Esquire Philippines continues to honor influential figures in 2024 with its prestigious annual Man At His Best list.
This year, a celebratory event took place at Hilton Manila in Pasay City on November 18, 2024, to recognize the awardees.
For the 2024 Man at His Best list, Esquire Philippines, under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief PJ Cana and Publisher Martin Tambis, honors nine outstanding individuals across diverse fields such as film, music, sports, business, and politics.
ESQUIRE PHILIPPINES: MAN AT HIS BEST 2024
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) covered the event, capturing the highlights and speeches of this year's awardees.
SB19 - ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
P-Pop Kings SB19, composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin, were honored as Entertainer of the Year.
Although they couldn't attend the event, a video of the group was played during the party.
In the video, Justin discussed how they embrace each member's individuality.
Justine said, "Ever since naman po, even though we're a group, we consider each and everyone's individuality po.
"So talagang lumalabas din yun sa SB19. If you can listen to our songs, sa mga albums po namin, iba't ibang genre din po yung maririnig nyo.
"Kasi po, hindi namin pinilit yung group namin to be, like, to [get] stuck into one image. Kumbaga, kinonsider namin yung gusto ng bawat isa.
"So kaya meron po kaming iba't ibang style and iba't ibang image na makikita."
Meanwhile, Pablo also spoke about their influence and mentioned that they have become more mindful of their actions and words.
The group's leader shared, "We know that our voice can reach a little bit further than others. So, careful pa rin po kami sa mga sinasabi namin, sa mga galaw namin.
"Kahit na sabihin po namin na may kanya-kanya kaming personalidad, lagi pa rin namin iniisip kung ano yung magiging impact ng mga ginagawa namin sa mga tao sa paligid po namin."
MARIAN RIVERA - ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
GMA-7's Prime Time Queen Marian Rivera has been honored as Actress of the Year following the success of her recent films, Rewind and Balota.
Rewind, where she stars alongside her husband Dingdong Dantes, has become the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, amassing PHP1.2 billion in box-office sales.
[Star Cinema announced on November 22, that "Hello, Love, Again is now the highest grossing Filipino of all time in just 10 DAYS!"]
Balota, her entry in the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival, achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim, earning her the Best Actress award alongside Gabby Padilla for Kono Basho.
In her speech, Marian expressed gratitude to the team at Esquire Philippines for the recognition.
She shared an inspiring message, emphasizing that whether they receive awards or not, individuals can still use their influence to make a positive impact.
Marian said, "Salamat Esquire sa recognition na ito. Sabi mo nga PJ kanina magiging makabuluhan lamang ang award na ito kung nakakapagbigay ka ng inspirasyon para sa ibang tao.
"Pero sisigundahan ko din yan may award man kayo o wala lahat kayo makakapagbigay ng inspirasyon. Thank you everyone and thank you PJ, Thank you, Esquire."
CARLOS YULO - ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Gymnast Carlos Yulo, who claimed two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was honored as Athlete of the Year.
In his speech, Carlos expressed gratitude to Esquire Philippines, reflecting on the challenges he faced leading up to the Olympics.
He conveyed his overwhelming appreciation for the support he received following his victory.
The 24-year-old Olympian said, "Magandang gabi po sa atin lahat, hello po. Maraming maraming salamat po Esquire Philippines sa napaka-special na award po.
"Sobrang saya ko po na... Before po mag-Olympics, like, sobrang hirap po talaga ng mga pinagdaanan ko po.
"Di ko po talagang expected na after ng win, isi-celebrate po talaga siya na buong bansa, ng buong Philippines.
"Kaya nagpapasalamat po ako ng marami sa lahat po na sumuporta, nagdasal, nagpuyat po, at nag-take po talaga ng time."
Carlos expressed his heartfelt thanks to Cynthia Carrion, President of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, and to his girlfriend, Chloe San Jose, for their steadfast support throughout his journey.
"Siyempre maraming maraming salamat sa napakagandang presidente po ng Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, Ma'am Cynthia Carrion.
