebuana Lhuillier (30 shirts), Peak CEO Michael Chenglay (shirts, pouch bags), NLEX PBA governor Rod Franco (Illy blend boxes, backpack, digital scale, water gear, single-car covers), Phoenix PBA governor Atty. Raymond Zorilla (car chargers, shirts, planners, wine tools, table calendars, induction speakers) and ALA CEO Tony Aldegeur (shirts, boxing gloves, sports bags, P1,500 Loalde gift certificate).
Here are the 30 winners:
First prize-Arnold Liwanag, 40, production manager, Vibelle, Bulacan.
Second prize-Esmeraldo Guillermo, 61, social sciences and philosophy professor, Valenzuela City.
Third prize-Christianzen Libed, 35, delivery rider, Gryn Wasabi, Cavite.
Fourth prize-Rey Paez, 21, criminology graduate, Pangasinan.
Fifth prize-Ariel Clarito, 41, freelance training consultant, San Juan.
6. Reginaldo Pascual, 31, academic tutor, Quezon City.
7. Pipo Baquiran, 58, CRSG officer, MDC, Makati.
8. Jude Sabaybay, 21, 3rd Year BS Statistics, UP Diliman, Rizal.
9. Miguel Dapula, Jr., 49, Metrobank officer, Rizal.
10. Lyndeen John Deloria, 45, government employee, Quezon City.
11. Bonifacio Muit, Jr., 60, retired banker, Quezon City.
12. Antonio Valenzuela, 55, civil engineer, Quezon City.
13. Joel Malabanan, 48, Philippine Normal University literature teacher, Cavite.
14. Timothy Agduma, 34, Smart Communciations specialist, Taguig City.
15. Carmencita Lopez, 56, real estate broker, Pasay City.
16. Elicer Lignes, 34, self-employed, Davao City.
17. Jonathan Zipagan, 56, caregiver, Quezon City.
18. Rogelio Ramos, 78, retiree, Bulacan.
19. Rebecca del Rosario, 55, Avon dealer, Manila.
20. Rafaelito Limjoco, 61, employee, Batangas.
21. Edwina Aguilar, 38, freelance writer, Quezon City.
22. Valentino Pecaoco, 42, IT consultant, Quezon City.
23. Richard Mamuyac, 42, training manager, Mandaluyong City.
24. Divino Ventura, 57, animal clinic storekeeper, Manila.
25. Christopher Manuel, 40, teacher, Manila.
26. Patrick del Rosario, 41, Malayan Colleges Laguna senior high school faculty, Laguna.
27. Florentino Fernando, 46, self-employed, Laguna.
28. John Patrick Totanes, 16, Grade 12, Paranaque.
29. Claire Correos, 14, Grade 8, Paranaque Science High School, Paranaque.
30. Dante Olino, 59, jeepney driver, 4464 Homonhon St., Makati.
Winners will be contacted by cellphone and must receive their prizes personally with authenticated IDs on Sunday, Dec. 23, 10:30 a.m. outside Starbucks Molito, in front of the Alabang Town Center.