'Asian Heroes' honors modern day heroes in 2024 edition

“Asian Heroes,” the book by Seagull Philippines founder Maria Rosa “Bing” Nieva Carrion, is back for another year, honoring outstanding personalities from diverse fields and celebrating their achievements as modern day heroes.

The grand book launch event held on Friday evening at the Centennial Hall in Manila Hotel was graced by the awardees featured in the book, accompanied by their families and friends.

Like the previous edition, Carrion personally researched and chose the featured individuals, sharing their inspiring stories through the pages.

“We live in a world where there is so much evil, and for us to be able to change the world is to continue doing good for that we create a mystical circle of love and kindness to change the world and keep a better place for us all,” she said.

Among those recognized in the book is Florencia Gozon-Tarriela, Board Advisor of the Philippine National Bank and a leader in banking and community development.

According to the book, her entire career reflects a deep sense of trust, responsibility, and service. “She leveraged her natural talent for economics to elevate the financial industry in the Philippines while ensuring that no one was left behind.”

Her award was received by her daughter, Tricia Flor Tarriela Valderrama.

“I’m very proud and honored to receive this award on behalf of my mom, Flor Gozon Tarriela. Sa pamamagitan ng award na ‘to, sana magsilbi siyang inspirasyon sa mga tao na sa hard work at pananalig sa Diyos ay makakamit natin ang tagumpay,” Valderrama said.

Another awardee is Dr. Marivic Lualhati, President and CEO of Ulticare Medical Center.

“It’s actually very humbling because here, hindi mo lang hina-highlight ‘yung accomplishment mo in the corporate world, but your influence, your impact in the community as well. So it’s like a legacy-building for me and for the rest. Ang maganda dito, it’s like giving back to the community as a woman, as a leader, you might be whole, but you cannot be really whole until you touch the lives of other people,” she said.

Other personalities featured in the book were PhilExport President Sergio Ortiz, Jr., GSIS President Wick Veloso, former Secretary of Tourism Rafael Alunan, Kyani President Kate Bellosillo, Sta. Elena Construction’s Alice Aduardo, Senator Mark Villar, and more, while Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo served as keynote speaker. —JCB, GMA Integrated News