Asia’s Modern Hero Awards (AMHA) honored 320 individuals who exemplified the modern hero in a grand ceremony that brought showbiz sparkle to the large gathering at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom.
AMHA, the award-giving organization is the producer of Asia's Golden Icons Awards and Asia's Pinnacle Awards. Recently, the organization opened the awards to modern heroes all over Asia to be honored for their humanitarian advocacies, especially during the challenging time of pandemic.
The awarding ceremonies, held Feb. 17, 2023, made elegant by the people who attended, paid tribute to people who made extraordinary contributions to the community, as professionals or volunteers. The awardees were chosen for being outstanding examples in the fields of education, medicine, business, technology and public service.
Rollin P. Tabuena, M.D., FPCP,FPCCP
At centerstage were Iloilo’s well-known pulmonologist Dr. Rollin P. Tabuena and wife, Dr. Ma. Daisy P. Tabuena, a neurologist, who were honored for their outstanding work in the field of medicine.
At the height of the Covid19 pandemic, Dr. Rollin and Dr. Daisy conducted their clinical consultations both virtually and in the hospitals. When the hospitals in Iloilo city could no longer accommodate patients due to unavailability of beds, the Tabuena duo conducted home visits to attend to patients.
The risk was high, as the cases are at its peak; but as doctors, they have gone and went beyond the call of duty.
Ma. Daisy P.Tabuena M.D., FPCP, FPNA
Notwithstanding the risks in their own lives in the front line, having a young son waiting at home, the doctors did not hesitate to heed the call of service above self.
The cases they both attended to were heart breaking, depressing and can be frustrating at times. Nevertheless, true to their oath to save and serve, the Tabuena doctors set the bar higher than the risk of being exposed to the virus.
Pre-pandemic days, Doctors Rollin and Daisy conducted gift giving activities at the Asilo de Molo and during the pandemic they distributed CPAP machines to their indigent patients. Helping others is simply the way of life for the Tabuenas.
The doctors have set the benchmark in the call of duty. They both believe in the power of two and that in unity there is strength.
Dr. Daisy, elegant in a Nono Palmos black and silver mermaid gown, displayed grace and poise on stage when she received the award.
Dr. Rollin, in Nono Palmos’s black suit and Bo Parcon’s glittering silver inner shirt, won the judges’ nod which gave him another award to take home – the Best Dressed Male category special award for the evening.
Among the most notable awardees from the Philippines were businessman Manny Pangilinan, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Philippine National Police Chief for Administration, Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, TV producer Charo Santos, actor Coco Martin, TV newscaster Karen Davila, Congressman Richard Gomez, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Public Attorney’s Office Chief, Atty. Persida Acosta.
The recipients of the awards were evaluated based on their humanitarian involvement (25 percent), community accomplishments (25 percent), impact and influence (25 percent), and services (25 percent).
AMHA is led by its president and CEO Dr. Ronnel Ybañez. The members of the awards council are TESDA Deputy Director General Vidal Villanueva III, League of Municipalities of the Philippines National Vice President, Mayor Marcos Mamay, Ulama and Imam of the Philippines Association National President, Dr. Alim Fatani Sultan Abdul Malik, and Eralista Worldwide Founder Eravev "Anne" Bacho.