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TopNewsAsia Honors Nation Builders at Inaugural "Leading Men" Awards

 

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, Mikee Romero, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Nartatez, Nafarrete, Gumiran, Gonzalez

On May 19, 2026, TopNewsAsia magazine held its first "Leading Men" Awards at Okada Manila. Spearheaded by Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Grace Bondad Nicolas, the event honored influential leaders from the military, government, diplomacy, and religious sectors for their exceptional contributions to nation-building.


Grace Bondad Nicolas, TopNewsAsia
"The first batch of awardees reflected the strength and diversity of leadership... These are the leaders of this generation. Influential and Powerful." --- Grace Bondad Nicolas, Publisher and EIC of TopNewsAsia Magazine


Key Honorees & Representation:

Armed Forces & Security:  Among those recognized were Keynote Speaker Brigadier General Michael L. Romero, whose commitment to reserve force development continues to inspire patriotism and preparedness, and General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., represented during the ceremony by Lieutenant General Arvin R. Lagamon, symbolizing the AFP’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation and preserving peace.


Mikee Romero,

Lieutenant General Arvin R. Lagamon representing General Romeo S. Brawner Jr.


The Philippine Army was proudly represented by Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete through Major General Christopher C. Tampus, while the Philippine Navy’s leadership under Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta was represented by Major General Edwin E. Amadar.




Also recognized were Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura, Lieutenant General Aristotle D. Gonzalez, and Lieutenant General Donald M. Gumiran, leaders whose strategic vision and service continue to strengthen national security across the archipelago.


Lt. Gen Aristotle Gonzales - YT Link

Lt. Gen Donald Gumiran - YT Link


Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. was honored and represented by Police Brigadier General Randy Ygay Arceo, recognizing the organization’s continuing commitment to peace, order, and community safety.



Diplomacy: Niyazi Evren Akyol, for strengthening ties between Türkiye and the Philippines.


Public Service & Governance: COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia for safeguarding electoral integrity; Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong for transparent governance; and Los Baños Mayor Neil Andrew Nocon for community development.

Comelec Chairman, George Erwin Garcia
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia -- YT link

Baguio Mayor, Benjamin Magalong
Mayor Benjamin Magalong -- YT Link




Faith & Civic Leadership: Angelo Eraño V. Manalo of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, for highlighting the role of faith and humanitarian service in society. The Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines Inc. (represented by Col. Vladimir T. Mata and Col. Jessica Anne Marguerrite Lacson-Hizon) was also awarded.


Ultimately, the event proved that true leadership is defined by meaningful action, excellence, and a shared commitment to uplifting the nation.





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