Beautypreneur PH | “People of the Year” 2026 Awards Night Marks a New Chapter for PeopleAsia | People Asia – “Tonight, we celebrate men and women who are leaving their mark in their respective sectors or industries, making a difference in the lives of Filipinos,” said PeopleAsia publisher, president and CEO (on leave) Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez.

Among this year’s awardees is San Miguel Corp. Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang, who was named as the magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Awardee, in recognition of his contributions to nation-building. He was represented by his daughter, San Miguel Foundation chairperson Cecile L. Ang.

“I’d like to congratulate Ramon Ang and of course Cecile, his daughter. You cannot imagine what Ramon Ang has been able to do over the past number of years, especially the airport. So this Lifetime Achievement Award is very special because Ramon Ang has really done a great job in improving a lot of things here — infrastructure and everything else. And Cecile, of course, his daughter, has been very active in helping her father,” Romualdez added.

Beacons of hope

Aside from being featured in the magazine’s 26th Anniversary issue last December, PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year” were also honored in a glittering awards ceremony attended by business leaders and government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and more.

Among this year’s awardees were SBMA chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño, whose stewardship generated P6-billion worth of committed investments last year to the special economic zone; Undersecretary David Almirol, who champions digitization in government services through DICT’s eGovPH Super App and eGovDX; and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, whose no-nonsense approach in addressing corruption has resulted in numerous reforms at the DPWH.

Veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho was also honored for examining and presenting raging issues of the day with compassion through her award-winning shows at GMA 7, even after 40 years in broadcasting; as well as music icon and undisputed “Concert King” Martin Nievera, who continues to bring joy through his music, even after more than 40 years in the business.

Proving that beauty is definitely not just skin-deep were DMark Beauty and DermAsia founder and CEO Nikki Tang, who was recognized for her pioneering work in science-based skincare and technology; as well as Belo Medical Group co-chairman Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., whose “The Scar Project” seeks to restore dignity and hope to beneficiaries by helping them heal both their physical disfigurements and inner wounds.

People of the Year 2026 awardees Dr Hayden Kho Jr and Nikki Tang - Beautypreneur PH

Businesswoman and philanthropist Sheila Romero was also recognized for raising P92 million for pediatric cancer patients at the Philippine General Hospital through I Want to Share Foundation. Meanwhile, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Fr. Flavie Villanueva SVD was lauded for his work at Project Paghilom and Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation, which both extend hope, dignity, and compassion to victims of various forms of social injustice.

Also recognized were licensed architect, fashion designer and furniture designer Francis Libiran, who champions Filipino creativity by showcasing his collections on the world stage in the last 27 years; and Philippine Animal Welfare Society executive director Atty. Anna Cabrera for her selfless dedication to the cause of animal welfare and for prosecuting perpetrators of animal abuse.

A New Chapter

The awards ceremony, which was held on Chinese New Year, also marked a new chapter for the magazine. Following the retirement of founding editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez after 26 years, PeopleAsia formally announced the appointment of editor-in-chief Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz.

“I want to congratulate Ms. Joanne Rae Ramirez, who’s been instrumental in making the magazine what it is today, from the print copy and now to the digital format,” said Romualdez during his opening remarks, before announcing the appointment of dela Cruz as editor-in-chief, “who is set to usher PeopleAsia into an exciting new era of growth and innovation.”

Ramirez, who led the PeopleAsia team not just as editor-in-chief since 1999, but also as general manager and sales and marketing director from 2014 onwards, was later presented with a Special Award of Achievement for her invaluable contributions to PeopleAsia.

Prior to his appointment as editor-in-chief, dela Cruz led the launch of PeopleAsia’s YouTube Channel last year. He has also served as managing editor and special events director for the magazine since 2011.

Later in the evening, Concert King Martin Nievera also enthralled the well-heeled guests with a musical performance. Also present to entertain guests were the Marcy David Band and event host Issa Litton. Events designer extraordinaire Dave Sandoval also added a touch of magic to the venue by transforming the ballroom into an Oriental wonderland of blooms, in time for the Year of the Fire Horse, while Fairmont Makati and Ralph’s Wines & Spirits treated guests to a sumptuous buffet spread and overflowing drinks.

Martin Nievera sings to the delight of the crowd

PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year” 2026 Awards Night was staged in cooperation with Fairmont Makati, EastWest Bank, Ayala Corp., AITO Philippines, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Mozzafiato, Belo Medical Group and Belo Essentials, San Miguel Corp., Threema by Miguelized, SM Supermalls, Montes and Ralph’s Wines & Spirits, FuTech Innovations Philippines, Inc. and The Philippine STAR.

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