Lino Photography

Efren was given the Order of Lakandula by the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in an awarding ceremony at the malacañan palace.  I was blessed enough to be inlcuded in the shortlist of guests by Ef.

The Order of Lakandula is one of the highest honors given by the Republic of the Philippines. It is an order of political and civic merit, awarded in memory of Lakandula’s dedication to the responsibilities of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one’s people.

Its administrative basis is the Honors Code of the Philippines (Executive Order 236, 19 September 2003). In Section 5, II of the Honors Code, the following is provided as the criteria for the conferment of the Order of Lakandula:

The Order of Lakandula is conferred upon a Filipino or foreign citizen:

a. who has demonstrated by his life and deeds a dedication to the welfare of society;

b. whose life is worthy of emulation by the Filipino people;

c. for deeds worthy of particular recognition, including suffering materially for the preservation and defense of the democratic way of life and of the territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines, for devoting his life to the peaceful resolution of conflict, or for demonstrating an outstanding dedication to the fostering of mutual understanding, cultural exchange, justice and dignified relations among individuals; or

d. for acts that have been traditionally recognized by the institution of presidential awards, including meritorious political and civic service.

-from wiki.

Here are some photos that i took during the event.

answering some questions from the press

with tita cory