The evening’s highlight was easily Gary V’s two-song number. By the time the two-time “People of the Year” awardee segued into his second number, members of the well-heeled crowd were already up on their feet either dancing or capturing “Mr. Pure Energy’s” every move on stage with their smartphones.

With some of the country’s best of the best in their chosen fields, including Gary Valenciano, Lea Salonga, Alliance Global’s Dr. Andrew Tan, Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation’s Alice Eduardo, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, Chef Jessie Sincioco and Sen. Sonny Angara, gracing the event, PeopleAsia magazine soared to greater heights as it celebrated its 20th anniversary Thursday evening with a star-studded Soaring ’20s: “People of the Year”  2020 Awards Night and Musicale at Okada Manila’s Grand Ballroom.

Apart from the formal recognition of this year’s awardees, the evening’s highlight was easily Gary V’s two-song number, which he kicked off with his signature hit Shout for Joy. By the time he segued into his second number, a fast and soulful rendition of some of Earth, Wind and Fire’s classic hits, members of the well-heeled crowd were already up on their feet either dancing or capturing “Mr. Pure Energy’s” every move on stage with their smartphones.

The ageless Gary, who fed off the crowd’s energy, was in his element, as he danced on stage with two much younger members of the new Manoeuvres. He wasn’t complaining, but during his short spiel, he shared with his fans that there have been times when he felt his age. If he did, it didn’t show that night, as Gary, a two-time “People of the Year” awardee, basked in the audience’s adulation.

Completing this year’s list of POY awardees are box-office queen Kathryn Bernardo, Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco, Henann Group of Resorts’ Dr. Henry Chusuey, AirAsia’s Sheila Romero, Okada Manila’s Takashi Oya, Rich Prime Global’s Myrna Yao and “doctor to the stars” Dr. Vicki Belo. Eduardo, Tan, Chusuey, Romero and Bernardo graced the cover of the magazine’s special 20th-anniversary edition released last December.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, PeopleAsia’s publisher, president and chief executive officer on leave, and PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez led in formally awarding this year’s batch of awardees.

The night’s top award, The Max V. Soliven Lifetime Achievement Award, named after PeopleAsia’s founding publisher, was given to the late Betty Go-Belmonte. As founding chairman of the Philippine STAR and its charity arm Operation Damayan, Betty was honored for her works as a journalist, pillar of the free press and for her advocacy programs that continue to help multitudes to this day.

Receiving the award on her behalf was her husband, former Speaker of the House Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. and their son Miguel G. Belmonte, president and CEO of the Philippine STAR.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who shot into national prominence for his swift cleanup and restoration of Divisoria, Quiapo, Escolta and other places in the country’s capital, received the “People’s Choice Award” from Romualdez. “Yorme” also received the “Volvo Ironmark” Award from the luxury car brand’s president and CEO lawyer Albert Arcilla and marketing head Chris Yu.

National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera also received a “Special Award for Arts and Culture.”

Adding a much-needed respite to all the excitement was  “People of the Year” 2013 awardee Kuh Ledesma who led in a special in memoriam number to honor mentors, former colleagues and past awardees, who have since passed on.

Also gracing the stage were musical sensations Jon Joven and Yanah Laurel, who performed pop and Broadway standards with the Marcy David Orchestra, while celebrity host Bianca Valerio led the evening’s ceremonies.

Directed by Miguel Miñana of Theme Works Events and styled by Dave Sandoval, PeopleAsia’s Soaring ‘20s: “People of the Year” 2020 Awards Night was brought to you by Okada Manila, Volvo, Sta. Elena Construction, Megaworld, Pilipinas Shell, PLDT-Smart, Smarthouse Corp., Eastwest Banking Corporation, Oman Air, The SM Store, Belo Medical Group, Ultherapy and Merz Philippines, San Miguel Corp., Philippine Gaming and Amusements Corp., I AM Worldwide, The Dalmore Single Malt Whiskey, One Earth Organics, Philippine Wine Merchants, Corona and Stolichnaya and The Philippine STAR.

A musical extravaganza and awards show rolled into one, a special feature on the event will be aired on “One News” on Cignal TV Channel 250 HD this Sunday, 7:30 p.m., February 23.