Power & purpose: Inside PeopleAsia’s 14th “People of the Year” Awards Night

It was a grand celebration for ‘people celebrating people’ at the “People of the Year” 2018 Awards Night, held at the Grand Plaza Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City. The ceremony was attended by a number of high-profile individuals, which included diplomats, government officials, business leaders, celebrities and members of the press.

Special Guest of Honor Philippine Ambassador to the US Babe Romualdez
Special Guest of Honor Philippine Ambassador to the US Babe Romualdez
Sofitel Philippine Plaza GM Adam Laker welcomes guests to the hotel
Sofitel Philippine Plaza GM Adam Laker welcomes guests to the hotel
Kris Aquino receiving her award
Kris Aquino receiving her award, despite feeling under the weather

 

Leading this year’s list of awardees is the undisputed “Queen of All Media,” Kris Aquino, who looked stunning in her yellow Roland Mouret gown. Escorted by her youngest son Bimby, Kris made sure to attend the awards night despite feeling under the weather. In an Instagram post, she later said, “I distinctly recall a meeting, in all fairness a very well meaning one—meant to help me get back on track during the 4th quarter of 2016—and 1 of the ‘suggestions’ given to me was to refrain from wearing yellow. Well, as you probably all know I like marching to the beat of my own drum. PINK has always been my favorite color—but I wore a yellow @roland_mouret gown tonight because the fact is—tonight’s recognition happened because KCAP & I did it our way.”

After taking a bow from television a few years back, Kris conquered the digital sphere by amassing more than 3.2 million followers on Instagram, 1.3 million followers on Twitter and over 130,000 subscribers on YouTube for her online video series. Kris further upped the ante when it was revealed that she will appear for a cameo role in the upcoming Hollywood flick based on Kevin Kwan’s international bestseller, Crazy Rich Asians.

Kris Aquino arrives with Bimby
Kris Aquino arrives with Bimby
Bea Alonzo
Bea Alonzo
Resorts World Manila's Lucky Person of the Year Norman King receives a plaque designed by Ramon Orlina from Kingson Sian and Ambassador Romualdez
Resorts World Manila’s Lucky Person of the Year Norman King receives a plaque designed by Ramon Orlina from Kingson Sian and Ambassador Romualdez
Kevin Tan receives his award from Ambassador Romualdez and Sara Soliven de Guzman
Kevin Tan receives his award from Ambassador Romualdez and Sara Soliven de Guzman
Chris Yu and Atty. Albert Arcilla present the Volvo "Ironmark" Award to Bea Alonzo
Chris Yu and Atty. Albert Arcilla present the Volvo “Ironmark” Award to Bea Alonzo
Adam Laker, Lulu Tan Gan and Ambassador Babe Romualdez
Adam Laker, Lulu Tan Gan and Ambassador Babe Romualdez
Ronald Ventura receives his award from PeopleAsia's associate publisher Kevin Belmonte, former awardee Dr. Vicki Belo and Ambassador Romualdez
Ronald Ventura receives his award from PeopleAsia’s associate publisher Kevin Belmonte, former awardee Dr. Vicki Belo and Ambassador Romualdez
"People of the Year" awardee Basil Valdez serenades the well-heeled crowd
“People of the Year” awardee Basil Valdez serenades the well-heeled crowd
Norman King, FVR and Tim Cone
Norman King, FVR and Tim Cone
Singapore Ailrines GM Balagopal Kunduvara receives the 'Airline of the Year' Award from Peopleasia's Jose Paolo dela Cruz and Joanne Rae Ramirez
Singapore Ailrines GM Balagopal Kunduvara receives the ‘Airline of the Year’ Award from Peopleasia’s Jose Paolo dela Cruz and Joanne Rae Ramirez
PeopleAsia Editor-in-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez is flanked by Max V. Soliven Lifetime Achievement awardee Fidel V. Ramos and Pilipinas Shell's Mon del Rosario
PeopleAsia Editor-in-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez is flanked by Max V. Soliven Lifetime Achievement awardee Fidel V. Ramos and Pilipinas Shell’s Mon del Rosario
PeopleAsia 2018 awardees with PeopleAsia execs: PeopleAsia director Jose Rodriguez, associate publisher Kevin Belmonte, awardees Kevin Tan of Megaworld, Fr. Jett Villarin of Ateneo de Manila University, singer Basil Valdez, fashion designer Lulu Tan Gan, actress Bea Alonzo, Ambassador to the US Babe Romualdez, Max V. Soliven Lifetime Achievement Awardee Fidel V. Ramos, W Group's Rosalind Wee, PeopleAsia EIC Joanne Rae Ramirez, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and daughter Emma, Resorts World Manila's Lucky Person of the Year Norman King, Ginebra San Miguel Basketball Coach Team Cone and artist Ronald Ventura
PeopleAsia 2018 awardees with PeopleAsia execs: PeopleAsia director Jose Rodriguez, associate publisher Kevin Belmonte, awardees Kevin Tan of Megaworld, Fr. Jett Villarin of Ateneo de Manila University, singer Basil Valdez, fashion designer Lulu Tan Gan, actress Bea Alonzo, Ambassador to the US Babe Romualdez, Max V. Soliven Lifetime Achievement Awardee Fidel V. Ramos, W Group’s Rosalind Wee, PeopleAsia EIC Joanne Rae Ramirez, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and daughter Emma, Resorts World Manila’s Lucky Person of the Year Norman King, Ginebra San Miguel Basketball Coach Team Cone and artist Ronald Ventura

