Congratulations to four of GMA News and Public Affairs’ pillars for making it to the top 15 most trusted Filipinos, according to a survey conducted nationwide by monthly magazine Reader’s Digest.

Jessica Soho, GMA VP for News Programs and recognized as the most awarded Filipino broadcast journalist, placed third in the survey after Philippine Red Cross Governor Rosa Rosal and international singing star Lea Salonga.

The most trusted news personality on the list, Soho was cited for her expertise in breaking news stories on-cam. “For two decades, Soho has been the familiar face in front of the camera whenever a big story breaks,” said Sarah Etchells in her special report published on the March 2010 issue of Reader’s Digest.

Veteran documentary filmmaker and GMANews.tv Editor-in-Chief Howie Severino tied with bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno at number six, GMA Kapuso Foundation Executive Vice President Mel Tiangco placed ninth, while GMA Senior Vice President for Radio Operations Mike Enriquez ranked 13th. Tiangco and Enriquez are anchors of GMA’s primetime newscast “24 Oras.”

“Isa ang Reader’s Digest sa mga nagturo sa akin na mahalin ang reading o pagbabasa kaya napakalaking karangalan nito na mapabilang sa mga pinaka-pinagkakatiwalaang Pilipino, at mabibigat ang mga kasama ko sa listahan (Reader’s Digest is one of the publications that made me love reading, so I consider it a great honor to be included in its list of the most trusted Filipinos, especially since a lot of those included in the list are highly respected),” Soho said in an interview.

Severino added, “Ito siguro ang isa sa pinakahangarin ng isang journalist, na magkaroon ng tiwala sa kanya ang publiko (This is probably one of the top aspirations of any journalist, to earn the trust of the public).”

The trustworthiness ratings were surveyed last October 2009 by independent market research company The Digital Edge in behalf of Reader’s Digest.

The results echo the high credibility ratings of GMA in the quantitative survey conducted by AGB Nielsen Philippines last September. GMA scored a credibility rating of 68.9 percent, besting its rival’s 45.7 percent. In the same survey, GMA News and Public Affairs personalities topped the list based on appeal, credibility, competence, and interest to watch. Soho led all anchors and reporters in terms of appeal, Enriquez was considered by respondents as the most credible, while Tiangco was said to be the most competent and most interesting to watch. Arnold Clavio and Vicky Morales were also consistently in the top five news anchors across all measured attributes.

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Piolo and Ruffa, wise real estate investors

Popular and well-followed celebrities Piolo Pascual and Ruffa Gutierrez were recently appointed as Global Ambassadors of real estate firm Century Properties. The two were chosen for being achievers in their respective careers, for being hardworking and for being passionate in their craft and in their advocacies.

Century Properties got them as endorsers because the firm has always sought personalities who can relate best to the values, the passion and the aspirations of the company and of the hardworking Filipino.

“Piolo and Ruffa are the perfect choice to be Century’s Global Ambassadors because they have real stories to tell in their long search for the perfect investment,” said John Victor R. Antonio, EVP for Vertical Developments.

Piolo, being an accomplished actor, recording artist and brand endorser, remains one of the most hardworking personalities in the industry today. Unknown to many, he is also a wise real estate investor.

Ruffa, on the other hand, has her own string of endorsements, hosting stints, and film and TV projects. But at the end of the day, the style icon and philanthropist treats her family, especially her two daughters, as her most prized possessions. Her high regard for family is what endeared Century Properties to Ruffa.

Piolo and Ruffa were proclaimed as Century Properties’ new spokesperson at the recent official launch of its newest project and showroom, the Azure Urban Resort Residences, at the Pacific Star Bldg. in Makati City. Azure is a joint venture with the Columbian Motors Group of Companies.

Both Piolo and Ruffa will now join the firm in its local and overseas efforts to reach out to millions of global Filipinos in sharing the value of real estate as a sound investment.

The Azure Urban Resort Residences is located along SLEX (West Service Road) in Parañaque City, adjacent to SM Bicutan.

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Mags gears up for the Year of the Tiger

Mags Boutique opened its newest outlet recently at the annex wing of SM Fairview through a glitzy, star-studded affair. The ribbon-cutting rites were led by the brand’s image model Rica Peralejo together with Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry, actor Alfred Vargas, supermodel and TV host Angel Aquino, actress Chari Pineda, sex siren Iwa Moto and proprietress Mags Lopez Calpito-Cue.

“It’s the Year of the Tiger so animal prints are so in. Also, reptile prints and furry headbands will make a splash. We’ll be seeing more of the ‘tiger look’ throughout the year,” foretold Mags, sharing her fashion forecast. “I have a personal passion for fashion so this undertaking is a natural progression for me,” she added.

Mags is married to businessman Oliver John Cue. The couple is blessed with three sons: Patrick (11), Paolo (10) and Andrei (6). “I’m inspired because I’m in love and happily married to my husband. Business-wise, I have been lucky to have competent staff manning our branches. It’s all I can ask for,” declared Mags.

Other Mags Boutiques are located in SM Cebu, Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City, SM Iloilo, the Maze Boutique inside Ayala Center Cebu, SM North EDSA, SM Fairview, SM San Fernando (Pampanga) and SM Davao.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on March 16 go to Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma, Arch. Felino “Jun” A. Palafox Jr., Becca Godinez, Eloisa Nicolas, Frederick “Butch” Liwanag, Mary Grace Tan, Marie Bernabe, Charlene Tabora, Josie Bernardo, Ma. Lourdes “Bebot” M. Estanislao, Abe Florendo, Abraham S. Gumatay, Ariel G. Antonio, Lovella Cadenas of PSBank, Tagum City branch, Flora Claire Miranda and Star Magic’s Paw Diaz. Congratulations and best wishes to Marife A. Cabading and Romeo G. Santiago who are tying the knot on March 20 at the Our Lady of Consolacion Parish Church in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.