BY ANNE STEPHANIE NILO / Photos by Renjie Tolentino and Alex Vergara
From esteemed awardees led by cover subjects Carlos Yulo and Marian Rivera-Dantes to the launch of the magazine’s own YouTube Channel, all the way up to a surprise appearance from “Queen of All Media” Kris Aquino, PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year” 2025 Silver Anniversary was definitely a gift that kept on giving.
PeopleAsia recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in a well-attended ceremony held at the Fairmont Makati. 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 button with PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez and newly appointed digital channels head Jose Paolo dela Cruz.
People of the Year 2025
Carlos Yulo with PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez
Carlos Yulo who won two gold medals at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris — a historic first for the country — and Cinemalaya Best Actress Winner Marian Rivera-Dantes added star power to the night’s glitzy ceremonies, as they made their way to the event.
Sen. Loren Legarda (left) and Sen. Risa Hontiveros
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.
Glass sculptor Ramon Orlina (left) and Hotelier Bruce Winton with PeopleAsia director Sara Soliven De Guzman
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, whose leadership made Marriott one of the fastest-growing hotel brands in the country.
Ret. Col. Ariel Querubin (left) and LWUA Chairman Ronnie Ong
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.
GAOC founder Dr. Steve Mark Gan (left) and fashion designer Michael Leyva
Supported by celebrity friends and GAOC brand ambassadors, businessman, oral surgeon and philanthropist Dr. Steve Mark Gan was recognized for his innovative work in dentistry, among others. Alliance Global Group Inc. CEO Kevin Tan was also included in PeopleAsia’s list for his conglomerate’s role in nation-building.
PeopleAsia’s Marketing Manager Jannette Velasco and Features Editor Alex Vergara present the “Airline of the Year – Hall of Fame” award to Singapore Airlines Station Manager for Manila Au Boon Chun, and the “Bank of the Year” award to HSBC Philippines COO Henry Bremridge.
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.
(from top, clockwise) Performers Shiela Valderrama and Kiana Valenciano, emcee RJ Ledesma and performer Raymond Lauchengco
The “Queen of All Media” surprises Michael Leyva
Just in time for PeopleAsia’s venture into new media, “Queen of All Media” Kris Aquino 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. “I actually thought today is the 24th, tomorrow pa yung 25. He was the one who told me. Sabi niya [last night], ‘Ano ka ba, bukas yung…’ So, sabi ko, ‘Perfect!’ Talagang perfect coming out,” she said.
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.
