MANILA, Philippines - Two young women are among the awardees of People Asia magazine's "People of the Year" awards of People Asia magazine, which honors extraordinary individuals who have made a difference in Filipinos' lives.

Raissa Laurel, a 23-year-old law student who lost both legs in the bar exams blast last September, impressed President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Chief Justice Renato Corona and the rest of the country because of her courage, strength and optimism.

Aquino himself will be presenting the award to Laurel in a formal ceremony at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City on Monday night, The Philippine Star reported.

Last month, Laurel shared via microblogging site Twitter that she can now walk with the help of prosthetic legs.

The sophomore at San Sebastian College has been promised a job at the Supreme Court once she passes the bar and recovers from her injuries.

Another 'major major' win

Also part of People Asia's "People of the Year" list is Venus Raj, a 22-year-old lass from Camarines Sur who placed fourth runner-up in last year's Miss Universe pageant.

The 5'9 beauty with a 22-inch waistline is widely believed to have had a strong chance of winning the crown, but this was derailed by a "killer question" from American actor William Baldwin.

Raj's answer to Baldwin's question gave birth to the popular expression, "major major," loosely defined by netizens as "extravagant" or "outlandish."

Only 2 Filipinas have taken home the Miss Universe crown since the pageant was first held in 1952. They are Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran, who won in 1969 and 1973, respectively.

Currently, Raj is busy enjoying the showbiz limelight with guestings on television shows and in concerts.

Other awardees

Aside from Laurel and Raj, other winners of the "People of the Year" awards include world renowned fashion designer Josie Cruz Natori and Rhett Eala, the man behind the iconic Philippine map shirt.

Furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, whose pieces made their way into the home of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, also made it on the list as well as floral architect Rachy Cuna.

The rest of the awardees are:

• singer and composer Ryan Cayabyab;
• Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile;
• architect Felino Palafox Jr.;
• Fr. Rocky Evangelista of the Tuloy Foundation (a residential care service for street children);
• Philippine Airlines president and chief executive officer Jaime Bautista;
• Eurocopter Philippines president and CEO Thierry Tea (who mobilized his helicopters to help victims of typhoon Ondoy);
• actor and YES Pinoy Foundation founder Dingdong Dantes; and,
• broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez.

Abs-cbnNEWS.com, with a report from The Philippine Star