"Maraming maraming salamat po sa paniniwala at pagtitiwala sa kakayahan ko po.
"At siyempre sa team ko, sa partner ko, maraming maraming salamat mahal sa pagmamahal na binibigay mo sa akin."
Carlos concluded his speech by dedicating the recognition to the Lord, expressing gratitude for the multitude of blessings he has received.
"At siyempre gusto kong magpasalamat kay Lord. Lahat nang meron ako Blessing yun mula kay Lord kaya hindi ako magagawa o makakatanggap ng mga ganitong awards kung di sa Kanya.
"Again, Esquire Philippines, maraming maraming salamat. Patuloy po natin yung suportahan ang mga atletang Pilipino. Thank you!"
KEVIN TAN - BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR
Kevin Tan, named Businessman of the Year, dedicated the award to the diligent team members of the Alliance Global Group and its brands.
In his speech, Kevin focused on their collective efforts to lead with integrity and purpose, aiming to uplift lives and contribute to nation-building. Kevin also expressed his gratitude to Esquire for the honor.
Kevin's full speech: "This award, really, is a dedication to all the hardworking men and women of the Alliance Global Group and its various brands: Megaworld, Newport World Resorts, Emperador and White & Makai, and McDonald's.
"Every day we try to lead by example, we try to lead with integrity, and we try to conduct our business with purpose.
"We believe that that's the only way to go in terms of helping to uplift lives and our mission to help also build the nation.
"And so again, I'd like to thank Esquire for this honor. I'm very very honored to be here, and thank you again for this award."
JOSE JAVIER REYES - CREATIVE OF THE YEAR
Filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes, who now serves as the Chairman and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), was named Creative of the Year.
At the beginning of his speech, Direk Joey thanked Esquire and Summit Publications for the recognition and made a light-hearted remark about being one of the older members in the audience.
He said, "To Esquire and Summit Publications, thank you so much for this affirmation you gave this boomer.
"I am looking around and I've realized that I must be one of the oldest people in this room and to receive this award is just so overwhelming."
Turning a bit more serious, Direk Joey recounted his journey from being a teacher to a writer, then becoming a director, and eventually leading a government agency dedicated to Philippine cinema.
He told the audience that being recognized by Esquire not only challenges him but also affirms his journey of personal growth.
The director said, "Through seven decades of my human existence, I started out as a teacher and then I became a writer, then I became a director...
"And now I find myself being the head of a government agency which is dedicated to the advancement of Philippine cinema.
"And I've always believed that every affirmation that you get such as this is actually a challenge.
"It's actually a way of proving to yourself that despite the years there is still validity in your human existence."
Direk Joey concluded his speech by highlighting that true fulfillment is found not in proving one's worth, but in the capacity to give and share with others.
"So on my way entering this room somebody asked me, 'When do you think is man at his best?'
"And I gave it some really serious thought and I came to a conclusion that you are at your best when you don't have to prove anything to anybody.
"You are at your best when you realize that it's not what you have but what you can give that really matters in your life.
"It is not what you possess but what you are willing to share that validates every year that God has given you. Thank you so much, Esquire."
BENJAMIN MAGALONG - MAVERICK OF THE YEAR
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was honored as Maverick of the Year.
In his speech, Mayor Magalong shared his motivation for advocating good governance, despite facing hateful messages and attacks spurred by fake news targeted at him and his family.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong's full speech: "First of all, I would like to thank Esquire Philippines, my family, my team in the local government of Baguio, and the mayors for good governance.
"We have about 202 mayors now who have joined the Mayors for Good Governance.
And probably you're asking... probably you're wondering why I'm so passionate about good governance and the fight against corruption.
"You know, corruption is not pervasive in the entire country. Different level, different depth, different extent.
"Maraming nagsasabi sa akin, 'Mayor, you will be subjected to a lot of character assassination.' And it's true, you know.
"In fact, my two daughters here are even portrayed as prostitutes. My grandkids, a 14-year-old and an 8-year-old, being portrayed as drug addicts. They're just so ruthless.
