Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 Philippines Celebrates Visionaries Driving the Nation's Next Growth Era

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) Philippines 2025 celebrated the nation's most forward-thinking business leaders and high-performing enterprises, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the Philippines' next era of growth through innovation, resilience, and sustainable leadership. Organized by Enterprise Asia, the region's leading NGO for entrepreneurship, the prestigious awards ceremony was held on 10 December 2025 at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.

Anchored on the theme 'Showcasing Future-Ready Enterprises', the APEA 2025 Philippines honored entrepreneurs and organizations that have demonstrated agility, strategic foresight, and the ability to thrive amid economic shifts and technological transformation, while creating meaningful impact for their industries and communities.

A distinguished panel of judges assessed over 100 nominations through a rigorous and transparent evaluation process, carefully reviewing each nominee's leadership, operational excellence, financial performance, innovation capabilities, and long-term sustainability. Following this comprehensive assessment, outstanding award recipients were selected across four categories: Master Entrepreneur, Inspirational Brand, Fast Enterprise, and Corporate Excellence.

Since 2007, the Awards has been organized across the region, with past recipients including Thailand's Supaluck Umpujh of The Mall Group, Mainland China's Xu RongMao of Shimao Group, Hong Kong's Francis Lui of Galaxy Entertainment Group, TTC Vietnam's Dang Van Thanh, Indonesia's Hary Tanoesoedibjo of MNC Group, India's Adi Godrej of Godrej Group, the Philippines' Manuel Villar of Vista Land, and Cuckoo Malaysia's Hoe Kian Choon.

"In a rapidly evolving economic landscape, the true leaders of tomorrow are those who remain resilient, innovate with purpose, and build organizations that generate value not only for shareholders, but for society at large. These future-ready enterprises understand that long-term success lies in adaptability, integrity, and inclusive growth," said Tan Sri Dr. Fong Chan Onn, Chairman of Enterprise Asia, during his welcome address.

Award recipients under the Master Entrepreneur category include Diane Isabel M. Chua, Managing Director of Tribal Worldwide Philippines; Roman Felipe Reyes (Chairman) and Protacio Tan Tacandong (Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer) of Reyes Tacandong & Co. These distinguished leaders were honored for their exceptional leadership, sharp business acumen, and lasting contributions to their respective industries.

Other notable awardees include Asiapro Multipurpose Cooperative under the Inspirational Brand category, Optum Global Solutions Philippines Inc under the Fast Enterprise category, while Filinvest Alabang, Inc.; Northern Operating Services Asia Inc.; and UAM Philippines, Inc. were honored under the Corporate Excellence category.

The APEA 2025 Philippines Chapter is supported by the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) and Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries Philippines, Inc. (MCCI), with PR Newswire as the Official News Release Distribution Partner, and Dailywire.asia and SME Magazine as the Media Partners.

AWARD RECIPIENT LIST OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ENTERPRISE AWARDS 2025 PHILIPPINES

MASTER ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY
NAME	COMPANY	INDUSTRY
MICHAEL V. GONZALEZ PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER	ASIAPRO MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
ROMAN FELIPE REYES CHAIRMAN	REYES TACANDONG & CO.	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
PROTACIO TAN TACANDONG MANAGING PARTNER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER	REYES TACANDONG & CO.	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
DIANE ISABEL M. CHUA MANAGING DIRECTOR	TRIBAL WORLDWIDE PHILIPPINES	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
NORMITA L. VILLARUZ FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER	VILLARUZ, VILLARUZ & CO., CPAS	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

MASTER ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY

NAME

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

MICHAEL V. GONZALEZ

PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER

ASIAPRO MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

ROMAN FELIPE REYES

CHAIRMAN

REYES TACANDONG & CO.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

PROTACIO TAN TACANDONG

MANAGING PARTNER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

REYES TACANDONG & CO.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

DIANE ISABEL M. CHUA

MANAGING DIRECTOR

TRIBAL WORLDWIDE PHILIPPINES

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

NORMITA L. VILLARUZ

FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER

VILLARUZ, VILLARUZ & CO., CPAS

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

 

FAST ENTERPRISE CATEGORY
COMPANY	INDUSTRY
GUILD SOLUTIONS INC.	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
OPTUM GLOBAL SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES INC	HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY
TALENTVIEW INC.	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

FAST ENTERPRISE CATEGORY

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

GUILD SOLUTIONS INC.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

OPTUM GLOBAL SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES INC

HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY

TALENTVIEW INC.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

 

