Young Guns

According to Ramil Angelo Tantay, one should love the customer; and be able to be true and sincere. With this, they would see and feel your care. Only then that success follows. —CONTRIBUTED

During Toyota Motor Philippines’ annual Toyota Dealer Awards held during its 2025 Dealer Conference, not only did they celebrate the top-performing dealers, but they also recognized the outstanding marketing professionals and service advisors for 2024.

Dubbed as “Toyota Outstanding Performers in Sales and Service (TOPS) Awards,” the awarding ceremony gave recognition to mostly young professionals who topped the criteria required to make the cut.

“We aim to pursue the education and training of our next-generation manpower for them to be able to take on leadership roles in their respective dealerships,” said newly-elected Toyota Dealers Association of the Philippines (TDAP) president, Jimmy Yaokasin.

For the 56-year-old head honcho, the next-generation of professionals are the future leaders of their respective dealerships.

“We have to invest in the future.”

Tantay shared that his family is his inspiration to perform and excel in sales and marketing. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

A very promising marketing pro

For one, named as the TOPS Finest Marketing Professional of the Year was Ramil Angelo de Guzman Tantay of Toyota Marilao Bulacan.

“I was surprised to be given such an honor. At first, I didn’t expect to win the award,” shared the unassuming 29-year-old marketing executive during an exclusive interview with Inquirer Motoring.

“What I only know is that I just did my job”, he then continued.

Tantay has been working for six years for Toyota Marilao and, according to him, it requires a great deal of drive and patience to be able to be successful in his field.

“It’s very challenging. But the driving force behind all this was my family. They are my ‘why’, he shared.

“They are the reason why I push through and overcome whichever obstacle I face,” said Tantay, who’s been married for five years and has been living with his parents and three other siblings.

According to him, because of his hard work and perseverance, he sold a total 154 units in 2024, which consists mostly of the Toyota Vios, Avanza and Innova model units.

“Success is not about doing big things at once. But doing small things consistently over time,” he divulged.

Moreover, he even advised other marketing professionals to not seek for the profits or what they could make out of the sale, but for how one takes good care of his customers.

“You should love your customer. You have to be true and sincere. And they would see it. Then, after this, success follows. “

Yutuc attentively addressing the concerns of a customer.

Consistent and true service

On the other hand, the TOPS Finest General Job Service Advisor of the Year went to 32-year-old Vladimir John Pangilinan Yutuc of Toyota Tarlac.

“It’s my first time to win this particular award. Until now, I’m still so overwhelmed,” he shared with this writer.

“I’m just so thankful to TMP and to my dealership.”

This mechanical engineering graduate said that his work entails receiving clients being the “frontliner”. He also specifically does appointments and periodic maintenance, among many others.

Beaming with pride and joy, he shows off his glass trophy

“In this kind of field, you must have respect for other people and tons of patience, especially when it comes to addressing the concerns of the clients,” he further explained.

“For one, one must know how to deal with an ‘irate’ customer.”

Moreover, he divulged that he has been working for the company for eight years already.

“But it’s only in the last four years that I was able to gradually improve,” disclosed Yutuc.

“With this award, I want to inspire others. Truly, everything can be learned in due time,” he added.

As a Body and Paint Service Advisor, Castro consistently places herself in her customers’ shoes, prioritizing their needs and carefully listening to their concerns and preferences.

Principled work

Together with them, bestowed the rare TOPS Finest Body and Paint Service Advisor of the Year plum, meanwhile, was Ma. Precious Claire Perez Castro of Toyota Isabela.

The 32-year-old Isabela native has been working for the company for 11 years already. She describes herself as persevering and patient, especially in dealing with their customers and working together with her fellow team members. “As a Body and Paint Service Advisor, I consistently place myself in my customers’ positions, prioritizing their needs and carefully listening to their concerns and preferences,” she shared.

Moreover, she keeps customers updated regularly to make them feel valued and not overlooked.

“I personally inspect each vehicle to confirm it meets standards of safety, functionality, and aesthetics. From the moment they arrive until delivery, I strive to deliver a fully personalized service experience,” she continued.

For her, by adhering to these core principles, they have established a reputation as a dependable and trusted service provider.

“It’s all about going above and beyond to guarantee total customer satisfaction.”

In closing, TMP chairman Alfred V. Ty shared during his speech in the awarding ceremony, “I would like to remind Team Toyota Philippines of our mission of making ever-better products and creating happiness.”

“Let us unite our efforts as one Toyota to remain number one in the hearts of every Filipino.”

Hence, this specifically applies to each and every of their team members, no matter what year they fall on the calendar.