MANILA, Philippines—A Filipino civic organization built to honor mothers is in the best position to formally recognize deserving mothers through an annual awards event highlighting the best in terms of making positive impact to loved ones and community.

Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation acknowledges that potential, and more importantly, makes it happen for the first time this year.

Best Nanay Awards 2014 is paying tribute to 10 exemplary Filipino mothers possessing integrity and character, an inspiring story to share, and a strong positive influence on people around her.

These magic 10 are not the typical who’s who of moms, but were carefully chosen from all walks of life – the result of painstakingly trimming down a staggering number of entries or nominations from all over the country.

“Hindi po ito listahan ng mga nanay na pinili dahil sa kanilang celebrity power or educational background, but primarily those who were able to inspire and empower positivity through hard work, dedication to motherhood, and great character,” shared Bemz Benedicto, MYNP’s managing director.

The list of awardees in no particular order: Gloria C. Baltar from Bucay, Abra, 57; Rosa G. Balana from Abucay, Bataan, 90; Leonarda N. Camacho from Pasig City, 90; Carmen R. Ragonjan from Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte, 68; Josefina G. Olorocisimo from Taytay, Rizal, 53; Angelita S. Guiteng, 61; Ma. Lorna L. Garnace from Palo, Leyte, 43; Zoraida Motil from Tumana, Marikina, 63; Cecille Sibunga from Tumana, Marikina, 62; and Magdalena E. Aquino from Batangas, 78.

All entries, numbering to 285, were reviewed and verified by the MYNP Awards Committee. Criteria for judging touched on the inspiring stories that make particular mothers outstanding, the personas that influence the moral rectitude of children, and the charm that turn them into pillars of families.

“We’re all excited and looking forward to doing this annually,” Bemz added.

The pronounced winners each get Php 10,000 cash and a handcrafted mother-and-child trophy carved by Ifugao sculptors, along with GCs from SM and Beduya Dental.

Nominators of winners receive separate plaques of appreciation.

A look into the process of choosing awardees traced back that candidates were endorsed through e-mails and snail mails by various organizations and barangay units. After the nomination period (August 11 and September 30), almost two thirds were taken off by the designated committee.

A second group headed by MYNP Secretary General Carlos Munda ( who was joined by Gasper Gozo also of MYNP and Almed Garcia of Backroom) further cut the list down to 55.

Last October 9 was the day the final 10 were chosen, with the panel of judges comprising of directors GB Sampedro, Rahyan Carlos, and Nick Olanka, along with Backroom’s Rowena Salido and ABS-CBN Creative Programs executive Ian Reyno.

Mark Anthony Ramirez (executive director of Resources, Environment & Economics Center for Studies, Inc.), Prof. Lito Casaje (of La Consolacion College, Manila), and Liza Maza (former congresswoman-now co-chairperson of Koalisyong Makabayan that represents Gabriela in Congress) rounded up the shortlist.

The awarding ceremony is scheduled this October 29, 6 pm, at Windmills and Rainforest located in Scout Borromeo St. Q.C.