'People of the Year' 2026 awards night: Fire and heart
After 26 years as PeopleAsia editor-in-chief, and 22 years of presenting the “People of the Year” award to luminaries who shone their light on our stage, it was my unexpected turn to be honored with a Special Achievement Award by the magazine—and it was epic, at least to me, my family and my co-author on this page, Büm D. Tenorio Jr. He clapped so hard as the award was announced, we both almost fell off our chairs.
PeopleAsia welcomed the “Year of the Fire Horse” in grand style at the 2026 “People of the Year” Awards Night on Feb. 17, the first day of the Lunar New Year.
“Tonight, we celebrate men and women who are leaving their mark in their respective sectors or industries, as they make a difference in the lives of Filipinos,” said PeopleAsia publisher (on leave) Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, who welcomed the well-heeled guests at the Fairmont Makati.
Büm reports, “Aside from honoring this year’s distinguished ‘People of the Year’ awardees—comprising public servants, business leaders, advocates, and icons in entertainment and fashion—the magazine also presented a Special Achievement Award to Joanne as founding editor-in-chief, ‘whose 26-year tenure transformed PeopleAsia into a dynamic, award-winning multimedia platform spanning print, digital, and live event executions’.”
Büm adds, “Wearing her heart out on her royal blue Francis Libiran sleeve, Joanne garnered a standing ovation, as she received the award from Ambassador Romualdez, PeopleAsia director Sara Soliven De Guzman and newly appointed editor-in-chief Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz.”
"Thank you, Ambassador Babe, Sara, and Paolo for this totally unexpected award and tribute. Thank you, PeopleAsia."
'Beacons of hope'
Leading this year’s roster of 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.
Cheered on by family and friends, PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year” awardees also took to the stage to receive their trophies. They are SBMA chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño, Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary David Almirol, veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, DMark Beauty and DermAsia founder and CEO Nikki Tang, Belo Medical Group co-chair Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., I Want To Share Foundation chairman Sheila Romero, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Fr. Flavie Villanueva SVD, and Philippine Animal Welfare Society executive director Atty. Anna Cabrera and fashion and furniture designer Francis Libiran.
“Concert King” Martin Nievera also received his second “People of the Year” Award onstage, before belting out a series of electrifying musical numbers.
Also present to entertain guests were the Marcy David Band and event host Issa Litton. Events designer extraordinaire Dave Sandoval transformed the ballroom into an Oriental wonderland of blooms, in time for the Chinese New Year. Fairmont Makati and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, on the other hand, treated guests to a sumptuous buffet spread and overflowing drinks.
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.
