On November 20 at The Peninsula Manila, the Rolling Stone Philippines Hall of Fame made history with its induction of six of the biggest names across music, subcultures, and social affairs.
The Rigodon Ballroom was filled with the evening’s star-studded guests, including Anne Curtis, Raimund Marasigan, Alessandra de Rossi, Meryll Soriano, Jun Sabayton, and more. Guests were treated to a three-course dinner, complemented by a variety of drinks and cocktails.
“Rolling Stone [Philippines] has always been known for being a media title that carries [a] great legacy and purpose-grounded influence,” said Anne Bernisca, the publisher of Rolling Stone Philippines.
“Tonight, we honor those who have paved the way,” said Rolling Stone Philippines Chief of Editorial Content Jonty Cruz, tying tonight’s event with the launch of the latest print issue of the magazine.
Prior to entering the event, guests experienced interactive booths from Ploom and Nordic Spirit. Drinks were served courtesy of Remy Martin and The Glenlivet to live up to the rock n’ roll spirit of the event.
A luxurious lounge and photo vignette by NUSTAR Online also welcomed guests while they awaited the main hall to open the main program.
The ceremony kicked off with the induction for the Film & TV category. Film Development Council of the Philippines chair Jose Javier Reyes came onstage to present. “Some people simply don’t require an introduction,” said Reyes as he introduced Charo Santos-Concio, the first inductee to the Rolling Stone Philippines under the Film & TV category. “At the mere mention of her first name alone, an immediate and instant understanding commands everyone’s attention.”
The seasoned actress and former CEO of ABS-CBN joined Reyes to receive her honor. “I guess I am a rolling stone,” said Santos-Concio towards the end of her speech. “But this rolling stone gathers the best stories that reflect our culture, that show the struggles of our people, and that debate the character of our nation.”
Next, filmmaker, artist, and art curator Erwin T. Romulo took to the stage to present the Hall of Fame’s Art category to pioneering filmmaker and National Artist Kidlat Tahimik. “Kidlat Tahimik once thought he could be president,” said Romulo, “… but his inner duwende, as he calls it, wanted to break out. He became something more: a father, and then a filmmaker.”
To everyone’s surprise, the inductee appeared at the back of the ballroom. Tahimik wore a toga and with an Igorot bahag underneath. The National Artist for Film marched to the stage for a special performance featuring a rhythmic chant and a moving monologue about a Filipino artist who holds tightly to his culture. “Mabuhay pa ang ating mga kwento,” said Tahimik.
Asian Games Gold Medal-winning equestrian, actress, and International Olympic Committee board member Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski then introduced the inductee for the Sports category, saying, “He not only put the Philippines on the global bowling map, but by becoming the youngest player to win as well — at age 19, he cemented his name in sports history.”
Paeng Nepomuceno, six-time World Bowling Champion, took the stage to accept his honor. “This is a very special award,” said the bowler. “Every Hall of Fame is a very special award because it reminds me of all the hard work that I did.”
Starred acclaim
Afterwards, acclaimed broadcast journalist Rico Hizon presented the Journalism category. “ Jessica Soho never thought she’d be a journalist,” quipped Hizon onstage. “[But] today, we honor her at the inaugural Rolling Stone Philippines Hall of Fame for her incomparable work in journalism and for showing us how dedication to the truth can inspire a nation and hold those in power accountable.”
Soho, one of the country’s most prolific reporters and the first Filipino to win the George Foster Peabody Award for her investigative documentaries Kidneys for Sale and Kamao, was then inducted into the Hall of Fame. Sancia Palma, the executive producer of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, came onstage to receive Soho’s honor on her behalf.
Although Soho could not be at the ceremony in person, the journalist did send a recording of her speech, which played to the evening’s guests. “Throughout my career, I have always believed in the power of stories,” said Soho, “to inspire, help people, and change lives — and hopefully, even our country — for the better.”
In between the awards, Rolling Stone Philippines paid tribute to the late legends who pushed Philippine culture forward across a variety of subcultures. Gregorio Brillantes was awarded an In Memoriam honor in the Literature category, and this was accepted by his daughter, Patricia Brillantes-Silvestre. Nora Aunor was awarded an honor in the Film category, and her son Ian De Leon received it on her behalf. Margarita Forés, for the Culinary Arts category, was represented by her son Amado Forés. Finally, Francis Magalona received the honor in the Music category, with his wife, Pia Magalona, taking the stage to receive it on her behalf.
Anne Curtis followed right after, ready to present the Hall of Fame’s Media category. “Boss Vic del Rosario Jr.’s sixty-year legacy,” said Curtis, “includes over a thousand producer credits and a veritable gallery showcasing films that became the stomping ground for his brightest stars, from Sharon Cuneta to Vice Ganda.”
Del Rosario, the founder of Viva Communications Inc. and the visionary behind Viva Films, Viva Records, and more, took the stage to receive his honor. In his acceptance speech, Del Rosario shared that Viva will produce over 100 films next year as part of its efforts to reach more Filipinos through streaming.
The last induction of the night, for the Music category, was presented by Razorback guitarist Tirso Ripoll. “Here we honor not an individual, but a collective of artists who, together, fused the soul of rock with the color and rhythm of our culture,” said Ripoll. The honor was then awarded to the legendary rock band Juan Dela Cruz.
Mike Hanopol, the band’s surviving member, walked onstage to receive the honor for the band’s legacy. Joining him in receiving the honor were Beebop Smith, son of the band’s drummer Pepe Smith, and John Gonzalez, son of guitarist Wally Gonzalez.
The evening ended with Hanopol returning to the stage for a 30-minute performance with Raymond Marasigan of Sandwich and Red dela Peña of P.O.T. Their set list included some of Juan Dela Cruz’s best hits, including “Beep Beep,” “Balong Malalim,” and “Project.” The group also played hits from Hanapol’s solo career, like “Sa Bayan ni Juan” and “Laki sa Layaw.”
Rolling Stone Philippines Hall of Fame
With Ploom
And Nordic Spirit
Major Partner NUSTAR Online
Official Beverage Partners Remy Martin and The Glenlivet
Official Giveaway Partner
Provizo Corporation
Wrangler
