Taguig City— The 42nd Agora Awards held at the opulent Shangri-La Fort on January 19, 2024, surpassed expectations, culminating in an evening of glamour and the celebration of unparalleled achievements in the dynamic field of marketing. The carefully curated theme, “Speckles: Celebrating Outstanding Uniqueness in Philippine Marketing,” permeated every aspect of the event, living up to its promise of spotlighting excellence.
The momentous ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the official opening of the 42nd Winners Exhibit. Chairman Lawrence Sibayan, Director Alexis Revilla, and President Sy Bryan Lato inaugurated the showcase, setting the stage for a night of celebration under the theme ‘Speckles: Celebrating Filipino Marketing Excellence.’
In the prestigious Marketing Enterprise Category, the spotlight shone brightly on the following distinguished Enterprise winners:
Outstanding Achievement in UN-GCNP Advocacy Marketing: Morination Agricultural Products
Sharon Jean Gonzales-Gulmatico, founder of Morination Agriculture Products, shines bright as they receive the 42nd Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Advocacy Marketing, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 2. Their commitment to farmers in conflict zones exemplifies true dedication to a hunger-free world.
Outstanding Achievement in Advocacy Marketing: Newport World Resorts
Newport World Resorts executives proudly accept the Outstanding Achievement in Advocacy Marketing award. Renowned as a leading hotel chain, they are dedicated to sustainability, having launched the ‘I LOVE Earth’ program. Their goal is to shift to renewable energy by 2025. Kingson Sian, President and CEO of Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., delivers a stirring speech, highlighting their impactful campaign ‘I Love Earth: Collaborative Sustainability from the Heart’.
Marketing School of the Year: Polytechnic University of the Philippines and De La Salle University
Polytechnic University of the Philippines emerges as the Marketing
School of the Year at the 42nd Agora Awards! Dr. Blessing Garcia-
Glova proudly accepts the accolade, reflecting PUP’s dedication to high-
quality education and contributions to the marketing field.
De La Salle University-Manila shines as the Marketing School of the
Year at the 42nd Agora Awards! Dr. Rayan Dui accepts the award,
highlighting DLSU’s commitment to innovation and student success in
marketing education.
Marketing Agency of the Year: Gigil
GIGIL takes home Marketing Agency of the Year at the 42nd Agora Awards! Jake Yrastorza, Herbert Hernandez, and Jeano Cruz proudly accept the honor for their innovative and captivating campaigns, including groundbreaking work for Grab, Coco, RC Cola, Levi’s, and Netflix’s ‘Trese’.
Outstanding Achievement in Export Marketing: Calfurn Manufacturing Philippines Inc.
Jose Feliciano proudly accepts the Outstanding Achievement in Export Marketing award on behalf of Calfurn Manufacturing Philippines Inc. Their sustainable furniture, crafted from local materials, shines on the global stage, contributing to Filipino excellence in export marketing.
Marketing Company of the Year: Unionbank of the Philippines
UnionBank CEO Edwin Bautista and board members proudly accept the Marketing Company of the Year award, recognizing the bank’s innovative strides in digital marketing at the 42nd Agora Awards.
Meanwhile, the Marketing Luminaries Category stole the scene, honoring remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the industry:
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education: Emilio Macasaet III (Ateneo Graduate School of Business)
Prof. Emilio C. Macasaet III received the Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education Award. A beacon in Marketing Education, Prof. Bong’s impact extends far beyond academia, shaping businesses across sectors. His accolades include being a distinguished Marketing Professor at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, Chairman & CEO of Field Partners Inc., and Director at Mansmith & Fielders Inc. With a legacy of best-selling books and over 500 seminars across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship Large Scale: Derrick Tan (Magna Prime Chemical Technologies Inc.)
Derrick Tan, CEO of Magna Prime Chemical Holdings, Inc., accepts the Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Large Scale. His company’s innovative solutions in the construction-chemical industry have left a lasting impact, illuminating pathways to success within the construction sector.
Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship Medium Scale: Dr. Carl Espino Balita (Dr. Carl E. Balita Review Center)
Dr. Carlito Espino Balita, CEO and President of Dr. Carl Balita Review Center, shines as he clinches the prestigious Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship (Medium Scale) at the 42nd Agora Awards. His exceptional leadership and dedication have propelled CBRC to unprecedented success, now spanning over 200 cities nationwide and offering 30 board review programs. A true exemplar of entrepreneurial excellence, Dr. Balita’s accomplishment is truly commendable.
Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship Small Scale: Joey Espiritu (Tent King)
Joey Espiritu, the visionary behind Tent King, triumphs at the 42nd Agora Awards, clinching the Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Small Scale accolade. From humble beginnings in balloon-decoration services to a flourishing empire spanning multiple ventures, including catering and food distribution, Espiritu’s resilience in the face of adversity shines through. Despite pandemic challenges, Tent King expands its footprint across Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, and Mindoro in just three years. His leadership exemplifies unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial prowess.
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management: Lito Villanueva (Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation)
Mr. Lito Villanueva, EVP and Chief Innovation & Inclusion Officer at RCBC, honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Management Management. His pioneering work in digital finance and FinTech is reshaping the industry landscape.
Outstanding Achievement in Overseas Marketing: Isabel Louise Liamzon Regino (Holition Ltd)
Isabel Regino, Lead Brand Strategist at Holition Ltd., London, UK, shines as she receives the Outstanding Achievement in Overseas Marketing award at the 42nd Agora Awards. Her pioneering work in luxury, fashion, beauty, and art, leveraging augmented reality and immersive technology, marks a historic moment as the youngest Agora awardee.
These featured winners have not only demonstrated exceptional excellence, innovation, and dedication in their respective categories but have also become trailblazers embodying the spirit of the Agora Awards’ commitment to celebrating exceptional Filipino marketing.
The 42nd Agora Awards, meticulously organized by the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), marked yet another triumphant season of acknowledging and honoring the true luminaries in the marketing community. The awards ceremony, graced by industry leaders, marketing professionals, and esteemed guests, served as a glittering testament to the vibrancy and dynamism of the Philippine marketing landscape.
As the curtains close on this season’s Agora Awards, the PMA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the featured winners and expresses sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event’s resounding success. The Agora Awards continues to be a hallmark of prestige, recognizing those who go beyond the ordinary to make significant contributions to the glamorous world of marketing.