BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ/ Photos by Renjie Tolentino
PeopleAsia’s “Men Who Matter” awardees walked the talk as they joined the glossy magazine and The Philippine STAR’s Operation Damayan in raising funds for victims of super typhoon Carina.
Leading this noble effort was PeopleAsia publisher (on leave) Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez who donated USD 1,000 at the start of the program. “Tonight will be a great celebration but at the same time it’s a sad situation, what with all the floods that have taken place in Metro Manila. And so I have asked PeopleAsia’s editor-in-chief Joanne Ramirez to see if we can start a fundraiser in our event tonight,” he told members of the audience at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport City.
“Tonight, as we honor PeopleAsia’s ‘Men Who Matter 2024’ awardees, we realize that, inspired by their example, we, too, can matter – especially in the wake of typhoon Carina,” Ramirez said during her speech.
Men – and women – of action
One by one, the “Men who Matter” took the stage, not just to receive their awards, but also to offer words of encouragement and make pledges for the victims of the typhoon.
“Men Who Matter” awardee and PAGCOR Chairman Al Tengco said: “As part of the program this evening, we will be coordinating with PeopleAsia and Operation Damayan. Since yesterday, early morning, PAGCOR was already distributing relief goods all over Metro Manila and the nearby province of Bulacan.” He also announced that the Tengco family will make a separate donation to Damayan.
PeopleAsia’s “Men Who Matter” Legacy Awardee Gary Valenciano also shared: “Passing Marcos Highway and seeing the roads closed closed because the mud level had gone beyond the average person’s height is heartbreaking. That is why I stand with Operation Damayan. If there is anyway, I can help to reaching even more people, let me know. I’d love to be there.”
Potato Corner president and COO Joey Alvero also underscored their commitment to the cause. “Our company believes in putting our people first, ensuring they are safe and can get back on their feet. Thus, we have provided immediate relief for those affected and also working on consolidating further support to help them rebuild accordingly and as necessary. We’d also be working closely with Operation Damayan for additional help for our kababayans,” he said.
The Bellevue Manila’s Patrick Chan also announced that his hotel will support Operation Damayan. “I’d like to say that for those I’ve seen many people I know here from the south as well. If you have any relief goods to donate we are organizing a collection center in the hotel so you can donate it there in partnership with the LGU of Muntinlupa,” he added.
Putting his talents and skills to work, Chef Sau del Rosario said: :”If you guys want my service to feed the victims of the recent typhoon. I’m more than willing to feed millions of Filipinos who are affected by the climate. Please come to me and I’m willing to render my service and to cook for those in need.”
Actor Dingdong Dantes, on the other hand, delivered a speech while taking a break from providing relief goods as a reservist for the Philippine Navy. “I humbly accept this award, many of whom are in need right now. Let’s keep them in our thoughts and do everythingw e can to help them in any way we can.”
The well-heeled guests also heeded the call and started making donations immediately after the show.
More “Men Who Matter”
PeopleAsia’s “Men Who Matter” awardees also shared inspiring words as they went onstage.
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go said: “I am deeply grateful to be among a distinguished group of men of excellence and purpose, and as people in Asia would call it, men who matter. I am so privileged to have been given opportunities to make a difference and to serve.”
Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Toff De Venecia, who attended with parents former Speaker Joe De Venecia and Manay Gina, shared that “This award is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of the collective effort of many. So, to my colleagues, collaborators, every Filipino creative, there’s now at least seven million of us in the country as per the latest Philippine Statistics Authority study that we commissioned. This is for you.” He also pledged to make a donation to Operation Damayan, on behalf of the De Venecia family.
Conrad Manila general manager Fabio Berto, on the other hand, shared his award with his colleagues. “I would like also to recognize the bravery of our colleagues in the hospitality industry that in the last few days have actually braved the weather in order to be able to make it to the various hotels across the capital and work and provide the service that stands out as the true Filipino hospitality,” he said.
Citi Philippines president and CEO Paul Favila also said: “Many times in my 30-year journey, I have been asked whether I wanted to take out opportunities elsewhere. I’m probably one of the very few who actually decided that I wanted to grow my career in the Philippines. And that is something that I am very proud of.”
Gerry Sy of Opulence Design Concept also took the time to thank his family, as he shared words of wisdom from his father. “In life, do not envy what others have. Focus on yourself and always do things the righteous way. And in business, nothing is more important than integrity. Because with integrity and credibility, everything else will follow.”
Last but not the least, talent manager and star maker Jojie Dingcong borrowed the words of Maya Angelou: “Stand tall and proud like royalty. Bow to no one. Lean only to God. Yes, this is my morning mantra. This beautiful statement I carried with me each waking morning in my prayers. It’s my energy boost. It’s my morale boost.”
Music & touches of modern Filipino aesthetics
Ensconced within the spectacular Modern Filipino décor of Randy Lazaro, guests of PeopleAsia’s “Men Who Matter” 2024 Awards Night were also treated to an energetic opening number by no less than “Concert Queen” Pops Fernandez and The G-Force Dancers. The Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport City later treated guests to a sumptuous Filipino-inspired feast and free-flowing wines.
The event, emceed by Issa Litton, also had onstage a slew of notable presenters, led by Philippine STAR president and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte, mWell president and CEO Chaye Cabal-Revilla, DongFeng managing director Atty. Albert Arcilla, DongFeng president and CEO Brenann Lim, and PeopleAsia managing editor Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz. Manila Marriott cluster general manager Bruce Winton also delivered the welcome remarks.
PeopleAsia’s “Men Who Matter” 2024 was brought to you by Manila Marriott Hotel, United Coconut Planters Life Assurance Corp. (COCOLIFE), Store Specialists Inc., BOSS, X10 Technologies, Ideal Vision Center, Police Lifestyle, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Wilcon Depot, DongFeng Motor Philippines, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Robinsons Land Corporation, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, SM Supermalls, Belo Medical Group, Singapore Airlines, Fundador Brandy, JC Premier, Randy Lazaro Events and Lifestyle, FuTech Innovations and The Philippine STAR.
