SAM VERZOSA ON GIRLFRIEND RHIAN RAMOS: SHE'S MY LUCKY CHARM

SAM VERZOSA DESCRIBED girlfriend Rhian Ramos his "lucky charm" after receiving back-to-back awards this month.

- By NATHALIE TOMADA

Along with the Department of Health Sec. Ted Herbosa, the TV host, businessman and politico was one of the two Filipinos who received the Gusi Peace Prize international award during a ceremony last week at the Metropolitan Theater.

He was cited for philanthropic activities through Frontrow Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of the health and wellness company he co-founded, Frontrow International, which made "significant contributions to disaster relief, education and healthcare for underserved communities" for over a decade now.

"I'm just a kid who grew up in Sampaloc, Manila. I came from nothing and worked my way up, and now I'm one of the youngest recipients of the Gusi Peace Prize. To be recognized for doing something that I love is really overwhelming," Sam, who joined the likes of Lea Salonga, National Artist Nora Aunor, the late action king Fernando Poe Jr. as recipients, said in his speech. He hopes it helps promote "a culture of giving, a movement of helping."

Besides the Gusi Peace Prize, he was also honored last week with the Humanitarian Excellence Award, Outstanding Achievement Award for Public Service Program Excellence for his GMA Network show "Dear SV" and Outstanding Achievement Award for Public Service Program Host at the Asia Leaders Awards - Manila. Other honorees were eventologist Tim Yap and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion.