Our celebration of Manila Bulletin’s 126th anniversary focused on 16 outstanding Newsmakers, whose worthy achievements across several fields of endeavor ennobled the Filipino spirit and touched the hearts of the audience who filled Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion last Monday evening.

National Artist Nora Aunor was recognized posthumously; son Ian de Leon received the award. Here’s what I got from a quick search on her early background:

“She was born Nora Villamayor to a large, poor family in Iriga City, Camarines Sur. At age five, she was selling water at the railroad station. The family lived in a nipa house with only one gasera to provide light, and sometimes Nora went to school barefoot. Then Tinseltown beckoned.”

She became a multi-week Tawag ng Tanghalan winner, then emerged as national champion in 1967 at the age of 14. She became an award-winning actress, too. Among her leading men was Tirso Cruz III; their Guy and Pip partnership becoming a household favorite.

What I remember most was the movie, Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo (“Once there was a flying termite’). Set near Clark Air Base in Pampanga, the film depicts the lives of two families affected by the American military presence in the Philippines. Militant activists stoked public criticism of the US bases on Philippine soil. Public opinion on bases was divided; the Senate voted not to extend the lease on Clark and Subic.

In 2014, after Typhoon Kristine wrought havoc on the Bicol provinces, Nora raised ₱5 million for relief assistance. Such was her deep-seated affection for the masses that remained loyal to her unto death.

Margarita ‘Gaita’ Fores was “a preeminent Filipino chef, restaurateur, and culinary ambassador who redefined the Philippine food landscape by blending authentic Italian techniques with local Filipino flavors.” She pioneered in bringing farm-to-table concepts to Manila. For her stellar feats, she was awarded the prestigious title of Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016.

Last year, she passed away on Feb. 11, “leaving behind a profound legacy after a remarkable 38-year career in the culinary world.” Her son, Amado, received the award, accompanied by Gaita’s sisters, Veana and Bledes.

I recall from my stint in Malacañang with President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino, that Gaita was the chef designated for state dinners; she was also among those tapped during the Philippines’ hosting of the APEC summit in November 2015.

Among my dining venue favorites is Cibo, that is described in these glowing terms: “Founded in 1997 by Chef Margarita Forés, (it) is a premier modern Italian caffé-paninoteca in the Philippines, renowned for bringing authentic, home-style Italian cooking to casual dining. It is best described as a "go-to" spot for comforting, high-quality pasta, pizza, and antipasti, blending Italian ingredients with local, fresh produce in a chic, contemporary setting.”

I first heard the name Conrado 'Dado' Banatao during my early days as a professor at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in the late eighties. We had been invited to visit University of Southern California by friends in the academe who were active in promoting globalization. Chito Corpus, a fellow AIM alumnus, mentioned that Dado Banatao was making waves in Silicon Valley.

To understand the significance of what Dado has accomplished, here’s an account written by Dr. Federico ‘Poch’ Macaranas, my AIM faulty colleague who has served as foreign affairs undersecretary:

“Dado Banatao is a hero of the Knowledge Age who unlocks possibilities by expanding human capability, not by annexing land and defending territories in the agricultural age for survival. Nor building separate nations in the Industrial Age through engines of productivity,” but by “raising standards, aspirations, and entire generations for the survival of humankind.”

Yesterday was the 40th day since Dado’s demise; his widow and three sons have come home to thank friends who have poured expressions of sympathy on the passing of an engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, and a great Filipino.

Aside from swimmer Kayla Sanchez, who emerged as the most bemedalled Filipino athlete in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok with three golds and five silvers, the other outstanding athlete who was honored by MB the other night was Alexandra ‘Alex’ Eala, now concededly the darling of an admiring nation.

Twenty year-old Alex has won the hearts not just of sports fans but of the Filipino people by rising to become one of the world’s top 50 tennis players, while demonstrating her grit and relentless fighting spirit.

Thanks to extensive exposure in the social media fanned by her legions of admirers, we have realized the tough grind she is going through in the Women’s Tennis Associations (WTA) Tour — a highly competitive circuit where the best and the brightest athletes compete. Yet, she has slowly but surely earned her place, and through sheer determination, she has conquered Grand Slam championship winners and older, more experienced opponents.

As she is now competing in Abu Dhabi following her exit in the quarterfinals of last week’s WTA 150 Open in Manila, she was represented in the awards night by Cliff Eala, my colleague in the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).In receiving her award, Cliff expressed pride on his niece’s phenomenal rise to prominence.

Indeed, Manila Bulletin – being a newspaper of record – commits to carry on the awesome responsibility of naming and honoring Filipino achievers who inspire us all to pursue our dreams as a proud nation.

Comments may be sent to [email protected]