A FORMER Philippine team member, who went on to become one of the country’s most prominent executives will be honored with a special award by the Philippine Sportswriters Association during its Feb. 13 Annual Awards Night presented by San Miguel and MILO at the One Esplanade.
Wilfred Uytengsu Jr., chief executive officer and president of Alaska, is the recipient of the Executive of the Year award from the country’s oldest media organization for his involvement in the promotion and development of various sports, ranging from basketball, triathlon, to football.
At the same time, the billionaire businessman will also address the local sports community and his fellow awardees, led by Athletes of the Year Donnie Nietes, Nonito Donaire Jr., and Miguel Tabuena, as guest speaker of the formal rites that honor the best and brightest who did the country proud in the year that has just passed.
“It’s with great honor and pride for the Philippine Sportswriters Association to pay tribute to a true sportsman in Mr. Wilfred Uytengsu Jr., by bestowing upon him the Executive of the Year. The country’s sportswriting community couldn’t think of any better person of integrity deserving of the award than him,” said PSA president Riera Mallari of The Standard
As Executive of the Year, Uytengsu is in great company as past recipients of the award in a list that included Manny V. Pangilinan, Hans Sy, Ricky Vargas, Dan Palami, and Chito Salud.
The gala night starts at 7 p.m. to be hosted by Quinito Henson and Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, with the Philippine Sports Commission as major sponsor and supported by long-time friends of sports such as Smart, MVP Foundation, Maynilad, SM Prime Holdings, Sen. Chiz Escudero, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Philippine Basketball Association, Globalport, Rain or Shine, One Esplanade, and National University.
A graduate of University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Uytengsu was a one-time national athlete as part of the Philippine men’s swimming team that competed in several international meets, including the 1981 Southeast Asian Games here in Manila.