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.
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 warm hospitality and opening remarks underscored the deep, enduring ties between the Philippines and Indonesia. Hosting the event during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations highlighted how leadership transcends borders, transforming a corporate awards night into a grand celebration of ASEAN solidarity and international cooperation.
A Lasting Legacy of Excellence
As the evening drew to a close, TAG Media Group publisher Andrew Troy Nicolas and CEO Grace Bondad Nicolas expressed their gratitude to the honorees. They emphasized that the InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026 serves as more than just a momentary accolade. Instead, it acts as a platform to inspire the next generation of visionaries to dream bigger, lead with integrity, and execute with a purpose.
With its expanding print footprint and growing digital presence, TAG Media Group continues to cement its role as the premier storyteller of Asian leadership. The stories of this year’s exceptional awardees will be featured extensively in the upcoming issue of InCharge Magazine, preserving their milestones and insights for readers nationwide.
The night concluded not just with trophies and applause, but with forged alliances, shared visions, and a collective commitment to building a better, more interconnected global community.
