A powerful gathering of business icons, entrepreneurs, diplomats, creatives, and changemakers celebrates leadership, friendship, and excellence
The InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026 was not simply an
awards night—it was a gathering of people who have already made their mark.
Held on August 27, 2026, at the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila in celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day, the prestigious occasion brought together distinguished business leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, public servants, creatives, and industry personalities for an evening of recognition, fellowship, and international friendship.
Among the notable personalities who graced the occasion were accomplished industry leaders and past honorees, including Joel Cruz, Founder of Aficionado; Manjit Reandi, President of Camp John Hay; Grace Santiago, Vice President of Decho Petroleum; Barbie Arcache, recognized as an LGBT icon; Embassy of Indonesia Chargé d’Affaires Victorina Hesti Dewayani; Atty. Arnel Mateo of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Ghie Pangilinan, Founder of Skin Magical and TeaTalk, among others.
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| Mrs Universe Founder Maria Charo Calalo and Joel Cruz |
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| Grace Santiago, Sara Deloraya Mateo, Joel Cruz |
Their presence added another layer of significance to an evening already filled with distinguished personalities.
After all, when people who have built companies, led
organizations, championed causes, represented nations, and created movements
gather in one room, it becomes less of a simple reunion and more of a
masterclass in leadership, with dinner included.
Where Leaders Meet Leaders
Presented by InCharge Magazine and TAG Media Group, under the leadership of media entrepreneur Grace Bondad Nicolas, the CEO Awards 2026 recognized individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, service, and accomplishments continue to create meaningful impact.
TAG Media Group publishes five print magazine titles; Rising Tigers Magazine, TopNewsAsia, Leading Women Magazine, EXQ, and InCharge Magazine—with nationwide distribution through National Book Store, Fully Booked, select gasoline stations, and expanding digital platforms.
The awardees are also featured in the succeeding issue of InCharge Magazine, both in print and online, giving readers an opportunity to discover the stories behind the titles, achievements, and milestones.
The CEO Awards featured major categories covering Individual
Leadership and Industry Excellence, Diplomatic Leadership, and Government and
Public Service Leadership, celebrating a remarkable cross-section of Filipino
and international leadership.
A Room Full of Influence
The Individual Leadership and Industry Excellence category honored personalities from fashion, the arts, entrepreneurship, digital media, hospitality, employment, civic organizations, and the creative industries.
Among the awardees were fashion designer Albert Andrada, visual artist and photographer Filbert Diego Kung, entrepreneur and digital personality Tommy Tiangco, entrepreneur and aviator Capt. Mark Tan, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, Sarah Deloraya-Mateo, Maria Charo Calalo, Glenda Hufano, and Elvi Sanchez-Quiazon.
The Diplomatic Leadership category brought an international dimension to the ceremony, honoring ambassadors representing Bangladesh, Germany, Colombia, Malaysia, Argentina, Cambodia, and Poland.
Meanwhile, the Government and Public Service Leadership category recognized prominent leaders including Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Atty. Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, Nicolas D. Torre III, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Vice Mayor Sol Deloraya, Mel Senen Sevilla Sarmiento, and Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
Together, the honorees represented a broad spectrum of
leadership, proof that there is no single formula for making an impact.
The Past Meets the Present
One of the most meaningful aspects of the evening was the presence of accomplished personalities and past honorees who returned to celebrate another generation of leaders.
Joel Cruz, the founder of Aficionado, represented entrepreneurial determination and brand-building success.
Manjit Reandi, President of Camp John Hay, brought the perspective of hospitality, tourism, and destination development.
Grace Santiago, Vice President of Decho Petroleum, represented leadership in the corporate and energy sector.
Barbie Arcache, a recognized LGBT icon, added the voice of advocacy, visibility, and representation.
Ghie Pangilinan, founder of Skin Magical and TeaTalk, represented the entrepreneurial spirit of building brands and communities from the ground up.
The presence of Atty. Arnel Mateo of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, meanwhile, highlighted the vital role of business organizations in connecting entrepreneurs, enterprises, and communities.
And at the heart of the evening was Embassy of Indonesia Chargé d’Affaires Victorina Hesti Dewayani, whose participation and support highlighted the strong friendship and people-to-people connections between Indonesia and the Philippines.
Other distinguished personalities included Rotary Club’s
Mache Torres, Embassy of Japan Minister of Economic Affairs Yokota Naobumi, Dr.
Elton See Tan of The E Hotels and Resorts, Robert Laurel Yupangco of Yupangco
Group, and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Los
Baños, among others.
An Evening Beyond the Awards
The program began with pictorials and interview sessions for the awardees, followed by registration and performances. The formal ceremony opened with the Philippine and Indonesian national anthems, setting the tone for a celebration that combined leadership with international friendship.
Andrew Troy Nicolas, Publisher and Chairman of TAG Media Group, delivered the welcome remarks, followed by the keynote address of Chargé d’Affaires Victorina Hesti Dewayani.
Because sometimes, the most valuable takeaway from an awards night isn’t the trophy.
It is the person sitting at the next table.
Leadership That Continues
The InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026 ultimately celebrated more than accomplishments. It celebrated continuity—the idea that leadership is something that can be shared, passed forward, and strengthened through meaningful connections.
From seasoned entrepreneurs and industry veterans to emerging leaders, diplomats, public servants, and creative visionaries, the evening demonstrated that influence is not measured solely by position.
It is measured by what one builds.
What one inspires.
What one contributes.
And what one leaves behind for the next generation.
Organized by TAG Media Group under the leadership of Grace Bondad Nicolas, the CEO Awards continues to provide a platform for recognizing individuals and organizations that help shape industries, create opportunities, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more connected Philippines and Southeast Asia.
The evening at the Embassy of Indonesia proved that when accomplished leaders come together, the conversation becomes bigger than awards.
It becomes about legacy, collaboration, friendship, and what comes next.
And judging by the caliber of people in the room, what comes
next is likely to be very interesting.
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