InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026 Honors Trailblazers Individual at the Embassy of Indonesia

MANILA, Philippines — August 27, 2026 — Leadership, innovation, public service, and excellence take center stage as InCharge Magazine presents the CEO Awards 2026 this evening at the Embassy of Indonesia in Makati, in celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Indonesia.

Held from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Embassy of Indonesia, 185 Salcedo, Legazpi Village, Makati, the prestigious gathering brings together distinguished business leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, government officials, public servants, creatives, and changemakers whose work continues to make an impact in their respective fields.

Organized by TAG Media Group, under the leadership of media entrepreneur Grace Bondad Nicolas, the CEO Awards reflects InCharge Magazine’s commitment to recognizing individuals and organizations that demonstrate meaningful leadership, create opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to nation-building.

TAG Media Group is behind five print magazine titles—Rising Tigers Magazine, TopNewsAsia, Leading Women Magazine, EXQ, and InCharge Magazine—with nationwide distribution through major retail outlets and select gasoline stations, complemented by its expanding digital platforms.

Celebrating Leaders Who Make an Impact

The InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026 recognizes an exceptional roster of leaders from the government, diplomatic community, business sector, creative industries, entrepreneurship, media, and civic organizations.

Among this year’s honorees are celebrated fashion designer Albert Andrada, visual artist and photographer Filbert Diego Kung, content creator and entrepreneur Tommy Tiangco, aviator and business builder Capt. Mark Tan, and young leader Veronica “Kitty” Duterte.

The awards also recognize business and organizational leaders including Sarah Deloraya-Mateo, President & CEO of SPD Jobs, Inc.; Maria Charo Calalo, President & National Director of Mrs. Universe Philippines; Glenda Hufano, Past District Governor of Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District; and Elvi Sanchez-Quiazon, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of The Bellevue Hotel.

The diplomatic community is likewise represented, with honors for ambassadors including H.E. Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood of Bangladesh, H.E. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke of Germany, H.E. Edgar Rodrigo Rojas Garavito of Colombia, H.E. Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of Malaysia, H.E. Ricardo Luis Bocalandro of Argentina, H.E. Sin Saream of Cambodia, and H.E. Katarzyna Wilkowiecka of Poland.

The awards further recognize prominent Philippine government 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.

Leadership Across Borders

This year’s awards carry a deeper significance as they are held in partnership with the Embassy of Indonesia, linking the celebration of leadership with the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia.

The evening begins with the national anthems of the Philippines and Indonesia, followed by an introduction to InCharge Magazine, welcome remarks from Andrew Troy Nicolas, Publisher and Chairman, and a keynote address from Embassy of Indonesia Chargé d’Affaires Victorina Hesti Dewayani.

Awardees will be honored during the main ceremony and will also be featured in the succeeding issue of InCharge Magazine, both in print and online. Their stories will highlight not only their achievements, but also the values, challenges, vision, and leadership principles behind their success.

More Than an Award

The InCharge Magazine CEO Awards is not simply about titles or recognition. It is about celebrating people who take responsibility, create possibilities, inspire others, and use their influence to move their industries and communities forward.

In a rapidly changing region, leadership requires more than authority. It demands vision, adaptability, integrity, collaboration, and the courage to create meaningful change.

The CEO Awards 2026 brings these values together in one evening—celebrating the achievements of today’s leaders while inspiring the next generation to become even more InCharge of their future, their organizations, and their communities.

Held in the spirit of Indonesia’s Independence Day, the celebration also serves as a reminder that strong leadership can transcend borders. Through business, diplomacy, public service, entrepreneurship, and shared initiatives, the Philippines and Indonesia continue to build bridges toward greater regional cooperation and progress.

InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026: recognizing excellence, celebrating leadership.

Andrew Troy Nicolas: A Game Changer Making A Mark in the Philippines and Asia

Andrew Troy Nicolas is a businessman, media executive, and entrepreneur who serves as Chairman of TAG Media Group and Publisher and Chairman of five print magazine titles under the group: Rising Tigers, TopNewsAsia, InCharge, Leading Women, and EXQ. 

Beyond his leadership in media, Nicolas is the Vice President of the Indonesia-Philippines Business Association, where he contributes to strengthening business connections and economic opportunities between the Philippines and Indonesia.

He is also a Board Member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)–Los Baños. TAG Media Group is a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), recognized as the largest business organization in the Philippines, representing businesses and entrepreneurs across various industries.

Under Nicolas’ leadership, TAG Media Group has grown into a diversified business group composed of seven companies, with interests spanning Agriculture, Construction, Manufacturing, Consultancy, Media, and other business sectors. This diverse portfolio reflects his entrepreneurial vision of building businesses while creating platforms that connect industries, recognize leaders, and contribute to economic development.

Nicolas is also the Producer of the Asia Leaders Awards, a prestigious recognition platform that has been honoring outstanding business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and organizations since 2018.

What began as a Philippine-based awards platform has expanded its international presence, with the Asia Leaders Awards now entering its third year in Jakarta, Indonesia. The expansion highlights Nicolas’ continuing efforts to build bridges between Philippine and Indonesian business communities and to recognize leaders whose achievements create meaningful impact across Asia.