 

Kris was joined by a number of movers and shakers from the fields of entertainment, sports, business, public service, fashion and education – all extraordinary individuals who were being honored for their extraordinary success and inspiring stories. Among them was celebrated actress Bea Alonzo, who has played a number of iconic roles, and has top-billed box office hits and small screen favorites in her 17-year career.

PeopleAsia also honored world-class Filipinos such as Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, who leads the robust infrastructure programs of the Duterte administration; visual artist Ronald Ventura, whose work became the most expensive auctioned item at the Sotheby’s Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings auction in Hong Kong in 2011; real estate executive Kevin Tan, who continues building modern, convenient townships for Filipinos through his roles as Megaworld Lifestyle Malls SVP and Alliance Global executive director; and legendary singer Basil Valdez, whose iconic voice has brought to life Filipino classics such as “Ngayon at Kailanman.”

Educators also reigned supreme in this year’s awards ceremony with the inclusion of former teacher Rosalind Wee, who inspires with her ascent from being an underprivileged teen in Jolo to becoming the vice chairman of the multimillion conglomerate W Group Inc. (despite being legally blind due to a previous battle with a brain tumor); Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Jett Villarin, SJ, who continues to shape free-thinkers in one of the country’s most respected educational institutions; and Philippine fashion’s “Queen of Knitwear” Lulu Tan Gan, who now focuses her efforts on molding a new set of fashion designers as a fashion consultant at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Rounding up this year’s “People of the Year” list was Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach Tim Cone, who is the “winningest” coach in the Philippine Basketball Association’s history (with two grand slam titles to boot).

PeopleAsia also honored former President Fidel V. Ramos as its Max V. Soliven Lifetime Achievement Awardee for 2017. The man who is best remembered for his roles in the 1986 EDSA Revolution, and for paving the way for the Philippines to be called “Asia’s New Tiger” during his presidency, is still very much active as the head of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation Inc.

The magazine, together with one of its partners, also paid tribute to 28-year-old Norman King, who was named as Resorts World Manila’s “Lucky Person of the Year” Awardee. Proving that a little bit of luck goes a long way when paired with hard work and determination, Norman is the first member of the Aeta community to graduate from the University of the Philippines Manila.

