Wednesday, January 10, 2007 The Perlas book By Nelia G. Neri
WHEN the Philippines Foundation Inc. was organized in 1986, its main focus was to search for valuable Filipinos “who excel in their areas of concern” or those “who have exhibited exemplary conduct and practice worthwhile attitudes and values, thus contributing to the upliftment of Filipino tradition and culture.” The proponents were businessman Francisco Benedicto (who in time became an ambassador), civic leader Hernando Streegan, and educator Milagros Espina.
And this was how the annual Perlas Awards of the Philippines Foundation came to be. In its 20 years of existence, the foundation has honored a good number of valuable Filipinos whose achievements and good example give encouragement and inspiration to people from all walks of life. It was, therefore, just a matter of time for the Philippines Foundation Inc., headed by its president, Rev. Fr. Ernesto Javier S.J. to come up with the idea of a book on the Perlas awardees to spread its reach.
Unanimous choice to write the Perlas book was seasoned and competent journalist Jenara Regis Newman. She did an excellent job and came up with a very readable and interesting 90-page book. PFI trustee Marissa Fernan took care of the attractive cover design and the printing details. Among the supporters of the project are the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation who gave the seed money, Villa Solana and the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
The book launching was held at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel, compliments of GM Karl Hudson who is always supportive of civic organizations. Trustee Elvira Luym served as program emcee while the Mandaue Children’s Choir (a Perlas awardee last year) provided the musical numbers.
