Lea Salonga

MANILA, Philippines — Local and international celebrities are scheduled to attend the 10th Gusi Peace Prize International Awards at the PICC on Nov. 24. Among the Gusi Peace Prize Laureates for 2011 who are attending to personally receive their awards are three former presidents: Hon. Behgjet Pacolli, former president of Kosovo and currently that country’s Deputy Prime Minister (for Economics and Governance); Sir James R. Mancham, former president of the Republic of Seychelles (for Statesmanship); and Prof. Amos C. Sawyer, former president of Liberia (for Peace Building in Liberia and in the African Continent).

Local politicians and entertainment personalities who previously received the same honor were Fidel V. Ramos, Lea Salonga, Fernando Poe, Jr., Dolphy, Ryan Cayabyab, Jose Mari Chan, Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Sec. Heherson Alvarez, and Speaker Sonny Belmonte.

Sixteen other Gusi Peace Prize Laureates will be honored, said Chairman and former Ambassador Barry S. Gusi, whose father, the late Capt. Gemeniano Javier Gusi founded the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation in l910. They are: Shri M.K. Narayanan, governor of West Bengal, India (Governance and Peace Keeping); Sen. Emmanuel Jones of Atlanta, Georgia (Legislation and Peace Building); Minister Phongsavath Boupha of Laos (International Diplomacy); Minister of Education (Bhutan) Thakur S. Powdyel (for his contribution in Education/Academe); Secretary-General Aykut Eken of Turkey (International Diplomacy); Commissioner Norman Inkster of Canada (International Law Enforcement and Peace Keeping); Dr. Jagdish Gandhi of India (World Peace through Education); Architect Felino A. Palafox, Jr. of the Philippines (Architecture with Global Excellence and Urban Planning); Phra Maha Vudhaya Vajiramedhi of Thailand (Social Services and Spiritual Leadership); Rev. Fr. Richard Ryan Ho Lung of Jamaica (Int’l Humanitarianism, Social Services & Spiritual Leadership); Vladimir Megre of Ukraine (Literature); Madam Diana Uribe of Colombia (Journalism); Prof. Viktor Medikov of Russia (Scientific Research); Drs. Thomas & Yolanda Stern of USA (for Social Services & Int’l Humanitarianism); Roland Mosl of Austria (Scientific Invention).

Presenters include former beauty queens led by Cita Avecilla-Roman (secretary of the Gusi Prize Foundation), Gloria Diaz, Pilar Pilapil, Nini Licaros, Chiqui Brosas and Vida Doria among others.

Performers include the Bayanihan Dancers, national dancers from Russia and musicians from Turkey.

Chairman Gusi and his wife, Dr. Evelyn Tantamco-Gusi, treasurer, are excited about the forthcoming event because the Gusi Peace Prize 2011 is so far the most significant. The three-day event starts with a press conference on Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Camp Crame with PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome welcoming the Laureates. The Awards Night on Nov. 24 will be preceded by the opening of an exhibit at 4:30 p.m. The program starts at 6 p.m. and cocktails will follow at 8 p.m.

Richard Marx at Araneta Coliseum

American singer Richard Marx makes his Smart Araneta Coliseum debut on Dec. 9. via “Richard Marx Live in Manila!” show.

The classic rock singer-songwriter will perform “Now & Forever,” “Hold On To The Night,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” “This I Promise You,” etc.

Marx launched his recording career with a 10-track album under EMI/Manhattan Records, featuring the music of his good friend, Fee Waybill of The Tubes.

Marx’s 1987 self-titled debut album yielded four hit singles – “Don’t Mean Nothing,” “Should’ve Known Better,” “Endless Summer Nights” and “Hold On To The Night” – and sold nearly four million copies in the US. Marx became the first male artist to reach the Top 3, with four singles from a debut album.

“Richard Marx Live In Manila” is presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in Panglao, Bohol and in association with Imarflex, ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Universal Channel and The Rockwell Club. It is also supported by the Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, 97.9 Home Radio, MYX, 94.7 Mellow, RX 93.1 Monster Radio, 105.7 Crossover, Radio High 105.9 FM, RJ 100.3 FM and OptimaSignsolutions.

Sharing the best with family

PLDT myDSL has come up with a plan to help you get the strongest DSL connection at home, with speeds as high as 10MBPS at only P4,000 a month.

There are plans convenient for any budget as well, starting at P990.

Get your family on PLDT myDSL, log on to www.myworldmydsl.com.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 20, go to Arturo Luz, Lyn Sunico, Marimil Ballesteros, Lyn Curtain, Purita Soliven, Fely Reyes, Dr. Victor Serrano, Wilma Natividad, Dr. Angie Monteiro Mauricio, Maan Ilustre, Aisha Escolada, National Artist Arturo Luz, Bong Espinosa and Yen Santos of ABS-CBN… Happy wedding anniversary to Dyan Castillejo and Anton Garcia; Wally and Aida dela Cruz and Roger and Cynthia dela Cruz…