GLENDA V. HUFANO NAMED WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE AT ASIA LEADERS AWARDS INDONESIA 2026

Filipina entrepreneur and philanthropist mo recognized alongside distinguished leaders from the Philippines and Indonesia

BSD, Greater Jakarta, Indonesia — Filipino entrepreneur and philanthropist Glenda V. Hufano was honored with the Woman of Substance – Philippines Award at the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia 2026 on October 17 at Santika Hotel Premiere, BSD, Greater Jakarta, recognizing her contributions to entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, and community development.

A Past District Governor of Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District and elected Vice Chair of ASPAC for 2026–2027, Hufano has built her leadership journey around a commitment to children, education, and underserved communities. Her recognition at the international awards ceremony highlights the growing role of Filipino women leaders in advancing civic engagement and social impact across Asia.

During her term as Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District Governor for 2023–2024, Hufano introduced the theme “Light Up Kiwanis,” encouraging members to translate service into meaningful community action. Her initiatives included programs supporting children’s welfare, education, nutrition, disaster preparedness, and youth development.

She was subsequently recognized as a Distinguished District Governor at the 2025 Kiwanis International Convention in Pittsburgh. Her Rice sParK initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute, also promotes agricultural awareness among young people and highlights the importance of food security and Filipino farmers.

Beyond her civic work, Hufano was included in THE LIST of Leading Women Magazine 2026, further recognizing her contributions as a Filipino woman leader.

Her Woman of Substance award in Indonesia underscores the importance of leadership that extends beyond business achievements to include philanthropy, volunteerism, and opportunities for future generations. Hufano has also expressed plans to extend her philanthropic initiatives to Indonesia, creating potential avenues for cross-border cooperation in community service.

Asia Leaders Awards: Building Bridges Between the Philippines and Indonesia

Now in its eighth year in the Philippines and its third year in Indonesia, the Asia Leaders Awards recognizes business leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and organizations whose work contributes to economic development, innovation, and social progress.

The October 17 ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including H.E. Victorina Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila; Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, President and Chief Operating Officer of TAG Media Group; and Robert Laurel Yupangco, Chairman of the Asia Leaders Awards.

Established in Manila in 2018, the awards program seeks to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a business hub in Asia while creating opportunities for partnerships among leaders and organizations throughout the region.

“Because leadership has no borders, and excellence deserves to be recognized wherever it is found,” Nicolas said, emphasizing the awards’ role in connecting countries, industries, and people.

Distinguished Philippine Awardees

Alongside Hufano, several Filipino leaders were recognized for their respective contributions to public service, business, and industry.

* Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza — Man of the Year – Philippines and Excellence in Public Service – Philippines, recognizing his leadership as Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

* Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia — Electoral Excellence Award, recognizing his leadership in election administration as Chairman of the Commission on Elections.

* Manjit T. Singh Reandi — Man of Influence Award, recognizing his leadership as President of Camp John Hay.

* Michael “Mikee” Romero — Businessman of the Year – Philippines, honoring his contributions to business and entrepreneurship.

* HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc., represented by Yongsoo “Samuel” Cho — Innovative Company of the Year Award, recognizing innovation in the energy sector.

Their recognitions reflect the diversity of leadership represented by the Philippine delegation, spanning government, electoral administration, business, hospitality, and energy.

Indonesian Leaders and Companies Also Recognized

The ceremony likewise honored prominent Indonesian leaders and companies for their contributions to trade, enterprise, and consumer industries.

H.E. Budi Santoso, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, received the Man of the Year – Indonesia Award for his leadership in the country’s trade and economic sector.

In the corporate category, Cimory Group received the Fast Moving Company of the Year Award, recognizing its growth in the food and beverage industry.

PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk, the company behind Alfamart, was named Company of the Year. 

BIR COMMISSIONER CHARLITO MENDOZA LEADS PHILIPPINE HONOREES AT ASIA LEADERS AWARDS INDONESIA 2026

BIR chief receives two major distinctions alongside COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, philanthropist Glenda Hufano, Manjit Singh Reandi, Mikee Romero, and distinguished Indonesian business and government leaders

BSD, INDONESIA — Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Atty. Charlito Martin Rada Mendoza emerged as one of the distinguished Philippine awardees at the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia 2026, receiving two major recognitions: Man of the Year – Philippines and Excellence in Public Service – Philippines.

