Lead Awards 2025 Honors Exemplary Trailblazers in Publishing

The LEAD Awards 2025 celebrated the brightest trailblazers whose creativity, resilience, and vision are reshaping Philippine media and marketing.

AGC Power Holdings Corp. hosted the LEAD Awards 2025 on April 25 to honor the leadership and excellence of extraordinary employees whose work has made a profound impact on the company’s growth, innovation, and purpose.

The event, which took place at MARQUIS Events Place, Bonifacio Global City, was attended by members of One MEGA Group, MEGA Global Licensing Group, Modern Media Group, the Marketing Services Group (DigiStar PH, Events 100, Kliq, SUNI, and 7640), and AGC Power Holdings Corp.

In his inspiring welcome address, AGC Power Holdings Corp. Chairman and CEO Archie Carrasco highlighted the purpose of the LEAD Awards, stating that the event was held “not only to recognize excellence, but to celebrate the very spirit that drives it — leadership.”

“In every team, in every project, and behind every success story in our organization, there stands a leader,” he said. “Not always the loudest voice or the one with the title, but someone who shows up, brings others together, and moves forward even when the path is unclear.”

“We honor tonight those who chose responsibility over recognition,” Carrasco added. “Those who lead not for the title, but for the team. Not for the praise, but for the purpose.”

Top Outstanding Employees of the Year

Among those honored during the LEAD Awards 2025 are the Top Outstanding Employees of the Year (TOEY). These awardees were recognized for their transformative impact across editorial, marketing, events, operations, and human resources.

Gian Valiente (Business Growth Department, AGC Power Holdings Corp.)

Tasked with driving the company’s key trade activations and advertiser partnerships, Valiente is a strategic thinker who fuses operational expertise with resourceful innovation.

Angelino Joseph Quijencio (Nylon Manila, Modern Media Group Inc.)

A creative polymath, Quijencio’s work across video production and art direction has helped define Nylon Manila’s dynamic digital presence—marked by humility and precision.

Mae Sicat (Advertising Creative Services Department, One MEGA Group Inc.)

At the nexus of advertising and brand integrity, Sicat ensures the seamless execution of over PHP 100 million in client deliverables, reinforcing AGC’s reputation for operational excellence.

Mika Cruz (Production Department, Modern Media Group Inc.)

Cruz’s systemic innovations in production processes have not only increased internal efficiencies but have also reshaped how multiple brands manage vendor relationships.

Bettina Alexandra Mendoza (Advertising Department, MEGA Global Licensing Inc.)

A breakout sales talent, Mendoza delivered a record ₱45 million in brand revenue, underscoring the commercial potential of Vogue Philippines in a competitive luxury market.

Denise Rialp (HR Department, AGC Power Holdings Corp.)

As the architect of AGC’s expanding workforce, Rialph has helped shape a recruitment philosophy rooted in values, competency, and cultural fit.

Tricia Almazan (Vogue Philippines, MEGA Global Licensing Inc.)

Beyond her role as a founding writer, Almazan has been instrumental in defining Vogue Philippines’ narrative voice—balancing cultural depth with editorial elegance.

Rafael Santos (Events Department, AGC Power Holdings Corp.)

The unseen hand behind Billboard Philippines and Rolling Stone Philippines’ most celebrated productions, Santos translates logistical complexity into seamless live experiences.

Brent Castro (Events Department, AGC Power Holdings Corp.)

With a vision that merges storytelling and experience design, Castro elevates brand events into cultural milestones across AGC’s portfolio.

Samantha Anciano (Marketing Department, One MEGA Group Inc.)

Managing multiple lifestyle brands with operational rigor and creative leadership, Anciano exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight.

LEAD Awards 2025 Major Honorees

Apart from the TOEY awardees, the LEAD Awards 2025 further celebrated excellence across broader categories:

Outstanding Leader of the Year: Janine Recto, Vice President for Asia Media Brands, One MEGA Group Inc.
Editor of the Year (Executive Category): Bea Valdes, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Philippines
Editor of the Year (Junior Category): Rafael Bautista, Deputy Editor, Nylon Manila
Department of the Year: Digital Infrastructure and Optimization Division
Campaign of the Year: Billboard Philippines MainStage: The First Anniversary Concert
Media Brand of the Year: Vogue Philippines
Company of the Year: One MEGA Group Inc.

The LEAD Awards 2025 honorees are a testament to how leadership, when coupled with integrity and driven by purpose, can transcend titles and foster a culture that exemplifies an unwavering commitment to excellence and creativity.

“This evening is for all our awardees, nominees, and the many silent trailblazers among us,” Carrasco said in conclusion. “Because true leadership is not about seeking applause—it’s about advancing the purpose that moves us all forward.”