Architects of change: 12 CEOs to receive Mansmith Awards
Leadership in Philippine business is being redefined. Beyond profits, executives are increasingly judged by their ability to innovate responsibly, build institutions and contribute to inclusive growth amid digital disruption and global competition.
“The scope of the awards grew because leadership in Philippine business has grown in depth and complexity. There is more innovation, more institution-building and more long-term thinking than before, and we felt it was important to reflect that,” says Chiqui Escareal-Go, CEO of Mansmith and Fielders Inc.
This year’s expanded Mansmith Awards showcase how Filipino business leaders are moving beyond short-term gains.
From digital innovation and customer-focused entrepreneurship to decades-long institutional contributions, the honorees illustrate that sustainable growth is built on vision, resilience and long-term impact, not just profit margins.
Mansmith and Fielders will honor 12 leaders at the 2026 Mansmith Awards on Jan. 21 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
The awards recognize innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term value creation, and this year introduces two new distinctions: the Mansmith Entrepreneur Awards and the Mansmith CEO Lifetime Achievement Awards. Honorees are selected based on merit and impact, with no entry or attendance fees.
Innovation across industries
Four executives will receive the 5th Mansmith Innovation Awards for transforming traditional and emerging sectors:
- Penk Ching, CEO of Pastry Bin, elevated Filipino cake craftsmanship by blending traditional flavors with modern design and international standards.
- Nino Namoco, CEO of 1Life, applied artificial intelligence to improve healthcare access, emphasizing patient-centered care.
- ER Rollan, CEO of Growsari, digitized sari-sari stores nationwide, supporting microentrepreneurs and strengthening community-level commerce.
- Alvin Kingson Tan, CEO of Chinoy TV, transformed the company from a traditional TV platform into a service-oriented media enterprise promoting Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurship and inclusion.
Entrepreneurship and brand building
The inaugural Mansmith Entrepreneur Awards honor leaders demonstrating resilience and long-term value:
- Lucio Cochanco Jr., CEO of Fly Ace, launched local food brands like Jolly and Doña Elena after losing revenues from imports.
- Ramon Go, CEO of Orocan, maintained brand relevance through simple positioning and relatable storytelling.
- Rosemarie Rafael, chair of Airspeed, transformed the logistics firm into a customer-focused organization emphasizing trust and reliability.
- Samuel Po, CEO of JS Unitrade, built brands like EQ and Charmee, showing Filipino companies can compete with multinationals on quality and affordability.
Lifetime contributions to Philippine business
Four veterans will receive the Mansmith CEO Lifetime Achievement Awards:
- Mercy Abad, former TNS Philippines managing director, currently leads Ahon sa Hirap Inc., helping over 105,000 women start small businesses.
- Emily Abrera, first woman CEO of McCann Erickson Philippines, advanced culturally grounded marketing communications and served as chair of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
- Pet Bautista, who held senior roles in San Miguel Foods, San Miguel Beer, Kraft Foods and Universal Robina Corp., promoted strategic clarity and ethical decision-making.
- Pong Ejercito, former Unilever executive in the Philippines, China and Korea, institutionalized customer development as a strategic growth discipline.
Leadership beyond the bottom line
The 2026 honorees highlight a shift in Philippine business leadership: innovation improving access, entrepreneurship strengthening local industries and having leaders whose careers have strengthened the institutions they served.
As the country’s enterprises respond to changing consumer needs and global competition, these leaders show that sustainable growth rests on vision, trust and long-term thinking.
(Josiah Go is chair of Mansmith and Fielders Inc., the organizer of the Mansmith Awards.)