"But I'm not going to give up. I'm not going to abandon the crusade. And you know why? Because if I'm going to give up, it is as if I've given up on the future of our kids.
"I've given up on the future of our children. I've given up on the future of the young generations who are present here today.
"So join us in this legacy. Join us in this fight. It's the noblest legacy that we can pass on to the next generation. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat."
GARY VALENCIANO - ICON OF THE YEAR
Gary Valenciano was awarded the Icon of the Year, but due to his commitment as a special guest at BINI's concert, he couldn't attend the event.
His wife, Angeli Pangilinan, accepted the award on his behalf.
During her speech, Angeli reminisced about how Gary was expected to have a shorter lifespan, yet here he is in his 60s, defying all odds.
Angeli recalled, "First is PJ said something very special when he said God-given talents.
"I just wanted to share a quick testimony that when I married him he was 20 and I was I won't tell you my age... but this year, he turned 60 but I was told by the doctors that he would have an estimated lifespan of 30 years past his diagnosis which was at age of 14.
"He is 60 now and he was supposed to have a lifespan of 44 years.
"So we can only thank the Lord for this wonderful award because as an Icon of the Year, he can't take that honor."
Angeli went on to thank the Esquire team and the event sponsors for their efforts in making the event possible.
"I know my husband and he told me tell all of you that, you know, he received quite a number of awards this year so he said thank you to Esquire, to the people of Summit Media especially Lisa Gokongwei, of course. And the rest of the team.
"Of course, Nissan that's his car every day and... of course Wilcon Depot, and the rest of the sponsors, Hilton, thank you so much.
"In behalf of Gary, he wants to say thank you. God bless you all."
HEV ABI - MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Rapper Hev Abi was honored as Music Artist of the Year.
In his speech, Hev Abi shared his overwhelming emotions, as it was both his first time attending such an event and receiving an award.
"Gusto ko magpasalamat sa Esquire para sa award na to," the 22-year-old rapper said. "First time po makapunta sa ganito, first time po makatanggap ng ganito.
"So, talagang nakakatuwa. Maraming salamat sa inyo, nakakalambot ng puso. Gusto kong magpasalamat sa Esquire.
"Gusto kong magpasalamat sa mama ko, andyan. Gusto kong magpasalamat sa buong TNP. Gusto kong pasalamat sa Downtown Q Entertainment."
Hev Abi went on to express his gratitude to Esquire for recognizing his dedication as a musician who aims to touch lives through his music.
"Bilang Music Artist of the Year, sobrang saya kasi especially sa Esquire na nare-recognize yung ginagawa ko, ginagawa namin.
"Bilang musician, hindi lang naman siya as of the music as in e... Parang, kami nakaka...
"Being able to touch lives on a day-to-day basis sa mga tao kami yung pinapakinggan nila araw-araw, nakapagbigay kami sa kanila ng emotions in every certain way kung ano man yung pinapahinga nila ang kanta namin.
"So, thank you so much sa pag-appreciate na ginagawa namin yun lang. Thank you po."
AMADO FORES - RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR
Amado Fores, son of renowned chef Margarita Forés, received the Restaurateur of the Year award for making his own mark in the food industry.
He graciously accepted the award with a brief yet heartfelt speech dedicated to the team behind his restaurants.
He said, "Thank you to Esquire Philippines for this award. Means a lot to me.
"Also like to thank my family who's here today, the AF Hospitality Team, Amano, Ramen Ron, Steak & Frice.
"And of course our headquarters, who are the backbone of our team.
"And, of course, all the guests who make big and small memories, thank you as well and thank you to everyone here."
CELEBRITIES SPOTTED
Additionally, numerous celebrities and personalities attended the party.
PEP.ph spotted Cynthia Carrion, President of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, supporting Carlos Yulo. Also present were Christian Bautista and his wife, Kat Ramnanu.
Talents from Sparkle GMA Artist Center, including celebrity chef Jose Sarasola, Shuvee Etrata, Kim Perez, Matt Lozano, and Kimson Tan, made an appearance.
Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Shanaia Gomez and the Asian-American group North Star Boys joined in the celebration as well.
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