PeopleAsia publisher, president and CEO on leave, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, also graced the occasion, and delivered his speech as the magazine’s special guest of honor. Joining Ambassador Romualdez to present the awards to this year’s 17 awardees were PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, PeopleAsia director Sara Soliven de Guzman and New World Makati Hotel general manager Marcel van Mierlo.
PeopleAsia recently honored 17 extraordinary gentlemen from its biggest “Men Who Matter” list to date, which included a newly elected mayor, a Cabinet Secretary, an award-winning actor, two hard-hitting journalists and business luminaries, among others, at the Grand Ballroom of the New World Makati Hotel.
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez during his opening remarks
New World Makati Hotel general manager Marcel Van Mierlo giving his opening remarks
PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Hayden Kho Jr., Scarlet Snow Belo, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and PeopleAsia director Sara Soliven de Guzman
Broadcast journalist Anthony Taberna and Mayor Isko Moreno
Newly elected Manila Mayor Isko Moreno made a highly anticipated appearance to the ceremonies, following his landslide victory in the Philippine capital’s mayoralty race. From being a former “basurero” (garbage boy), Moreno rose to become a three-time councilor of Manila’s First District and the city’s vice mayor, prior to his 2019 victory. Shortly after being elected mayor, he already made headlines, thanks to the recent and successful cleanup of Divisoria, Carriedo and Blumentritt, among others.
Scarlet Snow Belo, Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo
SIA general manager Lee Yong Tat, Jann Delgado, PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, New World Makati Hotel general manager Marcel Van Mierlo, Aiza Soller-Garcia and Angelo Templobuevo
Moreno was joined by other prominent men, including Grab Philippines president Brian Cu, who graced the cover of the magazine’s June-July 2019 issue. Once a mere taxi-hailing app, Grab has since evolved into a TNVS service, and even engages in food and express deliveries, and more. It currently runs on more than 400,000 transactions per day; and employs more than 70,000 active-driver partners.
Also attending the event was veteran newsman and The Philippine STAR columnist Jarius Bondoc, whose four decades in the industry has been marked with bold and truthful exposés, such as that of the $329-million ZTE deal. Aside from a colorful journalistic career, Bondoc also provides free eye checkups and treatments to those who can’t afford it.
Adding star power to the “Men Who Matter” Awards Night was Gawad Urian winning actor Paulo Avelino, most prominently known for his titular role in Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, and his lead roles in movies such as I’m drunk, I Love You, Ang Larawan and Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa; and celebrity doctor Hayden Kho Jr., who shared with the magazine how he had found fulfillment in being an instrument of his faith, on top of his role in The Belo Medical Group.
Rounding off this year’s list of “Men Who Matter” awardees were Cabinet Secretary and former Davao First District Rep. Karlo Nograles, who advocates “Education for All,” Lexus Manila president Raymond Rodriguez, real estate magnate Victor Consunji, Creative Guild of the Philippines “Hall of Famer” and FCB Manila executive creative director Jake Tesoro, The Medical City’s president and CEO Dr. Eugene Ramos, Salcedo Auctions director Richie Lerma, ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Anthony Taberna, Vistaland and Lifescapes Inc., president and CEO Manuel Paolo Villar, RS Francisco and Sam Verzosa of Frontrow, Living Innovations and Minotti’s Ferdie Ong, and eventologist Tim Yap.
PeopleAsia publisher, president and CEO on leave, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Babe Romualdez, also graced the occasion, and delivered his speech as the magazine’s special guest of honor. Joining Ambassador Romualdez to present the awards were PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, PeopleAsia director Sara Soliven de Guzman and New World Makati Hotel general manager Marcel van Mierlo. Singer-songwriter Nicole Asensio, on the other hand, served as the night’s emcee and guest performer.
The Ralph’s Wines and Spirits open bar at the venue
Red wine, one of several selections, from Ralph’s Wines and Spirits
Aside from enjoying the lavish buffet from the New World Makati Hotel and the overflowing drinks courtesy of Ralph’s Wines & Spirits, guests also went home with special gift packs from upscale skincare and wellness brand Pili Ani.
PeopleAsia’s “Men Who Matter” 2019 Awards night was made possible with the support of the New World Makati Hotel, Lexus Philippines, Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corp., Vista Land, Megaworld Corp., Frontrow, Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), Ralph’s Wines & Spirits, Pili Ani, Pilipinas Shell, Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corp., and The Philippine STAR.
