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The Business Manual Celebrates Industry Disruptors at the CEO Awards 2025

The Business Manual, the premier digital magazine for industry leaders and entrepreneurs, hosted its second CEO Awards on January 27 at Shangri-La The Fort, BGC. Under the theme “Honoring Industry Disruptors,” the event recognized visionaries who have reshaped business landscapes, pushed boundaries, and created lasting impact in their industries.

The evening begins with an inviting setup

In his opening speech, Ramon Galicia, COO of One MEGA Group Inc. (OMGI), emphasized the significance of thought leadership in an ever-evolving business environment: “This is of utmost significance in the current business landscape because our world is changing at an unprecedented pace. Business abhors the uncertainty caused by these changes. But I am optimistic for our future. I am optimistic because of the people gathered here today whom we are honoring.”

COO of OMGI, Ramon Galicia, delivering his opening remarks

This year’s CEO Awards celebrated 21 exceptional individuals who exemplify innovation, adaptability, strategic governance, brand influence, and societal contribution. Among the honorees were industry leaders from various sectors who continue to drive the country forward:

All the 21 honorees of the CEO Awards

  • Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo, Co-Founder and President of The Aivee Group
  • Eugene Acevedo, President and CEO of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)
  • Antonio Co, President and CEO of Carrascal Nickel Corporation
  • Dr. Steve Mark Gan, Founder and Chairman of the GAOC Group
  • Vic Del Rosario Jr., Chairman and CEO of Viva Communications
  • Herbert Consunji, Executive Vice President and Chief Finance Officer of DMCI Holdings
  • Irwin Lee, President and CEO of Universal Robina Corporation (URC)
  • William Tiu-Lim, Founder and Chairman of Mega Prime Foods, Inc.
  • Ana Lorenzana De Ocampo, President and CEO of Wildflour Hospitality Group
  • Dennis Anthony Uy, Founder, CEO, and Executive Director of Converge ICT Solutions, Inc.
  • Rosemarie Rafael, Chairperson and CEO of Airspeed
  • Jonathan Ng, Vice Chairman of Rebisco
  • Justin Uy, Founder and CEO of Profood International Corporation
  • Benjamin Yao, Chairman and CEO of SteelAsia
  • Delfin ‘Buds’ Wenceslao, CEO of DM Wenceslao and Associates
  • Ben Chan, Founder and CEO of Bench (Suyen Corporation)
  • Kevin Tan, CEO of Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI)
  • Clinton Campos Hess, CEO and Chairman of UNILAB Group
  • Martha Sazon, President and CEO of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.)
  • Mark ‘Jappy’ Gonzalez, Founder and Managing Director at H&F Retail Concepts, Inc.
  • Betty Ang, President and Co-Founder of Monde Nissin Corporation

In addition to recognizing individual leaders, the CEO Awards 2025 honored organizations that demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting and empowering Filipino entrepreneurs. The Enterprise Catalyst Award was presented to:

  • Philippine Retailers Association (Received by Roberto Claudio Sr., President)
  • Go Negosyo (Received by Joey Concepcion, Founder)
  • Philippine Franchise Association (Received by Samie Lim, Chairman Emeritus and Founding President)
Awardees of The Enterprise Catalyst Awards (L-R: Samie Lim, Joey Concepcion, Roberto Claudio Sr.)

As the evening came to a close, RJ Ledesma, Editor-in-Chief of The Business Manual, raised a toast to the honorees: “Each of our honorees has proven that true leadership isn’t just about adapting to change but about creating it. You are the industry disruptors who challenge the status quo, redefine what’s possible, and inspire the next generation of trailblazers.”

Editor-in-Chief of The Business Manual, RJ Ledesma, concluding the event with a speech

The Business Manual’s CEO Awards serves as a beacon for the next generation of disruptors—continuing the media brand’s mission to inform, involve, and inspire through stories of groundbreaking leadership.

Special thanks to co-presenters Martell Cognac and Royal Salute, event partners Victor Consunji Development Corporation, BAKEN, and official media partner UNIQUECORN Strategies.