The ceremony, held on October 17 at Santika Hotel Premiere, BSD, Greater Jakarta, brought together prominent government officials, business executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from the Philippines and Indonesia to recognize leadership, innovation, public service, and contributions to economic development.

Appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as BIR Commissioner in November 2025, Mendoza leads the country’s principal revenue collection agency at a time when efficient tax administration, accountability, and the modernization of government services remain critical national priorities.

Under his leadership, the BIR has organized its reform agenda around BIR DARES, a five-point program covering Digital and Data Transformation, Audit Reform and Accountability, Revenue Collection and Base Protection, Employee Empowerment and Welfare Promotion, and Service Excellence and Stakeholder Engagement.

His administration emphasizes taxpayer-centered services and improved revenue collection, guided by the commitment of the BIR’s 2026 National Tax Campaign: “Mahusay na Serbisyo, Katumbas ng Buwis Mo.”

Mendoza previously served as Undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group of the Department of Finance from April 2024 to November 2025 and as District Collector of the Bureau of Customs at the Port of Cebu from July 2019 to October 2022.

Before entering government service, he established his credentials in private legal practice, beginning his career at ACCRALAW before co-founding Palafox Patriarca Romero and Mendoza Law Firm in 2014, where he became its first managing partner. He also taught law at several Philippine institutions.

A graduate of San Beda University College of Law, Mendoza placed third in the 2004 Philippine Bar Examinations. He also holds a degree in Geodetic Engineering from the University of the Philippines and is a licensed geodetic engineer.

His dual recognition at the Asia Leaders Awards highlights the importance of public leadership and institutional reform in advancing national development.

Philippine Leaders Recognized for Excellence

Other notable Philippine awardees included Commission on Elections Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, who received the Electoral Excellence Award in recognition of his work in election administration.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Glenda V. Hufano received the Woman of Substance – Philippines Award, recognizing her entrepreneurial achievements and commitment to helping underprivileged children. Her philanthropic initiatives also include plans to extend her outreach to Indonesia.

Manjit T. Singh Reandi, president of Camp John Hay, was honored with the Man of Influence Award, while businessman Michael “Mikee” Romero received the Businessman of the Year – Philippines Award for his contributions to the business sector.

HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc., represented by Yongsoo “Samuel” Cho, received the Innovative Company of the Year Award for its work in the energy sector.

Their recognition reflects the range of leadership represented at the ceremony, from public administration and electoral governance to entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and business development.

Indonesian Government and Business Leaders Honored

Representing the host country, H.E. Budi Santoso, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, received the Man of the Year – Indonesia Award, recognizing his leadership in the country’s trade and economic sector.

The awards also highlighted companies making significant contributions to their respective industries.

Cimory Group was named Fast Moving Company of the Year, recognizing its position in Indonesia’s fast-moving consumer goods industry.

PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk, the company behind the Alfamart retail chain, received the Company of the Year Award. Alfamart’s extensive retail network in Indonesia and the Philippines reflects the growing opportunities for cross-border business expansion and partnerships.

Orang Tua Group received the Brand Excellence Award – Indonesia, recognizing its standing in Indonesia’s consumer goods industry. The company is also exploring opportunities to establish a manufacturing presence in the Philippines, further highlighting the potential for investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

YONGSOO “SAMUEL” CHO WINS INNOVATIVE COMPANY OF THE YEAR AT ASIA LEADERS AWARDS 2026

Renewable energy development and Philippine–Korean cooperation take center stage as the awards recognize business leaders and companies from the Philippines and Indonesia.

BSD, Indonesia — Yongsoo “Samuel” Cho, Chief Executive Officer of HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc. and IEK HQ Special Energy Philippines, Inc., received the Innovative Company of the Year Award at the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia 2026 on October 17 at Santika Hotel Premiere in BSD, Greater Jakarta.

The recognition highlighted the company’s work in renewable energy development and its efforts to establish partnerships connecting international expertise, technology, investment, and local economic opportunities.

A South Korean business executive and civic leader, Cho has expanded his business interests from international trading into renewable energy projects in the Philippines. His initiatives include solar energy development opportunities in the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and the Baguio City Economic Zone.

For Cho, the award comes amid efforts to strengthen commercial ties between the Philippines and South Korea while exploring opportunities in sustainable energy and international business cooperation.

Advancing renewable energy in the Philippines

Cho’s business journey began in Japan in 2006 before expanding into Philippine renewable energy opportunities. Under his leadership, HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc. advanced solar development initiatives in the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone following a Memorandum of Agreement with the zone authority in 2022.

