Spain cites PGMA, Pacman in Forbes 100

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao have been cited by separate groups in recognition of their achievements in various fields.

PGMA and Peruvian novelist Mario Vargas Llosa were awarded the top prize in Spain for their efforts to promote the Spanish language and culture. Mrs Arroyo was granted the Don Quixote of the Mancha Award for her administration’s efforts to reintroduce Spanish language training in public schools in the Philippines, a former Spanish colony of around 90 million people.

Manny Pacquiao was named in Forbes 100 list of Most Powerful Celebrities. He is ranked 57th in the magazine’s list, led by Angelina Jolie, with the No. 1 spot and Oprah Winfrey ranked 2nd, Madonna 3rd, and Beyonce Knowles 4th. Notable athletes Tiger Woods ranked 5th, Kobe Bryant 10th, Michael Jordan and Lebron James placed 18th and 19th, respectively.

The Pambansang Kamao, also on Time’s Top 100 Most Influential People list was also awarded this week the Fighter of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association.

Mrs Arroyo won the prize for “best institutional contribution,” while Llosa won it for “outstanding individual career.” They will both officially receive the award in October at a ceremony in Toledo, Spain’s picturesque former capital.

The award was given out last year for the first time. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won the award in 2008 for his decision to make Spanish language education mandatory in public schools in Brazil, the only Portuguese-speaking nation in Latin America, while Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes won it for boosting the heritage of Spain. (http://goodnewspilipinas.com)

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