For the second time in his fabled career, PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas was chosen as the recipient of the Danny Floro Executive of the Year award by the PBA Press Corps for its 26th Annual Awards Night.
Representing the TNT KaTropa, Vargas was recognized as a stabilizing force behind the PBA Board of Governors, made evident by his election as the league's chairman for the third straight season -- a feat that has only happened once in the past when Luis "Moro" Lorenzo, Sr. of Pepsi was chosen PBA chair from 1991-93.
Also a former president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Vargas steered the ship with his cool and collected, but strong-willed demeanor and earned the admiration of his peers, leading the PBA Board to work as a cohesive unit once more.
Vargas won the award, which is named after Valeriano "Danny'"Floro who was the owner of the legendary Crispa Redmanizers franchise, after being unanimously selected by the PBA Press Corps.
Vargas, who was first feted in 2007, was scheduled to be awarded last Mar. 16 at the Novotel Manila in Araneta City, but the event was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previous recipients of the award include San Miguel owner Ramon S. Ang, Manny V. Pangilinan of the MVP Group, Wilfred S. Uytengsu of Alaska, and Rain or Shine team co-owners Terry Que and Raymund Yu.
The first awardee was Elmer Yanga, the affable team manager of the RFM franchise, who bagged the first three honors from 1993 to 95.
San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua was the last person to be given the distinction in 2018.