I've always known that Richard Hinola, the so-called Awards Guru is a Cebuano.
Richard grew up in Cebu but he has roots in Zamboanga, particularly in Dapitan City.
"I treasure my Visayan blood. It helps me identify my origins. I think because of my Visayan connection, I am a tough person. I have withstood all hurdles in life," said Hinola in a recent exclusive interview.
Before he ventured into local show business, he was once part of a marketing team in now defunct Fiesta Carnival.
"Marami akong pinagdaanang hirap bago ko nakamtan ang lahat ng ito (I've experienced a lot of sacrifices before I obtained all this)," quipped Richard.
He was a talent manager who rigorously trained potential newbies in the entertainment world.
Among our local actresses, Hinola was the Pygmalion of his Galateas like Angela Velez and Keanna Reeves, among others.
After her talent management ventures and live events productions, Hinola tried his hand in awarding achievers in various fields.
These are what advanced his acumen of recognizing contributions of Filipinos in the Philippines and in the diaspora to the development of society in general.
In the process, Richard learned the ropes of award-giving and the corresponding criteria he has to apply to measure up to his prospects.
His Outstanding Men and Women of the Philippines has been enjoying its 8th year stint.
He has other awards which are relatively new such as Philippine Brand Excellence, Philippine Philanthropy, Pageantry Excellence and Outstanding Youth.
Public Attorney's Office (PAO) Chief Persida Acosta is a past recipient of the Philanthropy Award.
What difference does Richard make in giving out awards?
"May mga beneficiary po ang mga donors at sponsors natin. May tinutulungan po tayong mahihirap, maysakit at iba pang nangangailangan (Our donors and sponsors have beneficiaries. We are helping the poor, the sick and other needy people)," explained Hinola.
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