Golden memories: Hidilyn shines as one of PeopleAsia’s People of the Year 2019 awardees

Hidilyn Diaz, holding her People of the Year 2019 trophy, savors the moment.

“I am proud to show to the world what I have been because I work so hard to achieve this with the help of my team towards Tokyo 2020,” said Hidilyn Diaz in an Instagram Post way back January 2019, shortly after she was named as one of PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year.” And work hard she did, resulting in her recent gold medal finish at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 games, a first for her and her country at the Olympics.

But for one enchanted evening in January 2019, Hidilyn was all glammed up in a pink gown by Hannah Hong and enjoying every minute of it, as she shared the stage with fellow awardees, including Lani Misalucha, Joey Concepcion, Dennis Uy, Len Cabili and Andres Barrioquinto, among others.

Hidilyn, second from left, with fellow People of the Year 2019 awardees Lani Misalucha, Joey Concepcion, Rikki Dee, Dennis Uy, William Belo, Len Cabili and Andres Barrioquinto
Hidilyn, fifth from left, is also joined by special awardees Vince Dizon, Mark Villar, Ben Diokno and special guest of honor Salvador Medialdea
Hidilyn with special awardees KZ Tandingan and National Artist Ryan Cayabyab