RECOGNITION. Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) officials pose for a photo with recipients of the Hall of Fame awards during a ceremony at the Manila Diamond Hotel Grand Ballroom in Manila on Dec. 2, 2023. A total of 15 personalities were inducted to Hall of Fame this year. (Photo courtesy of Philracom)
MANILA – A total of 15 personalities led by Herminio "Hermie" Esguerra were inducted to the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) Hall of Fame this year during a ceremony at the Manila Diamond Hotel Grand Ballroom in Manila last Saturday.
Esguerra owns emerging stallion "Oh Oh Seven" and the most dominant stallion in local horseracing, "Quaker Ridge" whose offsprings include "Ibarra" and people's champ "Hagdang Bato".
"First, I'd like to thank the Philracom and chairman Reli de Leon for this great honor. And secondly, it is so fabulous to see and be among fellow horsemen who not only love horseracing, but have the passion for the sport of kings. Rest assured that Herma Farms and I will continue to strive for the further growth of this sport that is close to our hearts," he said.
Also inducted were legendary Jose "Pepe" Saulog, multi-titled and international journeyman Joe Noel Camu, many-time Jockey of the Year Jesse Guce and Patricio "Pati" Dilema and multi-titled Jonathan "Unoh" Hernandez.
The other awardees were the late Manuel "Maning" Henson, represented by equally renowned trainer Ray Henson; Ruben Tupas; Rolando "Rolly" Rojas, owner of both Strong Material and the only two-year-old Presidential Gold Cup champion to date, Real Top (bred by the family of Senate President Miguel Zubiri), the late Enrique "Henry" Cojuangco, represented by Enrique "Kit" Cojuangco Jr.; Aristeo "Putch" Puyat and Jose "Peping" Cojuangco.
Former Philracom chairman Antonio Manuel "Tonette" Lagdameo, now Permanent Ambassador of the Philippines to the United Nations, was honored for his innovations and contributions to the world of local horseracing.
Senior Undersecretary Ma. Regina Victoria Lagdameo received his father's Hall of Fame award.
The late actor and horseracing enthusiasts Ronald Allan "FPJ" Poe, represented by his grandson Bryan Poe Llamanzares, and Jose "Bebo" Quiroz were also inducted.
Meanwhile, Philracom chairman Reli de Leon congratulated all honorees and thanked them for their important contributions to the improvement, development and growth of local horseracing.
"It is our second year and we, at the Commission, will continue to recognize notable personalities in future Hall of Fame editions. We hope to see you again next year as Philracom celebrates its golden anniversary," he said. (PNA)
