PRESS STATEMENT FROM GMA-7:

"GMA Network continues its winning streak at the start of the New Year after two of its prime talents were recently honored as People Asia Magazine's 'People of the Year 2010' last January 10 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

"Multi-awarded broadcast journalist and GMA News pillar Mike Enriquez and primetime dramatic leading man Dingdong Dantes were included in the prestigious list of awardees who made a significant difference in the lives of Filipinos last year.

"The magazine cited Enriquez, GMA Senior Vice-President for Radio and one of Reader's Digest Top 15 most trusted Filipinos, for his outstanding contribution in public service through the public affairs program Imbestigador as well as his unwavering commitment to Serbisyong Totoo as one of the anchors of GMA-7's flagship newscast 24 Oras and as host of his radio program Saksi sa Dobol B.

"After more than a decade of hosting Imbestigador, Enriquez has remained steadfast in his vocation of providing assistance to the plight of ordinary Filipinos who are in need. His passion for excellence and dedication to his craft earned him numerous awards and citations including Best Newscaster in the Asian Television Awards; Best Newscaster For Television and Best Public Affairs Host for Radio in the Golden Dove Awards; Anak TV Seal Award For Child Friendly Television Host; Gandingan Award For Best Investigative Program Host, just to name a few. Also, he recently received an award for Best Television Host from the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) and was given the Vocational Excellence Award from Rotary Club.

"Meanwhile, Dantes was recognized for his selfless advocacy to promote the welfare of the youth through his YES Pinoy Foundation. Founded in August 2009, Dingdong has been a staunch supporter of educating and providing scholarships for young people in order to realize their dreams and ambitions. 

"When Typhoon Ondoy hit the country two years ago, Dingdong together with officers of Philippine Marines, led Yes Pinoy Foundation's relief operation in Rizal. He also partnered with National Book Store's Project Aklat which donated school supplies and study kits for the typhoon victims. At present, Dingdong continues with his 'Oplan Restore Paaralan' campaign aimed at rebuilding typhoon-damaged schools.

"Aside from his humanitarian works, Dingdong is known as one of the GMA-7's ace and award-winning actors who has various feats and accolades tucked under his belt. These include Favorite Television Actor Award in the First Annual Fil-Am Visionary Awards; Best Supporting Actor nomination in the 56th FAMAS Awards; Best Drama Actor Winner for Stairway To Heaven in the 24th PMPC Star Awards for TV; and Best Actor nomination for Stairway to Heaven in the 15th Asian Television Awards. Currently, Dingdong is set to star opposite Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez in the romantic-comedy series I ♥ You Pare this February.

"Also on the list of notable awardees are Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Miss Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj; fashion designer Josie Cruz Natori; furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue; floral architect Rachy Cuna; fashion designer Rhett Eala; musician Ryan Cayabyab; architect Felino Palafox Jr.; founder of the Tuloy Foundation Fr. Rocky Evangelista; and Philippine Airlines (PAL) president and CEO Jaime Bautista. One of the awardees was Thierry Tea, president and CEO of Eurocopter Philippines, who mobilized his helicopters for rescue missions during Typhoon Ondoy."

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