For the first time since the pandemic, Esquire Philippines’ Man at His Best is back with a live event to celebrate the men and women who inspired us in 2022. On November 26, people from every industry will gather at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati to honor these arbiters of culture.
Every year, Esquire celebrates extraordinary Filipinos who have motivated us to be the best versions of ourselves. These are the movers and shakers shaping society and setting new standards of excellence.
For this year’s Man at His Best awards, Esquire honors eight modern-day heroes and icons in film, music, sports, business, politics, and journalism. From music legends Eraserheads to award-winning journalist Atom Araullo, we present the 2022 awardees who exemplify what it means to be a Man at His Best.
EJ Obiena, Athlete of the Year
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Olympian EJ Obiena is an expert at setting standards—he’s reset national and regional records in pole vaulting countless times. The young athlete has overcome his obstacles with grace, going on to become the world’s third-best pole vaulter, as well as Asia’s best pole vaulter in history.
Risa Hontiveros, Maverick of the Year
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One of the finest stateswomen of our time, Senator Risa Hontiveros is a class act on and off the podium. Where most politicians are known for their controversies and scandals, Hontiveros will be remembered in history books for her fearless and just causes long after she’s left the Senate.
Cezar Consing, Businessman of the Year
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For the first time in its history, a non-family member is heading Ayala Corporation. President and CEO Cezar Consing was entrusted with the keys of the AC conglomerate to help usher it into a new era. Through Globe, BPI, Ayala Land, and its many other subsidiaries, Ayala Corporation already touches the lives of nearly two-thirds of the country’s population. Under Consing’s leadership, AC will work on furthering its positive impact on every facet of the Filipino’s way of life.
Alden Richards, Entertainer of the Year
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The consummate entertainer, Richards has made it his life mission to become a multi-hyphenate. Actor, model, singer, and host, Richards is now adding businessman to the list as the star recently launched Myriad Entertainment Corporation. At this point in his career, Richards is ready to start focusing on influencing the next generation of artists.
Eraserheads, Artist of the Year
Even after all these years, Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Raimund Marasigan, and Marcus Adoro can still sell out tickets in days. All four members of Eraserheads will grace the stage at a long-awaited reunion concert on December 22, 2022. While the band might have officially broken up, their influence on music and other facets of popular culture continue to resonate and inspire newer musicians.
Soliman Cruz, Actor of the Year
With more than 120 acting credits to his name, Soliman Cruz has quietly become one of the most prolific and respected character actors of his time. He’s worked with some of the finest local and international directors today, including Lav Diaz, Jose Javier Reyes, and Theodore Boborol, among others. His portrayal of an OFW sailor in the critically acclaimed Romanian psycho-thriller To the North earned him a standing ovation at the 79th Venice International Film Festival.
Quark Henares, Creative of the Year
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Whenever a Filipino film or TV show makes waves internationally, it’s always a good bet that Quark Henares has had a hand in it. The filmmaker was the executive producer of local hits like Netflix’s Dead Kids and Fan Girl, and film festival favorites like Leonor Will Never Die and On the Job 2: The Missing 8, the latter of which was nominated for an International Emmy. Henares is now heading Amazon Studios’ original Philippine content.
Atom Araullo, Journalist of the Year
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Atom Araullo is one of the most well-known journalists in the country, recognized for showing up at the worst disasters and natural calamities to tell the stories that Filipinos need to be told. “Munting Bisig,” an episode from his documentary show The Atom Araullo Specials, recently bagged a silver award at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards for reporting on child labor during the global pandemic. And this year, he adds the Palanca Award winner to the list of his honorifics.
Visit the Esquire website to learn more about the Man at His Best 2022 honorees. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, as well as the hashtags #EsquireMAHB2022 and #EsquireManAtHisBest.
The Esquire Man At His Best 2022 Honorees Night event is co-presented by Axe Philippines.
