Ten outstanding Manilans feted in 440th Araw ng Maynila rites

Ten personalities, including the first woman associate justice of the Supreme Court to administer President Aquino’s oath of office, were bestowed on Friday medallions of honor for being adjudged outstanding Manilans for the 440th Araw ng Maynila.

The annual search aims at recognizing men and women who have contributed immensely to the benefit and development of Manila and its residents and whose achievements in their respective fields have given prestige to the country’s capital.

During the ceremonies held on Friday evening at the Manila Hotel, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice President Jejomar Binay gave due recognition to Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales in the field of law and jurisprudence for her “unquestionable integrity, impartial and fearless dispensation of justice and her untarnished and dedicated 40-year government public service record,” as well as for her “enjoying the distinction of being the first woman magistrate to administer the Oath of Office to a President of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr. was recognized for his contribution in judicial administration, particularly for the implementation of the computerization program at the appellate court.

Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., the co-founder of the Rustan’s chain of stores and former ambassador to the Vatican who is dubbed as the father of luxury retailing and was listed last year in Forbes magazine as the 34th richest Filipino, was cited for his contributions in the fields of diplomacy and corporate leadership.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Raul Bacalzo was feted for his contributions in the fields of criminal justice system and police administration “for placing the greater interest of the country before anything else through his outstanding performance as a police officer and commander” and for aiming to professionalize the police service.

Billionaire real estate mogul Andrew Tan was recognized for his contributions in the fields of business entrepreneurship and management while Fr. Jose Arcillas, SJ, was feted for his contributions in the fields of history and education.

Cristina Lim-Yuson was honored for her works in the fields of culture and values formation for her efforts in encouraging the youth to love Filipino arts and culture and for founding the Early Learning Center that promotes the welfare of gifted Filipino children.

Media tycoons Atty. Felipe Gozon of GMA Network, Emilio Yap III of the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp., and Miguel Belmonte of the Star Group of Publications were likewise honored for their contributions in social responsibility in broadcasting, publishing and corporate diversity, and print media advocacy.

Lim explained, “By recognizing these Manilans for their exemplary achievement, the city government and its officialdom hold them up for emulation by others, even as appreciation is extended to them for what they have done for Manila and its people.”

He further stressed that the essence of Friday’s awards is for everyone to “choose to live a life that matters.”