INSPIRATIONAL BRAND CATEGORY
COMPANY	INDUSTRY
ASIAPRO MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
OPTUM GLOBAL SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES INC	HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY
REYES TACANDONG & CO.	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
SMARTSOURCING	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

INSPIRATIONAL BRAND CATEGORY

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

ASIAPRO MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

OPTUM GLOBAL SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES INC

HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY

REYES TACANDONG & CO.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

SMARTSOURCING

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

 

CORPORATE EXCELLENCE CATEGORY
COMPANY	INDUSTRY
ASIAPRO MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
DDB MNL, INC.	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES	FINANCIAL SERVICES
FILINVEST ALABANG, INC.	REAL ESTATE
NORTHERN OPERATING SERVICES ASIA INC.	FINANCIAL SERVICES
OPTIMAX COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.	PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES
OPTUM GLOBAL SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES INC	HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY
RENT.PH	REAL ESTATE
SHEARWATER HEALTH ADVISORS, INC.	HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY
UAM PHILIPPINES, INC.	AUTOMOTIVE

CORPORATE EXCELLENCE CATEGORY

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

ASIAPRO MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

DDB MNL, INC.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FILINVEST ALABANG, INC.

REAL ESTATE

NORTHERN OPERATING SERVICES ASIA INC.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

OPTIMAX COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

OPTUM GLOBAL SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES INC

HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY

RENT.PH

REAL ESTATE

SHEARWATER HEALTH ADVISORS, INC.

HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY

UAM PHILIPPINES, INC.

AUTOMOTIVE

 

About Enterprise Asia

Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine towards sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are an investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplift the economic status of people across Asia, and ensure a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit www.enterpriseasia.org for more information.

About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards

Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region's most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups together leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/ regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 Philippines Celebrates Visionaries Driving the Nation's Next Growth Era

SINGAPORE, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has earned the Great Place To Work Certification™ for its offices in Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam. The prestigious certification is awarded to offices that meet high workplace culture standards and is assessed entirely by employee feedback.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

"Agoda's greatest strength is its people, and we're honored to be awarded by Great Place To Work®. This recognition is especially meaningful as it reflects our collective efforts across the company. It's a testament to the culture we've built together, enabling us to attract, retain, and support global talent, united by a shared purpose of bridging the world through travel," said Paolo Inga, Agoda's Chief Organization and People Officer.

"Great Place To Work® Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work®. "By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Agoda stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees."

Agoda prides itself on an entrepreneurial, data-driven approach, empowering employees to take ownership, innovate, and experiment at scale. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees representing more than 90 nationalities, Agoda integrates diverse perspectives into its daily operations. 2025 marks the company's 20th birthday, celebrating two decades of helping travelers see the world for less.

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great manager at a Certified workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company's profits, and have a fair chance at promotion.

To learn more about Agoda's culture and job opportunities, visit careersatagoda.com.

About Agoda

Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of over 6 million hotels and holiday properties worldwide, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and provide 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 7,000 staff in 27 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even easier.

About Great Place to Work Certification™ 

Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified. 

About Great Place To Work®

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List. 

Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

SINGAPORE, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda has earned the Great Place To Work Certification™ for its offices in Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam. The prestigious certification is awarded to offices that meet high workplace culture standards and is assessed entirely by employee feedback.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

"Agoda's greatest strength is its people, and we're honored to be awarded by Great Place To Work®. This recognition is especially meaningful as it reflects our collective efforts across the company. It's a testament to the culture we've built together, enabling us to attract, retain, and support global talent, united by a shared purpose of bridging the world through travel," said Paolo Inga, Agoda's Chief Organization and People Officer.

"Great Place To Work® Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work®. "By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Agoda stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees."

Agoda prides itself on an entrepreneurial, data-driven approach, empowering employees to take ownership, innovate, and experiment at scale. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees representing more than 90 nationalities, Agoda integrates diverse perspectives into its daily operations. 2025 marks the company's 20th birthday, celebrating two decades of helping travelers see the world for less.

According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great manager at a Certified workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company's profits, and have a fair chance at promotion.

To learn more about Agoda's culture and job opportunities, visit careersatagoda.com.

About Agoda

Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of over 6 million hotels and holiday properties worldwide, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and provide 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 7,000 staff in 27 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even easier.

About Great Place to Work Certification™ 

Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified. 

About Great Place To Work®

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List. 

Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Agoda Earns 2025 Great Place To Work Certification™