A Boholona music teacher was honored as the “Best Pinoy Advocate” during the Choose Philippines Awards held on Thursday at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater in Quezon City.

Zosima Acuram, fondly called “Mam Maming,” was given the award for her “achievements, passion for work, and love for country which make us even prouder of the Philippines.”

Acuram, 68, is the conductress and musical director of the Dimiao Children Rondalla which is composed of students who play the bandurria.

The award was given to Acuram by Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza and Ai dela Cruz during a nighttime ceremony after outshining four other nominees in the category from various provinces.

Dubbed “Passionate Bandurria Teacher of Bohol,” Acuram expressed her gratitude through DYRD Balita on Friday.

She said that beyond the award, seeing her students excel in playing the bandurria already brings her joy.

Acuram who was born in March 11, 1948 shared that she learned to play the Bandurria, a Spanish stringed musical instrument of the lute family, when she was five years old.

The Choose Philippines Awards gives recognition to outstanding tourist destinations, accommodations, dishes and awe-inspiring people.

Awardees for other categories are as follows:

BEST ACCOMMODATION

For Families: Villa Escudero (Quezon)

For Couples: Stilts Calatagan Resort (Batangas)

For Barkada: Balesin Island (Quezon)

For Solo Travelers: Plantation Bay Resort and Spa (Cebu)

BEST DESTINATION

Heritage Sites: The Ruins (Negros Occidental)

Islands and Beaches: El Nido Resorts (Palawan)

Mountains and Volcanoes: Mayon Volcano (Albay)

Water Forms: Kawasan Falls (Cebu)

Recreational Spots: Picnic Grove (Tagaytay)

BEST DISH

Poultry Dish: Max’s fried chicken

Beef Dish: Rodick’s beef tapa

Pork Dish: Buffalo Bros baby back ribs

Vegetable Dish: Kuya J’s Restaurant’s lumpia presko

Seafood Dish: Shrimp Bucket’s salty eggsperience

Panghimagas (dessert): First Colonial’s Grill sili ice cream

Fusion: Lars buko batchoy

Native Delicacy: Barrio Fiesta’s kare-kare

BEST FESTIVAL: Sinulog (Cebu City)

BEST PINOY ADVOCATE:

Zosima Acuram (Banduria teacher, Bohol)

BEST PINOY AT HEART

Kyle “Kulas” Jennerman from Canada

(Rey Tutas)