Manila Mayor Isko Moreno dedicates to his constituency the "Breakthrough Award" bestowed on him by Esquire Philippines for his distinguished track records in public service, leadership, and governance.
The former actor-turned-politician topped the Man At His Best 2019 awardees given by Esquire Philippines to outstanding men and women in the fields of art, film, fashion, sport, and business.
In his acceptance speech, the 45-year-old Manila mayor said, "I am honored and humbled with this award. If not for Manilans, I won't have this award.
"I owe it to them. They gave me the opportunity to serve them.
"Talagang napakalaki ng utang na loob ko sa mga taga-lungsod ng Maynila. Hindi doon nagtatapos ang utang na loob ko sa kanila."
"Ito pong pagkilala ng Esquire ay inaalay ko po sa mga taga-Maynila, sa mga batang Maynila. This is the result of our cooperation and participation."
In his speech, Mayor Isko also admitted he felt a bit of pressure when he was told about his award, "Kinakabahan ako sa award na ito dahil baka mamaya masyadong tumaas yung expectations niyo sa akin."
He ended his speech with a plea, "I will continue to beg you and ask you, please help us resuscitate Manila."
Esquire Philippines also honored and bestowed the Man At His Best ICON Award on each of the country's two leading lights in the arts—National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera for his work as the master of contemporary Philippine art and the National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab for his ageless talent and contribution to Filipino music.
The magazine started The Man At His Best Award last year, and in this second edition, the youngest honoree was Rome Gomez, aka No Rome, who flew in from England to receive the Musical Artist of the Year award.
The 22-year-old London-based musician is currently blazing the British music scene, and is the first Filipino artist to perform at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
He told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), "I find it pretty nuts to be even called a man but I love it. It's definitely an honor for me.
"I feel humbled for the whole thing especially hearing it from different people and be on the same category of people who also contributed a lot to the Philippine community.
"This is, for me, a bonus 'cause I just love music. Getting this award, for me, feels like a bonus and it's flattering for sure."
The Director of the Year award went to Mikhail Red—the man behind the critically acclaimed films Birdshot, Neomanila, and Eerie.
In his speech, he said, "I feel very lucky that I get to do what I want to do, I get to do the films that I want. I hope you continue to support local cinema and genre cinema."
Esquire gave the Creator of the Year Award to Xyza Cruz-Bacani, the domestic helper whose photography has been winning awards.
Xyza is best known for her black-and-white photos of Hong Kong and documentary pieces on migrant workers.
In 2018, she published her first photo book titled We Are Like Air, which featured the story of her mom's life as a domestic helper in Hong Kong.
In her acceptance speech, Xyza said she was baffled when told by Yvette Fernandez, editorial director of Summit Media, about her Man At His Best award.
She said, "I actually wondered 'cause, obviously, I'm a woman."
It turned out she had a man in mind who, in her heart, also deserved an honor.
"Tonight, I would love to dedicate this celebration of Man At His Best to the best man of my life, which is my father."
"He made sure that his daughters will be strong and smart to persevere in this world that we have today.
"He was the one who taught me the importance of family, kindness, and gratitude.
"To my father, this is for you. I wouldn't have a 'Woman At Her Best' id I don't have a father who is the best 'Man At His Best' all the time."
Businessman Michael Concepcion, the man behind the lifestyle concept stores such as Commonwealth and Ronnie & Joe, was recognized as the Game Changer for bringing in global brands from different parts of the world.
He brought to the Philippines famous cafes and restaurants—including Yabu, Ippudo, Mighty Quinn’s, Elephant Grounds—and the Australian luxury skincare brand, Aesop.
The president and CEO of 7-Eleven Philippines, Victor Paterno, was hailed as Businessman of the Year.
Jordy Navarra was hailed Chef of the Year. His restaurant called Toyo Eatery is on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 list.
Members of the PADS Adaptive Dragonboat Racing Team—composed of deaf, blind, amputee, and polio survivor athletes—were named Sportsmen of the Year. In 2018, they won gold at the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races.
Over 200 VIP guests celebrated the achievements of the men and women who were given honors by Esquire Philippines at the Man At His Best Awards 2019 held last Thursday night, November 7, at The Fifth Events Place in Makati City.
