THE OTHER RM AWARDEES 2015

Ramon Magsaysay awardees and their families enjoying the carabao cart ride

Alright, It's another one of those long delayed blog entries! My last entry was about Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, who immortalized the importance of our very own Dance form - Pangalay. There wer other Asians who completed the roster of the Ramon Magsaysay awardees. The Ramon Magsaysay Foundation feted the awardeesand their families to a fun-filled day at Villa Escudero.

Groupie with Grace Amilbangsa and Kyaw Thu and his family

Two of this year's awardees are from India. SANJIV CHATURVEDI is recognized for his exemplary counrage and integrity in exposing corruption in India and for instituting policies for change for the benefit of his community in India.

Sanjiv Chaturvedi in white shirt

The other awardee from India is ANSHU GUPTA. He was honored for his creative and enterprising spirit and in changing the culture of giving in India, realizing that the true spirit of giving always "respects and preserves human dignity". He is also recognized for his leadership in treating cloth as a sustainable resource for the poor in India.

Anshu Gupta and family

The other awardee is from Myanmar... KYAW THU. Despite his fame in his native country, he used his status as a celebrity in addressing the needs of both living and dead countrymen. He channeled his status as a star in Myanmar in serviing the greater good.

Kyaw Thu

And finally, from Laos, KOMMALY CHANTHAVONG. She is honored for her tireless efforts in reviving, and developing the ancient Laotian art of silk weaving. and creating livelihood for countless war-displaced women of Laos and thus preserving the dying art of  silk weaving.

Kommaly Chnthavhong and her daughter

The whole day affair at Villa Escudero was loads of fun. It was also significant in that the awardees and their families were able to experience the local cuisine and see how the farm works  as well. The way back to Manila was spent  recalling fun memories with Grace Amilbangsa, whom I've spent time with while in the performing arts. Other than that, the built in blasting Karaoke on the bus was  put to good use by the family members and staff of Ramon Magsaysay awardees. I hope I get to do it again next year...