Last, but not the least, PeopleAsia also recognized its “Airline of the Year” — Singapore Airlines, which recently celebrated 70 successful years.

Hosted by Issa Litton, PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year Awards Night” 2018 is the 14th staging of the much-anticipated occasion, which was launched in 2004. It also marked the 18th anniversary of the magazine, which was founded by legendary journalist Max. V. Soliven.

Aside from the sumptuous array of dishes prepared by the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, the spectacular affair was made even more memorable by live musical entertainment of the Marcy David band, and the floral decorations of Dave Sandoval.

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On with the show!
The sumptuous feast prepared by the Sofitel Philippine Plaza
The sumptuous feast prepared by the Sofitel Philippine Plaza
The sumptuous feast prepared by the Sofitel Philippine Plaza
The sumptuous feast prepared by the Sofitel Philippine Plaza
The sumptuous feast prepared by the Sofitel Philippine Plaza
The sumptuous feast prepared by the Sofitel Philippine Plaza
The Volvo XC60 on the white carpet
The Volvo XC60 on the white carpet
The stage is set for "People of the Year" 2018
The stage is set for “People of the Year” 2018

The “People of the Year” 2018 Awards Night was held in partnership with the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, as well as the following sponsors: Volvo, Henann Group of Resorts, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Megaworld, SM Supermalls, Resorts World Manila, PLDT, Sta. Elena Construction, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp., Penshoppe, Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., Ultherapy & Merz Philippines, W Group, The French Baker, Marie France & Facial Care Centre, Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center, San Miguel Corporation, Glupa and The Philippine STAR.

See who else made it to this year’s spectacular event below!

Atty. Albert Arcilla with Bum Tenorio
Atty. Albert Arcilla with Bum Tenorio
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Henann Group of Resorts’ Karl Chusuey
Monthip Upatising with Yoli Ayson
Monthip Upatising with Yoli Ayson
Carl Cuevas, Sam Mercado, Tricia Camille Kiocho Grace Diez, Romina Cunanan, Diana Lesaca, Joy Cabrillos and Thal Gopez
Carl Cuevas, Sam Mercado, Tricia Camille Kiocho Grace Diez, Romina Cunanan, Diana Lesaca, Joy Cabrillos and Thal Gopez
Ann Ong
Ann Ong
Dr. Che Bernad, Mae Bernad and Tedrick Yau
Dr. Che Bernad, Mae Bernad and Tedrick Yau
PeopleAsia contributors Joyce Reyes Aguila, Denise Roco-De Leon, Kristel Dacumos-Lagorza and Kap Maceda Aguila with PR guru Edd Fuentes and The STAR's Abac Cordero
PeopleAsia contributors Joyce Reyes Aguila, Denise Roco-De Leon, Kristel Dacumos-Lagorza and Kap Maceda Aguila with PR guru Edd Fuentes and The STAR’s Abac Cordero
Rupert Jacinto, Kitty Doll, Tina Jacinto and Crimson Alabang's Gerhard Doll
Rupert Jacinto, Kitty Doll, Tina Jacinto and Crimson Alabang’s Gerhard Doll
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Atty. Rene and Ann Puno
Nina Webb
Nina Webb
Dr. Vivki Belo arrives to present an award
Dr. Vicki Belo arrives to present an award
"People of the Year" Awardee Coach Tim Cone and wife Cristina
“People of the Year” Awardee Coach Tim Cone and wife Cristina
Secretary Mark Villar and Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar with their precocious daughter emma
Secretary Mark Villar and Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar with their precocious daughter Emma
"People of the Year" Fr. Jett Villarin
“People of the Year”  awardee Fr. Jett Villarin
Singapore Airlines' GM Balagopal Kunduvara, Neds Rocilio, Aiza Garcia and Jigs Reodica
Singapore Airlines’ GM Balagopal Kunduvara, Neds Rocillo, Aiza Garcia and Jowell Reodica
Panama Ambassador Rolando Guevara, Thai Ambassador Thanatip Upatising and wife Monthip, with Becky Garcia and Dr. George Sarakinis
Panama Ambassador Rolando Guevara, Thai Ambassador Thanatip Upatising and wife Monthip, with Becky Garcia and Dr. George Sarakinis
Bob Miller, Hera Geriene and Ito Curata
Bob Miller, Hera Geriene and Ito Curata
Joanne Rae Ramirez in a gorgeous Ito Curata gown
Joanne Rae Ramirez in a gorgeous Ito Curata gown

