Press Release
January 15, 2009

Villar receives People of the Year award

Nacionalista Party President Manny Villar will receive the People of the Year award tonight as People Asia magazine honors the exceptional individuals who made an impact in the year 2008 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

"I am very happy to receive this award. It is a distinct opportunity to be in the same league of men and women who helped made a difference for this country. Certainly this inspires us to do more so that we can help more of our kababayan," Villar said.

Villar is being recognized for his rags-to-riches story that inspires millions to fulfil their dreams through hard work and determination (Sipag at Tiyaga) - the same values that helped him triumph over poverty and succeed in life.

Villar was born in Moriones, Tondo, Manila. His father, Manuel Montalban Villar, Sr., hailed from Cabatuan, Iloilo and his mother Curita Bamba came from Orani, Bataan.

At an early age, he helped his mother sell seafood at the Divisoria market in order to support his eight siblings and his education. As a working student, he earned his Bachelor's and Masters' degrees in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines. He started his professional career as an accountant and financial analyst for prominent corporations before venturing into his own business. He then persevered to establish the largest homebuilding company in the country today with an initial capital of only P10,000.

Villar received several awards in the past including the Ten Outstanding Young Men in 1986, Agora Award for Marketing Management in 1989, Most Outstanding CPA by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 1990, and Most Outstanding UP Alumnus in 1991. In 2004, Manny Villar was named the Most Distinguished Alumnus--the highest recognition given by the University of the Philippines � for his exemplary public service and achievements.

In 1992, he entered politics and was elected Congressman of Las Pinas and Muntinlupa for three terms in a row, consistently posting landslide victories. In 1998, he was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He was elected Senator of the Republic in the year 2001. In July 2006 he assumed the Senate Presidency during the third regular session of the 13th Congress. He holds the distinction as the first post-war public official who became both Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President.

The 2008 People of the Year awardees is led by former President Corazon Aquino as special awardee. The other awardees include Vice President Noli de Castro, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Go Negosyo's Joey Concepcion, "Megastar" Sharon Cuneta, Philippine National Red Cross governor Rosa Rosal, Century Properties Group head and Special Envoy to China Joey Antonio, Kuok Group-Philippines CEO Andy Bautista, social worker Dominique Lemay, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, and singer Charice Pempengco.

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