Top Industry Disruptors Honored at The Business Manual CEO Awards 2025

31 January 2025 Manila, Philippines – The Business Manual honored the country’s most innovative and influential business leaders at the second annual CEO Awards, held on January 27, 2025, at Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City. The event recognized 21 CEOs who have disrupted their industries and contributed to the country’s economic and social progress.

With the theme “Honoring Industry Disruptors,” the event brought together top executives, industry leaders, and government officials.  Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina “Cris” Aldeguer-Roque delivered the keynote address, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors.

“We firmly believe that a robust partnership between the public and the private sector is the key to unlocking our nation’s full economic potential and achieving the vision of a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’. This vision encompasses a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Philippines where every Filipino enjoys a high quality of life,” said Roque.

The 2025 CEO Awards honored a diverse group of leaders across multiple industries, including finance, retail, technology, food and beverage, and telecommunications. This year’s recipients included Eugene S. Acevedo, President and CEO of RCBC; Betty Ang, Director and President of Monde Nissin; Ben Chan, Founder and CEO of BENCH, Suyen Corporation; Antonio L. Co, President and CEO of Carrascal Nickel Corporation; Herbert Consunji, Executive Vice President and CFO of DMCI Holdings; Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, President and CEO of Wildflour Hospitality Group; Vicente del Rosario, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Viva Communications Inc.; Dr. Steve Mark Gan, Chairman and CEO of GAOC Group of Companies; Mark “Jappy” Gonzalez, Founder and Managing Director of H&F Retail Concepts; Clinton Campos Hess, Chairman and CEO of Unilab Group; and Irwin C. Lee, President and CEO of Universal Robina Corporation.

Also recognized were William Tiu Lim, Chairman and Founder of Mega Prime Foods, Inc.; Jonathan Ng, Vice Chairman and CEO of Republic Biscuit Corporation; Rosemarie Rafael, Chairman and CEO of Airspeed; Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash (Mynt – Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.); Kevin Andrew Tan, CEO of Alliance Global Inc.; Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo, Founder and President of The Aivee Group; Dennis Anthony H. Uy, Co-founder and CEO of Converge ICT Solutions Inc.; Justin Sy Uy, Founder and CEO of Profood International Corporation; Delfin Angelo “Buds” Wenceslao, President and CEO of D.M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc.; and Benjamin O. Yao, Chairman and CEO of SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation.

Alongside recognizing individual executives, the CEO Awards 2025 presented the Enterprise Catalyst Award to three business organizations—Go Negosyo, the Philippine Retailers Association, and the Philippine Franchise Association—for their contributions to fostering entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

The awardees were selected from a diverse pool of nominations, representing leaders from startups to industry giants. Each nominee was evaluated based on innovation, adaptability, and disruptive leadership; effective management and strategic governance; brand influence and recognition in their industry; personal image and credibility; and contribution to society.

RJ Ledesma, Editor-in-Chief of The Business Manual, emphasized the significance of the awards in spotlighting leaders who are shaping the future of Philippine industries.

“The success of the CEO Awards 2025 is a testament to the incredible vision, resilience, and ingenuity of the business leaders shaping the future of the Philippines. This year, we celebrate not just industry pioneers but true disruptors—leaders who challenge the status quo, drive innovation, and redefine what’s possible in their fields. Their contributions extend beyond their businesses, fueling economic growth and inspiring the next generation of changemakers,” said Ledesma.