All of Esquire Philippines' Covers in 2024
Another year in the books. As 2024 comes to a close, Esquire Philippines revisits the remarkable individuals who graced our covers this year. From visionary leaders and cultural icons to rising stars and industry disruptors, this year's lineup highlights the breadth of talent and inspiration shaping our world today. November was especially noteworthy, as we celebrated the Man at His Best Awards with nine covers, each honoring a trailblazer in their field.
Here's a look back at the extraordinary people who defined Esquire Philippines' 2024.
January: Pia Wurtzbach
"I wanted more. I lived in Cagayan de Oro city, but I wanted to experience traveling, I wanted to explore. I've always had that in me, where I feel like there's such a big world out there and I need to discover it, I need to see what opportunities are there."
Excerpt from the story, Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey Owns the Narrative, by Patti Manuel Go:
There are many adjectives one could use to describe Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey as she makes her graceful passage through the room, her undeniable good looks accentuated by the pearl white trouser suit she is wearing—but over the course of our conversation, the ones that come to mind have less to do with her appearance and much more to do with intention and character.
February: Cedrick Juan
"Pero yung mga natutunan ko sa theater, yun ang priceless. Yun yung feeling ko, humubog talaga ng pagiging actor ko at sa pagiging tao ko rin. Feeling ko mas na-develop yung empathy ko. I learned how to work as an ensemble…na kailangan namin ang bawat isa para matapos namin yung bawat dulang ginagawa namin."
Excerpt from the story, Cedrick Juan: 'I Want to Use my Platform to Raise Awareness About Historical Injustices', by Rhia Grana:
Cedrick Juan confidently stands before the camera, his demeanor exuding poise and charisma. With each click of the shutter, he seamlessly transitions between poses under the direction of photographer Borgy Angeles. His movements are fluid, his expressions dynamic, as he skillfully showcases threads from Bode, Acne Studios, Max Mara, and Burberry. Whether striking a commanding gaze or adopting a relaxed stance, he leaves a lasting impression with every frame.
I momentarily forget he was the actor celebrated for his portrayal of the Filipino priest Padre Jose Burgos in the critically acclaimed movie GomBurZa, which won second Best Picture at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival. Just a few months back, it took me some time to move past the hauntingly portrayed prison cell and garrote scenes that resonated deeply from the silver screen.
March: Lovi Poe
"If you have a clear goal, focus on that goal. Everything else is just noise. Surround yourself with the right people. There will be days when you don't believe in yourself and you are going to need your best friends, your sister, your mom—the ones who actually believe in you more than you do. Eyes on the target, and make sure that you are enjoying the process too. Also, make sure na wala kang tinatapakang tao. When you achieve your goal, it really is the best feeling."
Excerpt from the story, Lovi Poe Is a Strong Female Lead, by Maan D'asis Pamaran:
When she launched her showbiz career as a teenager in the mid-2000s, detractors wrote Lovi Poe off and tittered that she only got into the industry because she was the daughter of the King of Philippine movies, Fernando Poe Jr. Today, she can boast an enviable multi-faceted career across drama, horror, and comedy films and TV series, including a turn as the female lead in the hugely popular ABS-CBN teleserye Batang Quiapo with Coco Martin. Soon, she will star in a Hollywood independent feature film called Bad Man with American Pie's Sean William Scott.
May: Xian Lim
"I'm all out na parang this is for the long-term. We are going to work through this hanggang sa dulo. That's my vision, that's my perception on finding a partner, about finding love in general. So that taxicab theory, parang hindi ko lang siya masakyan. But that's just me, that's how I love. Kung magmahal ako, lubos, buong kaluluwa."
Excerpt from the story, Xian Lim is Ready to Talk: 'When I Love, I Go All Out', by Paul John Caña:
Lim is celebrating his 15th anniversary in showbusiness this year, and with everything going on in his life now, it seems apt that he finds himself out at sea, with the last vestiges of the day’s sun hitting his face as he simultaneously looks back at the paths he’s trekked so far and looks forward to all the mountains he has yet to summit.
June: Lauv
"I want to give myself and whoever is watching this an authentic look into the life of a boy, who’s figuring his life out, having been scared to be himself around the public."
Excerpt from the story, Allow Lauv To Reintroduce Himself: 'I'm Not Interested in Definite Labels. I'm Still in the Fluidity of Exploring', by Angel Martinez:
There’s a particular allure to building a creative career under a persona.
And if there’s anyone who knows this, it’s Ari Staprans Leff. Having made a name for himself as Lauv, he has spent the past few years soaring to the top of the charts, selling out arenas with a distinctive brand of nostalgic heartbreak pop defined by that airy versatile register.
