Industry Disruptors and Groundbreakers Take the Spotlight in The Business Manual CEO Awards 2025

The Business Manual CEO Awards 2025 celebrated visionary leaders who transformed industries and inspired positive change
A college dropout who redefined his industry, a ticketing agent who became CEO of her own company, and a poor boy who rose to be one of Cebu’s top exporters and prominent businessmen—these are just a few of the changemakers honored at The Business Manual’s second CEO Awards, held on January 27 at the Shangri-La Fort Hotel, Bonifacio Global City.
Dubbed “Honoring Industry Disruptors,” the awards celebrate visionary leaders who are reshaping business landscapes, pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and setting new standards of success.
One of this year’s awardees is Viva Communications’ Chairman and CEO, Vic del Rosario Jr., who shared how he transformed from being a college dropout into a pioneering force in the Philippine entertainment industry and a successful media executive shaping the careers of countless stars. Another honoree, Airspeed Group CEO Rosemarie Rafael, rose from being a ticketing agent to becoming the CEO of her own company, later acquired by SM Investments Corporation for nearly half a billion pesos. Meanwhile, Justin Uy, another awardee, went from being a poor boy compelled to work at age 12 to help his family, to owning the largest dried fruit processing and exporting company in the Philippines today.

“These individuals don’t just adapt to change—they create it. They challenge conventions, rethink norms, and inspire their organizations to achieve what was once thought impossible,” said RJ Ledesma, Editor-in-Chief of The Business Manual. “By celebrating disruptors, we encourage the business community to embrace the courage it takes to step out of comfort zones, take calculated risks, and lead with purpose in uncharted territories.”

A total of 21 transformational CEOs were recognized during the ceremony:
- 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 Chief Finance Officer 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
- Irwin C. Lee, President and CEO of Universal Robina Corporation
- 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 & CEO of D.M. Wenceslao and Associates, Inc.
- Benjamin O. Yao, Chairman and CEO of SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation

In addition, Go Negosyo, the Philippine Franchising Association, and the Philippine Retailers Association received the “Enterprise Catalyst Award” for their dedication to supporting and empowering Filipino entrepreneurs.

In her keynote speech, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque emphasized the critical importance of public-private sector collaboration, stating, “The synergy of government and business is now more critical than ever.”
She highlighted the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) three key priorities to support businesses and drive economic development:
- Increasing international trade and foreign investments: Providing more income and employment opportunities to enable overseas Filipino workers to reunite with their families.
- Consumer protection: Reducing red tape and fostering trust and confidence in the marketplace.
- SME development: Expanding access to financing and market opportunities for small and medium enterprises.
“There’s a government approach to every industry in our country, so please take advantage of this,” she encouraged.
The inspiring stories of individual awardees can be explored further on The Business Manual’s official website, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.
The CEO Awards 2025 was proudly co-presented by Royal Salute and Martell Cognac, with the Business Catalyst Award co-presented by VCDC. The event was made possible through partnerships with Baken.