Through his work in business, media, professional organizations, and international awards, Andrew Troy Nicolas continues to champion entrepreneurship, leadership, collaboration, and the power of recognizing people who make a difference.

Asia Leaders Awards 2026: A Gathering of Leaders, Connecting Jakarta and Manila

The Asia Leaders Awards 2026 returns this year with another celebration of leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence, bringing together distinguished business leaders and changemakers in Jakarta, Indonesia, on October 18, 2026, and Manila, Philippines, on November 19, 2026.

As we look forward to this year’s awards, we also look back at some of the remarkable personalities and organizations who have been recognized in previous editions.

Among them is Ernesto Tanmantiong, President and CEO of Jollibee Foods Corporation, whose leadership has helped transform a homegrown Filipino brand into one of Asia’s most recognizable food-service companies.

Another distinguished awardee is Kevin Tan, Executive Director of Megaworld Corporation and President and CEO of its parent company, Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), whose work reflects the continuing growth and global competitiveness of Philippine business.

From Indonesia, Kopi Kenangan, known globally as Kenangan Coffee, represents the remarkable rise of Southeast Asian homegrown brands. Co-founded in 2017 by Indonesian entrepreneur Edward Tirtanata, who serves as CEO, the company has grown into a major coffee brand with approximately 1,400 branches globally.

The awards have also recognized leaders who play important roles in shaping Indonesia’s retail and business landscape, including Budihardjo Iduansjah, the current General Chairman of HIPPINDO, the Indonesian Association of Retailers and Shopping Center Tenants.

These past awardees embody what the Asia Leaders Awards seeks to celebrate: individuals and organizations that create opportunities, build industries, inspire communities, and contribute to the economic and social progress of Asia.

This year, the journey continues.

Join us as we bring together leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries in Jakarta and Manila for the Asia Leaders Awards 2026.

Do you know a leader, entrepreneur, organization, or changemaker who deserves recognition?

Nominate today: www.asialeadersawards.asia

Email: president@asialeadersawards.asia

Let us celebrate the leaders who are shaping the future of Asia.

#ALA2026 #AsiaLeadersAwards

Resilience and the 58th Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ and Related Meetings

The Committee on Media Affairs and Strategic Communications (CMASC) of the ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council (NOC) informs local and international media of the conduct of two ASEAN ministerial engagements in Metro Manila, Philippines, in September 2026: the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) on 15–16 September 2026, and the Fifty-Eighth Meeting of the

ASEAN Economic Ministers’ and Related Meetings (58th AEM and Related Meetings) on 19–22 September 2026.

The AMCDR will be held at Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Hosted in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the conference will advance ASEAN cooperation on disaster resilience, preparedness, and risk reduction, with emphasis on strengthening collective action and enhancing the region’s capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Following the AMCDR, the 58th AEM and Related Meetings will be held at the

Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), PICC Complex, Pasay City.

Hosted in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the meetings will bring together ASEAN Economic Ministers and relevant partners to discuss regional economic priorities, deepen trade and economic cooperation, and address key developments shaping ASEAN’s economic agenda.

*Mayor Ted Carranza Delivers First SOMA as Silang Mayor, Highlights People-Centered Governance*

 

*Silang, Cavite | August 17, 2026*

*SILANG, Cavite* — Incumbent Mayor *Edward "Ted" Carranza* delivered his State of the Municipal Address (SOMA) on August 17, 2026, outlining his administration’s first-year accomplishments and priorities for the "richest town" in Cavite.

The address comes more than a year after Carranza was proclaimed mayor in June 2025 following the Comelec en banc’s decision to disqualify rival Kevin Anarna due to a 2024 Ombudsman ruling. Carranza, of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), was sworn in by Associate Justice Luis Acosta of the Court of Appeals. 

 *Key Highlights from SOMA 2026*

*1. Social Services and Education*

Mayor Carranza reported the rollout of direct aid programs including the distribution of uniform allowance for Silang students. He emphasized that education and financial inclusion remain top priorities to uplift Silangueños. 

*2. Economic Growth and Agriculture*

The mayor hailed Silang as the "first in PH" to produce enoki mushrooms locally, positioning the town as a hub for agri-innovation. He also pushed for digital financial technology to onboard more residents into the formal financial system, in partnership with RCBC. 

*3. Peace, Order, and Anti-Poverty*

Addressing long-standing issues, Carranza described the drug problem as tied to poverty and broken families, and called illegal gambling "systemic" in Southern Tagalog. He noted that economic progress is key: "when an area becomes economically progressive... illegal gambling lessens. People get jobs". 

*4. Housing and Human Rights*

In response to the Biga Uno demolition incident, Carranza vowed: "hindi po natin papayagan ang anumang pambu-bully. Kay Mayor Carranza, walang mangyayaring pang-aabuso". He ordered that no demolition proceed without a final court order and decent relocation for affected families. 

