Villar is Outstanding Manileno

Nacionalista Party President Senator Manny Villar expresses deep appreciation for being chosen as an Outstanding Manileno awardee. He received the recognition today in the occasion of the 438th 'Araw ng Maynila' (the city's foundation day) at the historic Manila Hotel.

"It is truly a great honor to be conferred this distinction by the City of Manila, the city close to my heart since it is where I was born and where I grew up. The city is witness to my youth and my youthful aspirations as well as endeavors. I can say that it molded my personality. Manila has become a part of my life and of who I am," said Villar.

A real son of Manila, Villar was born and grew up in Moriones, Tondo with his eight siblings. It was also in Manila, at Divisoria market where he helped his mother (Nanay Curing) sell seafood. It was there where he first learned the values of sipag at tiyaga (hard work and persistence) -- which to this day remains among his key advocacies as a public servant.

"I only have fondest memories of my life in Manila, from my elementary and high school days at a public school to those days when, as the eldest in the family, I helped my mother sell shrimps and fish at a stall in Divisoria. My core values were developed in the city's environs," added Villar.

The Outstanding Manileno Award is a yearly undertaking of the City of Manila and form part of the Araw ng Maynila commemoration. It recognizes men and women who were born, lived or studied in the city and whose achievements in their chosen profession or vocation have contributed to the city's development and promotion.

Along with Villar for public service, the Outstanding Manileno awardees for this year include former President Corazon Aquino for civic leadership and global diplomacy; Philippine Daily Inquirer's board chair Marixi Rufino-Prieto, print media advocacy; Henry Sy Sr., business development; Eugenio Lopez III, telecommunications and broadcasting; Regina Paz Lopez, environmental advocacy; Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, entrepreneurial leadership; Miguel Enriquez, public service in tri-media; Teresita Quirino, education; and George Ty, corporate social responsibility.