RCMers Attend 2017 Gusi Peace Prize Awards Dinner

Dateline: The Peninsula Hotel Rigadon Ballroom, Tuesday, November 21, 7:00 pm

Seven members of the Rotary Club of Manila were among the exclusive group of only 400 invited to join the dinner preceding the awarding ceremony of the 2017 Gusi Peace Prize on Wednesday, 22 November 2017 at PICC, with more than 5,000 were expected. The seven included PP/DGE Rudy Bediones (and wife Sharon Hughes Bediones), PP Cesar Ubaldo, PD Oscar del Rosario, PS George Salazar, PAT Mohammad Aslam, and Rtn. Pepe Rodriguez. We were seated at the table of Gusi Foundation friend Jorge Hizon, along with Mr. Mohsin Razi (the new Ambassador of Pakistan to the Philippines), Dr. Mirza Baig (Hon. Consul of Yemen to Pakistan, and Director of the World Federation of Consuls), and Ms. Marissa Fenton (PP Inner Wheel of Manila).

Fortunately, our table was front row, just to the side of the dance floor, such that we had great sight lines to the numerous introductions of “distinguished, respectable and honorable guests” and entertainment. Unfortunately, much of the speech from the platform was barely audible, while all of the pre-program music and mid-program was so deafeningly loud that conversation could not be shared among table mates, even when shouting loudly. I will never understand why incompetent sound board management is tolerated by organizers and events managers alike. It is, in my opinion, an unfortunate phenomenon that has been growing around the world.

Our very own RCM’er Bernardo “Dong” Benedicto III is a Director of the Foundation. Nevertheless, while some of our members are familiar with the Gusi Foundation, perhaps many are not, so kindly indulge me to provide an introduction to the Gusi Foundation and its awards.

Founded by its Chair, Larry Gusi, its vision is of “A world of peace and prosperity due to the Gusi Peace Prize ideals of Godliness, Unification, Service and Internationalism, totally embraced by all nations. Its mission is “To honor the individuals and organizations who have given exemplary contributions to global peace and progress, through world brotherhood, and by using their God-given talents for the benefit of mankind.” Mr. Gusi’s recent widow was Lt. Col. Evelyn Tamtoco-Gusi, M.D., so it is not surprising that many of the awardees (and sponsors) have been in medically-related fields.

Categories include Academe, Scientific Research and Discovery, Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, Journalism, Statesmanship, Philanthropy or Humanitarianism, Economics, Cinematic Excellence, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Engineering Technology, Religion, Politics, Poverty Alleviation, Literature, Cultural Heritage, Internationalism, Architecture, Archeology, Ecosystem and Biodiversity and Biology.

FVR was one of the first awardees, and former member Jun Palafox was also an awardee. This year’s awardees include Dr. Nicolai Corpan (Austria), Hon. Asif Chowdury (Bangladdesh), Dr. Florintino Filo (Brazil), Dr. Wang Yaoxian (China), Dr. Isalas Herrrera (Costa Rica, Engr Khalid Ishmael (Egypt), Hon. John Moustos (Greece), Hon. Ann Timothee-Milfort (Haiti), Dr. Ashok Gupta (India), H.R.H. Dr Nisreen El-Hashemite (Syria), Hon. Lascalles Chin (Jamaica), Dr. Leilani Asis (Philippines), Dr. Paulyn Ubial (Philippines), Sheik M. Abdulaziz Al-Alaleq (Saudia Arabia), Prof. Veday Akhgery (Turkey), Dr. Ronald Herden (UK), and Dr. Gennady Fuzsylov (USA).