This double life has afforded him a veneer of normalcy after being plucked out of obscurity. He’s living the best of both worlds as a pop star, akin to the life of that famous fictional alter-ego my generation knows too well.
ALSO READ: 2023 in Review: All of Esquire Philippines' Covers
July: BenCab
"And perhaps that's the true power of the myth of Sabel. One may argue that her image captures the universality of our people's struggle in a sense and the contradictions and collective, cross-generational grief that binds us."
Excerpt from the story, Benedicto Cabrera, Filipino Artist in Flux, by Bryle B. Suralta:
One can't tell the story of Philippine art without mentioning the name of a certain Benedicto Cabrera, better known as BenCab. And one can't even begin to describe his artistic legacy without talking about Sabel. The mysterious woman of the artist's subconscious has come to show many things about the Filipino identity. What those things are, well, is still up to us to unravel.
August: Amado Forés
"It's not about trying to do something new. It's about finding the little intricacies that will make our dishes stand out..."
Excerpt from the story, How Amado Forés is Carving His Own Path in the Restaurant Business: 'It's Not About Being Trendy', by Rhia Grana:
Opening three successful restaurant concepts and six branches in five years is no easy feat, given the extremely competitive dining scene in the Philippines and the disruptive impact of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, millennial restaurateur Amado Fores' businesses not only survived but are now thriving.
September: SB19
"Siguro isa sa pinakamahalaga yung maipakita mo 'yung authentic self mo and 'yung relatability." - Pablo
Excerpt from the story, SB19's View From the Top, by Allan Carreon:
It's clear that, despite SB19's massive rise in popularity both here and abroad, they've kept their shoes firmly on the ground. There is no air of superiority emanating from them as they interact with people and in the way they carry themselves. They combine professionalism with playfulness that helps put those around them at ease. Their humility is made more apparent as they punctuate their conversation with a lot of po and opo with those whom they've just met.
And to think this is a group that has made waves across the world.
October: Gary V
"Music for me is perhaps the most powerful medium in getting a message across. Music has a way of keeping somebody quiet for like three and a half minutes in order to hear an entire message. So if you're conversing with someone and the person doesn't listen to you, look for a song that carries the same message. This is what I'm trying to tell you. The person will listen to it and maybe at the end of the song, the person understands what you're trying to say."
Excerpt from the story, Gary Valenciano Will Continue to Respond to the Calling of Music 'For as Long as This Heart Continues to Beat', by Jill Tan Radovan:
If there is one OPM pop act that you need to see live on stage at least once in your lifetime, it would have to be Gary Valenciano. Arguably, there is no other local performer with such an electrifying stage presence as much as Mr. Pure Energy himself. Creating music and performing are not only his greatest passions-they're his calling.
November: Esquire Philippines' Man at His Best 2024
Every year, Esquire Philippines presents Man at His Best, the local iteration of a global signature event where we celebrate extraordinary Filipino men and women reshaping society as we know it. These are the dreamers and doers who have made a profound impact on the Filipino's way of life, who are using their talents and skills to make something of themselves and inspire the rest of us to do better with our lives.
For Esquire Philippines' Man at His Best 2024, we honored nine mavericks and legends in film, music, business, politics, and entertainment in a cocktail event held last November 18, 2024, at Hilton Manila, Newport World Resorts. Despite coming from disparate fields and industries, they all have one thing in common: all of them exemplify what it means to be a Man at His Best.
Entertainer of the Year: SB19
"Even though we are a group, we (have always considered) each and everyone's individuality" - Justin
Excerpt from the story, SB19's View From the Top, by Allan Carreon:
The confidence and the drive, combined with their immense talent and their relatable sense of humor, are indeed winning combinations.
We know we'll see SB19 climb even higher from their current view from the top.
Maverick of the Year: Benjamin Magalong
"I'm not the perfect leader, you know. I have my faults and mistakes. But I know how to determine what is right from what is wrong."
Excerpt from the story, Benjamin Magalong on His Hardline Stance: 'In Politics, Doing the Right Thing Will Always Be Unpopular', by Bryle B. Suralta:
Before entering politics, he served in the Philippine Constabulary and Philippine National Police (PNP) for 38 years, eight months, and 20 days. His credentials speak for themselves: 166 military and PNP achievement and merit medal, including the PNP Gold Cross and Distinguished Service Star. Now, under his leadership, Baguio City has leaned more into becoming a more advanced "smart city."
Icon of the Year: Gary V
"I think people know that when they hear my songs, even if they watch me in a performance, they know that at some point in that performance, I'm going to sing a song that will hopefully to speak into their souls. I think that if music is meant to do that, then, I think the music will remain relevant."
