Babe's Eye View article

It was a hugely successful People Asia "People of the Year 2007" awards night at the Hotel Intercon in Makati last Thursday, with the Grand Ballroom jam-packed by guests from the social circle, politicians, diplomats, media, businessmen.

I, myself, was surprised at the number of people who attended. I have to congratulate our staff for putting together a fantastic event, and the people who have continued to support us all these eight years. They have really been good years for the magazine.

All of us at Stargate—from our president Kevin Belmonte to our chairman Choy Cojuangco, to our Board Directors Dr. Charlie Chante, Dr. Ronnie Asuncion, Miguel Belmonte and Raul de Mesa—are proud to be associated with People Asia magazine.

What really gives us a lot of pride is giving accolade to men and women who are newsmakers and achievers, whose stories serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others—which is what the magazine is all about.

No doubt, it was a really "star-studded" affair, of course with two of our awardees—Batangas governor Vilma Santos-Recto and Comedy King Dolphy Quizon—belonging to showbiz royalty. Our friend Vice President Noli "Kabayan" de Castro's entrance caused quite a stir. And to the surprise of the crowd, former president Joseph Estrada quietly arrived with senator-son Jinggoy.

Some were uneasy when Erap arrived, but nevertheless became more relaxed when a lot of people came up to greet the former president and shake his hand as Erap slowly made his way towards the head table. Our good friend Mayor Lim—arguably the best mayor Manila has ever had—was also present. Of course, there was presidentiable Mar Roxas, an old friend of mine from our days in New York. Mar has always been a loyal supporter of People Asia, and was himself on the cover with Korina Sanchez in our July 2004 issue which was one of our best selling editions.

But the most touching moment that evening was the invocation by Fr. James B. Reuter, who was also one of our awardees. I cannot ever forget Fr. Reuter because he was our spiritual adviser and retreat master during our grade school days at the Ateneo, and his words continue to reverberate in my mind. For many of us, he was in fact the light of our lives during those days, and that shining light is what continues to guide us and has helped make what most of us have become today.

All the people's eyes were turned on him as he slowly climbed the three steps to the stage, assisted by three people. There is no doubt that this godly man's invocation touched everyone as he reminded all of us to care about each other, to remember that it is better to give than to take, to love rather than to hate.

He prayed for the People Asia awardees, asking the light of God to shine on each one so that they may continue with the work of giving to others. Not everything is all about money, Fr. Reuter said, in what could be taken as a loving and gentle rebuke to all of us. Indeed, sometimes we can get so carried away in this world where everything seems to be reduced to a rat race.

Fr. Reuter is one who believes there is good in everyone. In fact, he told me about former president Joseph Estrada's generosity in helping him raise funds to put up a hospital for the poor and needy. Of course, there's my friend Loren Legarda, who was one of the awardees. She is a passionate champion of women and children's rights, and a tireless advocate for the environment. I share her firm conviction that we have to take care of our environment.

Fr. Reuter made me believe that there is always good in someone. He had that gift of bringing out the best in people and encouraging them to serve others, perhaps not in the way the venerable old priest has chosen but in so many ways possible. He, I can safely say, is God's gift to this country.

What was even more touching to me was the fact that before the awards night, Fr. Reuter wrote me a very personal letter, telling me that he was going to attend in spite of what his doctor advised him. He was confined at the ICU in August last year, and so many people sent text messages expressing their concern about the state of his health. The 92-year-old priest stayed on until the program was over—which was way beyond his 7 p.m. bed time schedule.

The biggest treasure of this nation is its people, the good priest stressed in his prayer—giving us the encouragement to continue with our vision to bring out the stories of people in whatever form they may come—rich or poor, young or old, male or female, controversial or not—regardless of age, gender, class, profession or race, and show them in the best light possible, to make them not only human, but humane.

Fr. James Reuter's words reinvigorated the staff and gave everyone renewed confidence to strive harder to make our "People of the Year" awards even more meaningful, and that the magazine itself will continue to bring out the goodness in people and make it something that will inspire, encourage and bring cheer, to feed not only the minds of our readers but to touch their souls as well. Because at the end of the day, the moving force and the spirit behind the country—and our magazine—is a subject that has fascinated everyone through the years: people.