The star-studded 1st Philippine Distinct Men & Women of Excellence (Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards), the last of the annual excellence awards for 2023, was successfully held at the elegant Manila Grand Opera Hotel & Casino, in Santa Cruz, Manila.
Initiated by actor and director Romeo ‘Romm’ Burlat, the awards night gave recognition to the “Cream of the Crop” among Filipinos all over the world, chosen from the fields of entertainment, fashion, arts, music, and business.
“They’re not just excellent, they’re distinct,” Burlat said to distinguish Gawad from other awards-giving bodies.
Beauty Queens honored were Miss World 1973 1st runner-up Evangeline Pascual, Distinct Toastmaster of the Year; Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 1993 Jenette Fernando-Dizon, Distinct Beauty Queen of Substance; Miss Philippines-Air 2014 Dianne Querrer, Distinct Best TV Anchor of the Year; and Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022 Gabrielle Basiano, Face of the Night.
The celebrity honorees were Rhian Ramos (Latay) – Distinct Empowered Actress of the Year, Quinn Carrillo – Distinct Millennial Movie Actress of the Year, Sean De Guzman – Distinct Millennial Movie Actor of the Year, Sheree Vidal Bautista – Distinct Singer/Actress of the Year, Teresa Loyzaga – Distinct Best Movie Actress of the Year, Andre Yllana – Distinct Teen Actor of the Year, Beverly Salviejo – Distinct Best Supporting Actress of the Year- Andrea del Rosario (Maid in Malacañang) – Distinct Empowered Actress of the Year, Angelica Jones Alarva – Distinct TV Actress of the Year, Lovely Rivero – Distinct Versatile Actress of the Year, Rez Cortez – Distinct Veteran Actor of the Year, Monsour del Rosario – Distinct Sportsman of the Year, Jay Manalo – Distinct Veteran Best Actor of the Decade, Rodjun Cruz – Distinct Best Supporting TV Actor of the Year, Dianne Medina – Distinct Best Female TV Host of the Year, John Guarnes – Fashion Designer of the Decade, and Nash Leeho-Fashion – Designer of the Year.
Other Special Awards were given to Mister Man Hot Star International 2022 Jovy Bequillo, Face of the Night; Nash Leeho and Teresita Tolentino, Star of the Night; Kris Lawrence and Dr. Mayu Empress Rebong, Look of the Night; Lance Raymundo, Fashion Icon of the Night; and this writer, Scene Stealer of the Night, and Distinct Journalist Columnist of the Year (for Manila Standard).