6. Brillante Mendoza is named best director at the Cannes Film Festival.
Mendoza has every right to brag, having been given the coveted title by world cinema's zenith award-giving body. His gritty masterpiece Kinatay, which didn't pull much local and foreign praise from critics, still proved that Mendoza is a filmmaker with principles, whose main goal is to simply tell a good story without expecting glory in return.
7. Efren Peñaflorida is hailed CNN's Hero of the Year.
Even a pickpocket awaiting his arrival in NAIA couldn't diminish the pride of being recognized for all his good work. Peñaflorida's "pushcart classroom" inspired viewers the world over, moving them to vote for him as Hero of the Year. He took the award in stride and said, "The hero in you is waiting to be unleashed."
8. Muelmar Magallanes is one of Time's top 10 Heroes of the Year.
It took a lot of selflessness and courage to make this simple 18-year-old construction worker rescue dozens of other people from the rising flood waters. Muelmar ended up giving his own life, a sacrifice that was honored in Time magazine.
9. Cristeta Comerford, the White House's first Asian-American, female Executive Chef is retained by the Obamas.
Despite the hopes of high-brow foodies, the Obamas still chose to keep Comerford in charge of the Presidential kitchen. First Lady Michelle Obama noted that her talents and family values were the main reasons for the decision, something Comerford acknowledged in an interview with SPOT.ph. "I think it's faith and family and just really being grounded. Once that's in line, I think everything else will come into place."
10. Charice Pempengco continues to shine in Hollywood.
Ever since her 2007 performance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Pempengco's career has skyrocketed to new heights. This year, she was invited to sing at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, at the Presidential Inauguration Ball, and the Oscars after-party. She released her first single "Note to God" live on Oprah, recorded a duet with David Archuleta, and appears on the big screen in Alvin in the Chipmunks 2.
