People of the Year

Grand entrance.

Every year, Stargate Media Publishing honors extraordinary individuals who have achieved monumental success in an industry and  making a difference in the lives of Filipinos. This tribute is culminated via an event called People Asia's People of the Year (something like Time magazine) Last Monday, the People of the Year event was held at the grand ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel (The former Westin Philippine Plaza) in Pasay city..  People Asia is the only magazine in the Philippines that was able to gather all at the same time the four highest ranking heads of state namely President Noynoy Aquino, Vice- President Jojomar Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Head of the House of Representatives Speaker Sonny Belmonte.  The strictly invitational grand occasion was well-graced by Manila's diplomatic, business, society, fashion and lifestyle sector.  

Faces.Faces.Faces.

The 2010 “People of the Year” awardees are:

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile 

Miss Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj

Globally renowned fashion designer Josie Cruz Natori

Broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez

Acclaimed furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue

Floral architect Rachy Cuna

Collezione's fashion designer Rhett Eala.

Actor and YES Pinoy Foundation founder Dingdong Dantes

Musician Ryan Cayabyab

Architect Felino Palafox Jr.

Fr. Rocky Evangelista of the Tuloy Foundation.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) president and CEO Jaime Bautista.

People Asia's special recognitions:

Mr.Thierry Tea, president and CEO of Eurocopter Philippines, who mobilized 

helicopter rescue missions during typhoon Ondoy and Ms.Raissa Dawn Laurel, 

bar blast victim who exemplified optimism in life.

The first big event of the year was a night of blinding flashes as everyone came in their best fashion.  It was a parade of both local and foreign designer wear that created a feast for the eyes.  

Photographer Joan Bitagcol in a black long sleeved turtleneck top by Margiela, black dress worn as
a skirt by Industria, black lapel by Joey Samson, shoes by Costume National and vintage bag by Romeo Gigli.

Ivar wearing gray coat and black tapered pants both designed by him,  black long 
sleeved polo by Tween and black leather shoes by Rachel Comey. 

Photographer Sara Black in a black dress and stocking both by
H & M and peeptoe heels given by a friend.

Fashion stylist Corine Alegre in a black dress by Alexander Wang, printed
 heels by Emilio Pucci, wine colored clutch by Gucci.

The author in a navy suit by Joey Samson, long sleeve pinstripe polo
by Zegna and viscose bowtie by Lanvin.

The formal dress code, the fine table setting, excellent food and special performances of entertainers made the event special. I had a brief moment when i almost broke into tears when Raissa Laurel was being awarded.  She is truly a survivor and great example of optimism to the many.  Her positive outlook in life has touched a nation by giving her this all deserving moment in time 

Seeing double.

Flora

Shining through.

From left to right:  Allure's Associate Editor Bum Tenorio, Ivar Aseron,
the author, Corine Alegre and Joan Bitagcol.

And on a high note after saying all our goodbyes and just when we were about to get into our cars  to leave Sofitel, this flashy moment was just waiting to happen.

Freeze Frame (from left to right):  Jerome B. Smoothe, People Asia's Tatum Ancheta, photographer Niccolo Cosme, Ria Reyes, Tom Yeung, Marie France's  NJ Torres, photographer Sara Black, fashion stylists Bea Constantino and Pam Quinones, fashion designer Ivar Aseron, photographer Joan Bitagcol, the author, fashion stylist Corine Alegre and photographer Mark Nicdao.