Excerpt from the story, Gary Valenciano Will Continue to Respond to the Calling of Music 'For as Long as This Heart Continues to Beat', by Jill Tan Radovan:
In an exclusive interview and through his own words, Gary V. walks us through the early days of his four-decade-long career, the challenges he faced to stay relevant in a perenially shifting music landscape, and the driving force behind all that he is, and all that he will be.
Restaurateur of the Year: Amado Forés
"[My mother's] influence is more about her consistency over the years rather than specific things she did."
Excerpt from the story, How Amado Forés is Carving His Own Path in the Restaurant Business: 'It's Not About Being Trendy', by Rhia Grana:
Amado Forés hopes his next venture will be a collaboration with his mother. "After five years, I'm confident enough that I can do something with her, without feeling like I'm riding on her coattails."
This evolution from solo projects to a potential family collaboration will mark an exciting new chapter in Fores' journey.
Businessman of the Year: Kevin Tan
"A man at his best is someone who leads with purpose and integrity-someone who strives for excellence not just in his career but also in his relationships and personal growth."
Excerpt from the story, Kevin Tan: 'True Success is Not Measured by Achievements Alone', by Paul John Caña:
In early October this year, Kevin Tan was officially named executive director of the board of Megaworld Corp. This adds to his position as executive vice president and chief strategy officer of the listed company. The appointment is significant as it further strengthens his role within the property development arm of Alliance Global, the family's holding company that also counts interests in liquor, gaming, hospitality, and quick service restaurants.
Creative of the Year: Jose Javier Reyes
"I'm a filmmaker, I'm a producer, I'm also a writer, I'm a teacher. In other words, I'm like the Hydra with so many heads. But more than anything else, I'd like to see myself as an educator. Because a filmmaker is an educator, a writer is an educator."
Excerpt from the story, Jose Javier Reyes on the Hard Truths and Hopes for Philippine Cinema, by Christa I. De La Cruz:
While being multi-hyphenated is almost the norm among artists these days, it is undeniably true and unique for Direk Joey, who started serving as CEO and chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines on April 11, 2024. And rightfully so, as the 70-year-old spent most of his life writing, directing, and teaching films.
Music Artist of the Year: Hev Abi
"Importante ang authenticity mo bilang tao. Doon dapat nanggagaling ang brand mo. Pero kapag gumagawa ka ng decision na branding mo lang ang iniisip mo, I don’t think Maganda siyang practice in the long run."
Excerpt from the story, Hev Abi Is Just Warming Up, by Bryle B. Suralta:
Hev Abi is a Quezon City boy in every respect. He grew up here, around Tomas Morato to be exact. The topography of QC is a central theme he constantly references in the songs he writes and produces. It's quite literally etched on his body, too. The word "South" (stylized as "Souf") is tattooed on his knuckles, another supposed reference to Timog. And his independent record label, Downtown Q Entertainment, is based in, you guessed it, Kyusi.
Athlete of the Year: Carlos Yulo
"Palagi kong pinapaalalahanan 'yung sarili ko kung ano na ba ang goal ko. Kahit hindi na 'yung sa future, kahit today lang. Ano 'yung makakapagpadagdag ng percentage ng success rate para sa future. Kahit one percent lang today, kahit 0.1 percent lang today, ayos na 'yun. Basta pumunta ka."
Excerpt from the story, Carlos Yulo: The Champion Who Shows Up, by Christa I. De La Cruz:
Caloy Yulo admits that there's now less pressure for him since he has already achieved his long-time dream of not only making it to the Olympics but also winning not one but two Olympic golds. Still, that doesn't stop him from training every day, preparing for the qualifications, and focusing on another category: the individual all-around.
Actress of the Year: Marian Rivera
"Totoo kasi ako sa sarili ko e. What you see is what you get. At kapag gumagawa ako ng proyekto, binibigay ko talaga 'yung 100% ko."
Excerpt from the story, Marian Rivera Is on Fire, by Chuck D. Smith:
Marian Rivera is having a very interesting year. Rewind, a Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 movie alongside real-life husband Dingdong Dantes, became the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time with a reported P1.2 billion ticket sales gross. Then, she bagged the Cinemalaya Best Actress award for the 2024 film Balota.
To call this a second wind for the actress, however, feels dismissive of the power of Marian Rivera. This isn't a second wind; this isn't her second prime. This is Marian Rivera simply being Marian Rivera.
December: Jannik Sinner
"Tennis is important, but I didn’t spend enough time with the people I love. I have to find time for that, because some things pass and never come back."
Excerpt from the story, Jannik Sinner’s Wild Ride, by Giovanni Audiffredi (edited and translated from the Italian):
Sinner is 23 years old. Since 10 June, he has been the world number one in the ATP tennis ranking: the first Italian ever to take the position. He is also the first Italian to win two Grand Slams in the same season, having won the US Open in September.
He is still young, but it’s been a long climb to the top.
