The Pamulinawen Award as Outstanding Laoagueño

Some friends from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Ilocos Norte-Laoag City chapter heard the news that I will be receiving an award from Northwestern University for my achievements in the field of culture and the arts and for my charity projects, they suggested to nominate me for the Pamulinawen Award as Outstanding Laoagueño. 

PCCI chapter president Ricardo Tolentino, a former awardee himself and board director Dr. Esmeralda Baldonado worked out my nomination at the city government office. I complied with all the requirements and documents needed for my nomination and submitted to the Community Affairs Office. Luckily I was selected to be one of the recipients of this prestigious award during the celebration of the Pamulinawen Festival. Here’s the complete list of the 2013 Outstanding Laoagueños:

Judge Ramon Blanco – Judicial Services 

Dr. Mary Ann Luis – Medicine & Opthalmology 

Dr. Jennifer Ang – Medicine & Surgery 

Dr. Bienvenido Romero – Medicine & Opthalmology 

Dr. Lily Ann Pedro – Education & International Research 

Mrs. Teresita Edu – Education & SPED Implementer 

Ptr. Brian Shah – Religion 

Mr. Jorge Richard Guerrero -Broadcasting 

Dr. Edwin Antonio – Culture and the Arts 

Mrs. Juana Pancho – Entrepreneurship-SME 

Vice Mayor Edward Domingo – Public Service (Posthumous) 

This is a recognition that validates all my efforts in helping the underprivileged people, and my advocacy on heritage conservation and arts promotion as well as my passion for indigenous people’s cultures and traditions. I share this award to all cultural workers and my colleagues at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. I dedicate this award to the Kids on Project Photography and to all indigenous peoples. 

This is such a big recognition for me that I have to invite my Nanay Loreta and cousin Josephine to come to witness the awarding ceremonies together with my godson Jelmar to share the joy with them. 

We were feted with a sumptuous dinner and a memorable program. The awardees were introduced one by one with their respective audio-visual presentation, a documentary of the reason why we were chosen for the award. Truly a fabulous ceremony! Thanks to PCCI-Ilocos and the City Government of Laoag.(Photos courtesy of Bryan Rapadas)