THE PHILIPPINES YEARBOOK 2019

Grace Glory Go 5th from left and The Philippines Yearbook president and publisher Vernon Go, far right with Auto Nation Group Inc. president Felix Ang, SSI Group president Anton Huang, QC Rep. Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Senator Cynthia Villar and Rustans Group of Companies chairman & CEO Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco

The author, Johnny Litton, Consul General Fortune Ledesma and Linda Ley

Mary Ann Chan, Ralph Joseph, Joey Concepcion, Connie Haw and Jose Mari Chan

Hans Hauri of Grand Hyatt, Mayenne Carmona, Tessie Sy Coson and Agile Zamora

Felix Ang, Ambassador Koji Haneda, Mme. Ihoko Haneda and Raymond Rodriguez

Former BSP Gov. Amando Tetangco and Elma Tetangco

Gemma Cruz Araneta, Anna Sobrepeña and Rupert Jacinto

Ambassador Harald Fries, Mme Susan Fries, Consul Helen Ong and Consul Agnes Huibonhoa

Former Trade Secretary Greg Domingo, Ching Montinola, Menchu Concepcion and Ace Saatchi & Saatchi chairman & CEO Arthur Young Jr.,

Maloy Luchangco , ICCP chairman & CEO Guillermo Luchangco, Christine Cunanan and Weng Domingo

Stephanie Chong, Mario Katigbak and Ivy Fajardo

Czech Republic Ambassador Jana Sediva and Czech Republic Deputy Chief of Mission Jana Peterkova

Melissa Ledesma and Karmina de Ungria of Grand Hyatt

Sterling Paper Group of Companies CEO Henry Lim Bon Liong, Rita Lim, The Peninsula Manila GM Mark Choon and Metrobank Foundation Inc. president Chito Sobrepeña

Careen Belo and William Belo William Belo, founder and chairman emeritus of Wilcon Depot

Consul Annette Ablan, US Consul Gen. Russel Brown and Consul Betty Chua

Mina Gervacio, Anna Raquel Santos, Charisse Chuidian and Armin Raquel Santos

Consul Tony Rufino, Yasmine Hidalgo and Ambassador Tess de Vega

Agnes Tasic, Tita Trillo and Frances Lim

THE PHILIPPINES YEARBOOK 2019

In this world we live in, individuals with a passion for noble undertakings leave a mark or a legacy beyond one’s lifetime. Dr Jimmy Go Puan Seng, founder of The Fookien Times in 1936, continues print to this day, making it one of the longest-running-publications; now known as The Philippines Yearbook. We love to look at old photos and stories that made a difference – those that have touched people’s lives, to stir an emotion, to reflect or to simply smile. Last week, the 2019 Philippines Yearbook launch made headlines at the Grand Hyatt Manila. The elevator took us directly to the top of the golden-pyramid-like crown of the hotel – the Peak at the 60^th floor. We congratulated mother and son, chairman and CEO Grace Glory Go and President and publisher Vernon Go respectively, who are the driving force behind this admirable endeavor and who are responsible for the Philippines Yearbook’s longevity.

Vernon said: “The Peak is the pinnacle of world class, luxe entertainment facilities, boasting an unparalleled sprawl of sophisticated living and recreational space to rival the best in the world. With incredible views of the city, it was the poetic choice to launch a historical tome that celebrates the old and the new, featuring photographs half-a-century ago, vis-a-vis contemporary photos of the same location”. Vernon continued: “This year’s edition promises to take you back in time while keeping one foot in the present. Page after page is a graphic representation of the passage of time, and also of its stillness.” In her welcome speech, Grace thanked Rustan’s president Nedy Tantoco, SSI president Anton Huang, Senator Cynthia Villar, Tessie Sy Coson, former BSP Governor Amando Tetangco, Hans Sy, Michael Tan, Guillermo Luchangco, and Felix Ang.

After the program, Consul Helen Ong, Japanese ambassador’s wife Ihoko Haneda, Lady Bess Howe, Director of Public Relations of Holiday Inn and I sat outside the Peak’s open deck and enjoyed the cool gentle breeze and the dazzling lights of the city. Grace and Vernon have built a culture of passionate followers and have sustained the excitement of journalistic discoveries through the Philippines Yearbook.