*Governance Direction*

Carranza, a former vice mayor and acting mayor, framed his administration around transparency and law. He reiterated that the Office of the Mayor and BPLO had nothing to do with the illegal demolition and that due process must be followed. 

He closed his SOMA by calling on Silangueños to work together for a "progressive, peaceful, and inclusive Silang" — focusing on jobs, education, and protecting the vulnerable from abuse.

*Background*:

In the May 12, 2025 elections, Anarna initially led with 54,787 votes vs Carranza’s 40,447. However, Comelec later declared Anarna’s votes as stray due to perpetual disqualification, leading to Carranza’s proclamation as mayor.

Brig. General Mikee Romero headed ARRAPI making "A Rock " for Reservists

The creation of the Association of Reservists and Reservist Organizations of the Philippines, Inc. (ARRAPI) in March 2024 marked a historic turning point for the Philippine reservist sector.

What began as a vision to strengthen reservist participation quickly evolved into a nationwide movement. Following the National Reservist Convention in 2023, a group of leaders came together to establish a unified organization committed to advocating for reservists, strengthening their role in national defense, and advancing their integration into the Philippine Total Defense Force (TDF).

At the forefront of this transformation was Mikee Romero, who served as ARRAPI Chairman for 2024–2026. Under his leadership, ARRAPI pursued a clearer and more unified direction, giving greater visibility to the vital contribution of reservists to the country’s defense and national preparedness.

Romero’s participation was instrumental in helping shape ARRAPI from a newly established organization into a growing national movement. His leadership reflected the importance of bringing together reservists from different backgrounds and organizations under a common purpose: to serve the nation and strengthen the country’s Total Defense framework.

A defining milestone came in 2025, when ARRAPI organized what became the largest reservist gathering in Philippine history, bringing together approximately 4,500 participants onsite and 48,000 participants online.

The scale of the gathering demonstrated more than the strength of ARRAPI’s organizational reach. It showed the enormous potential of the Philippine reservist community when united, organized, and mobilized toward a shared national mission.

For Romero, the achievement represented an important step in elevating the role of reservists beyond individual participation and toward a more integrated contribution to national defense.

ARRAPI’s emergence, with Romero playing a central leadership role during its formative years, underscored a powerful message: reservists are not merely a force in reserve, they are an active and essential part of the nation’s capacity to respond, protect, and serve.

PCCI–Los Baños and Former Congressman Mikee Romero Launched the Classrooms of the Future

LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA – A new chapter in Philippine education unfolded as the Municipality of Los Baños officially launched the Rizal Classrooms of the Future (RCOF) at the Los Baños Central Elementary School, coinciding with the 165th Birth Anniversary of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal last June 19, 2026. 

The innovative learning facility, led by Hon. Mayor Neil Andrew Nocon, reflects Los Baños’ commitment to creating future-ready classrooms where technology, creativity, and national identity come together. The RCOF features a modern classroom design equipped with digital learning tools, including tablets customized with the life, works, and legacy of Dr. Rizal, allowing students to discover history through a more interactive and engaging approach.

A major force behind the completion of the project is the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Los Baños (PCCI–Los Baños) through the generous support and initiative of former Congressman Brig. Gen. Michael “Mikee” Romero, who ensured that the classrooms would be fully functional by donating essential classroom furniture, including tables, chairs, and cabinets.

Through this partnership, the Rizal Classrooms of the Future became more than just a technology-driven learning space—it became a complete environment designed to inspire students and support teachers.

PCCI–Los Baños President Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas emphasized that the private sector plays a vital role in strengthening education and building communities.

“Today is not only the launch of a classroom; it is the launch of an opportunity. We are creating a space where young learners can dream bigger, learn better, and prepare for the future. The vision of Mayor Neil Nocon, combined with the generosity of former Congressman Mikee Romero, shows what can happen when government, business, and the community work together,” she said.

She added that the donation of the classroom essentials represents the commitment of PCCI–Los Baños and its partners to ensure that innovation reaches every learner.

“We believe that education is one of the greatest investments we can give our children. The tables, chairs, cabinets, and technology inside this classroom symbolize our belief that every student deserves a learning environment that inspires excellence,” Bondad-Nicolas said.

Former Congressman Mikee Romero, known for his advocacy for education and community development, highlighted the importance of creating spaces where Filipino students can develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges.

The Rizal Classrooms of the Future also serve as a meaningful tribute to Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose belief in education as a foundation of national progress continues to inspire generations of Filipinos. By combining Rizal’s ideals with modern technology, the project connects the lessons of the past with the possibilities of the future.

Mayor Neil Andrew Nocon expressed his appreciation to PCCI–Los Baños, former Congressman Mikee Romero, the Department of Education, and all partners who contributed to making the initiative a reality.

The launch marks a milestone not only for Los Baños but also for the continuing effort to bring innovative and inclusive education closer to Filipino learners.

The Rizal Classrooms of the Future stand as a reminder that when leaders, businesses, educators, and communities unite, the future of the next generation becomes brighter.

Mabuhay ang Los Baños! Mabuhay ang ating mga mag-aaral! Mabuhay ang partnership for education and innovation!