Magic. There is no other adjective that better defines the Siempre Fuerte Awards gala. In its 7th edition, this event once again brought together part of the Malaguista Family in an exciting evening in memory of Malagueño and Malaguista, Pablo Raez.
The Teatro Echegaray hosted the event with an ambitious commitment. In this iconic setting, those present and viewers of 101 Televisión and the official Málaga CF YouTube channel experienced a Siempre Fuerte event that will be hard to forget.
Adriana Rogan was in charge of opening the event with a colossal performance. The singer wowed the audience with a live rendition of her song 'Reina Galeón' with an absolutely prodigious voice.
After the musical introduction, the two regular hosts of the gala burst onto the stage with energy; legendary former Blue and White player and member of the MCF Foundation’s Social Department, Sebastián Fernández Reyes 'Basti', and Malagueña journalist, Cristina Zumaquero - wearing a spectacular dress by the Malagueño flamenco fashion designer, Jote Martínez.
It wasn’t long before the emotion took over Echegaray with a heartfelt tribute to Andrés Perales and Juan Alcaide, iconic MCF workers who left an indelible mark on the Entity. This precious memory was followed by the Siempre Fuerte Applause for Emilio Bandera, AFENES volunteer. His inspiring story earned thunderous recognition from the audience. Following this exciting moment, the charismatic Basti invited the PuroMc rappers to the stage, who performed their work 'De Málaga y del Málaga' to the delight of the entire audience.
After more than half an hour of an impressive introduction, it was time for the awards.
In the 2023 Social Entity Awards category, ONCE Málaga, ASAMMA and Asociación Nena Paine were recognised. Almudena Montiel received the Abdallah Ben Barek award, while the #SiempreFuerte Special Award went to Malagueña actress, Maggie Civantos.
Mercedes García Paine, president of Asociación Nena Paine, was presented with the award by Luis Merino, president of Fundación El Pimpi. The association, which has helped to support teaching in educational centres and homes for over 10 years, promotes initiatives such as “Tu futuro nos importa” and “SuperCapaces.”
The 2023 Social Entity Award given to ONCE Málaga was collected by José Miguel Luque, general manager of Fundación ONCE Málaga, who was visibly grateful and proud of the recognition given by Juan Antonio Vigar, director of Teatro Echegara. With social inclusion and support for people with disabilities as its primary focus, the Fundación ONCE allocates most of its budget to finding work and training for these people.
ASAMMA is another of the associations awarded in the 2023 Social Entity category, receiving its award from Ignacio Bárbulo, commercial director of Cervezas San Miguel. Francisca Aguilar 'Paqui', president of ASAMMA, received the recognition on the stage of Teatro Echegaray and sent a moving message to those present.
Malagueña athlete, Almudena Montiel received the Abdallah Ben Barek award for becoming one of the first Andalusians to debut in the Paralympic Games. The Malaguista legend who gives the recognition its name, Abdallah Ben Barek, was in charge of presenting the award.
The #SiempreFuerte Special Award went to Maggie Civantos for the social work carried out via the Asociación Huellas Terapéuticas, which carries out dog-assisted interventions for people with functional diversity. Francisco Martín Aguilar, Club adviser, and Rosa Martínez, Pablo Ráez’s mother, presented the award to the renowned Malagueña actress.
Adriana Rogan closed the gala in a masterful way with a spectacular version of 'Could you be loved' by the legendary Bob Marley.
A magical night remembering the immense legacy that Pablo left us. Siempre Fuerte!