 

Bum Tenorio, Mayenne Carmona and Ronald Ventura
Bum Tenorio, Mayenne Carmona and Ronald Ventura
Floe Tapayan and Kleng Oning
Floe Tapayan and Kleng Oning
Photographer Jar Concengco and wife Kay with mom Cecilia
Photographer Jar Concengco and wife Kay with mom Cecilia
Geoff Andres and Romina Gervacio of City of Dreams
Geoff Andres and Romina Gervacio of City of Dreams
Former 'Lucky Person of the Year' Hidilyn Diaz with RWM's Joee Guilas
Former ‘Lucky Person of the Year’ Hidilyn Diaz with RWM’s Joee Guilas
Madison Galeries Joy and Joel Rustia
Madison Galeries’ Joy and Joel Rustia
"People of the Year" awardee Kevin Tan and wife Michelle
“People of the Year” awardee Kevin Tan and wife Michelle
RCBC's Chester Luy and wife Elvira
RCBC’s Chester Luy and wife Elvira
Norman King's family arrive at the Awards Night
Norman King’s family arrives at the Awards Night
Event host Issa Litton looking great in a Mark Bumgarner creation
Event host Issa Litton looking great in a Mark Bumgarner creation
Rex Atienza and Marie Lozano
Rex Atienza and Marie Lozano
Cocoy Laurel sings the night's theme, "People" accompanied by the Marcy David Orchestra
Cocoy Laurel sings the night’s theme, “People” accompanied by the Marcy David Orchestra
Norman King, FVR and Tim Cone
Norman King, FVR and Tim Cone

Sofitel Philippine Plaza's Yasmine Hidalgo and Assia Daourova

Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Yasmine Hidalgo and Assia Daourova

Joanne Bitagcol, Luis Espiritu and Pen Uy
Joanne Bitagcol, Luis Espiritu and Pen Uy
Citizen Eddie meets Basil Valdez
Citizen Eddie meets Basil Valdez
Cesar Abaricia, Ping Sotto, Marivic Rufino and Ramon del Rosario
Cesar Abaricia, Ping Sotto, Marivic Rufino and Ramon del Rosario
Rosalind Wee is flanked by children and in-laws, Audrey, Elaine, John, Norman, Dimples, Cesar Jr., Faith and Francis
Rosalind Wee is flanked by children and in-laws, Audrey, Elaine, John, Norman, Dimples, Cesar Jr., Faith and Francis
Joy Fong and Sofitel Philippine Plaza's Yasmine Hidalgo
Joy Fong and Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Yasmine Hidalgo
Ronald Ventura receives his award from PeopleAsia's associate publisher Kevin Belmonte, former awardee Dr. Vicki Belo and Ambassador Romualdez
Ronald Ventura receives his award from PeopleAsia’s associate publisher Kevin Belmonte, former awardee Dr. Vicki Belo and Ambassador Romualdez
Jose Rodriguez, Joanne Rae Ramirez, Secretary Martin Andanar. Miwa Yamatoya and Ambassador Babe Romualdez
Jose Rodriguez, Joanne Rae Ramirez, Secretary Martin Andanar. Miwa Yamatoya and Ambassador Babe Romualdez
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Bea Alonzo
Johnny Litton with Quenby Go and Monch Cruz
Johnny Litton with Quenby Go and Monch Cruz