Through IEK HQ Special Energy Philippines, Inc., he has also pursued renewable energy development opportunities in the Baguio City Economic Zone, supported by a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in September 2024.

The company’s portfolio includes a proposed 5-megawatt alternating-current (MWac) solar project in Zamboanga City. The initiative forms part of its efforts to explore renewable energy solutions for economic zones and support the Philippines’ transition toward a more diversified energy mix.

Cho also leads HQ Company International Holdings Inc., which engages in domestic and international trading and facilitates business partnerships. His wife, Maria Tricia Valdez, serves as Chief Executive Officer of HQ SS Strategic Supply Company Philippines, Inc., working alongside him in advancing business activities and strategic partnerships.

Beyond business, Cho serves as a Knight Commander of Rizal and Area Commander in South Korea of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, an Auxiliary Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, and President and Chairman of the Korea-Philippines War Veterans Recognition and Support Organization.

He received the Iconic Businessman of Asia Award at the 10th Southeast Asian Achievement Awards in 2025 and participated in the 2025 APEC CEO Summit in South Korea.

His recent engagements include the Philippine–Korea Bridge Forum in Seoul in September 2026 and a meeting with Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay and her team in Makati City on October 6, 2026. The latter discussion explored opportunities for Philippine–Korean tourism cooperation and the potential contribution of international business networks and technology partnerships to sustainable tourism development.

Asia Leaders Awards builds cross-border connections

Now in its eighth year in the Philippines and its third year in Indonesia, the Asia Leaders Awards was established to recognize outstanding leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and organizations whose contributions create opportunities and advance economic and social progress.

The October 17 ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including H.E. Victorina Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila; Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, President and Chief Operating Officer of TAG Media Group; and Robert Laurel Yupangco, Chairman of the Asia Leaders Awards. They joined in presenting awards to individuals and organizations from both countries.

“Eight years ago, we established the Asia Leaders Awards in Manila with a vision: to promote the Philippines as a business hub in Asia by recognizing outstanding business leaders, entrepreneurs, and public servants whose contributions create opportunities, inspire progress, and move our nation forward,” Nicolas said.

“For the past three years, the Asia Leaders Awards has expanded its presence in Indonesia, reflecting our commitment to building stronger connections across Asia. We believe that leadership should not only be recognized within national boundaries but should also serve as a bridge connecting countries, industries, and people,” she added.

“Because leadership has no borders, and excellence deserves to be recognized wherever it is found,” Nicolas said.

Asia Leaders Awards 2026 Manila: Celebrating Asia’s Visionaries on November 25, 2026 at Bellevue Hotel

Just celebrated the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia last October 17, 2026 with Alfamart, Cimory, Orang Tua and Minister of Trade among the leaders in Indonesia with BIR Commissioner Atty. Charlito Mendoza, Comelec Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, Philanthropist Glenda Hufano, Korean Japanese Entrepreneur Samuel Cho, Tycoon Mikee Romero, Camp John Hay President Manjit Reandi with the presence of incoming Embassy of Indonesia Ambassador Josef Nae Soi, Asia Leaders Awards Chairman Robert Laurel Yupangco and Asia Leaders Awards President Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas. 

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 Manila, Philippines, on November 25, 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 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

ASEAN CHINESE BUSINESS FORUM 2026: Leading ASEAN Forward — Innovation, Resilience and Regional Collaboration

As the Philippines takes the helm as *ASEAN Chair in 2026*, the spotlight turns to Manila for one of the most important economic gatherings of the year — the *ASEAN-Chinese Business Leaders Summit 2026*, happening *October 18-20, 2026 in Metro Manila*.

Hosted by the *Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)* under President Victor Lim, the forum is anchored on the powerful theme: *"Leading ASEAN Forward: Innovation, Resilience, and Regional Collaboration."*

#### A Forum at a Critical Moment

The 2026 edition comes at a landmark time:

- *Philippines is ASEAN Chair 2026*

- *5th Anniversary of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership*

- *Implementation Year of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Version 3.0 and RCEP*

- *China-ASEAN trade surpasses US$1.05 Trillion in 2025*, with US$983 billion in 2024, and is targeting US$1 trillion+ sustainably by 2030

- *Timor-Leste formally joins as 11th ASEAN member*, expanding regional cooperation

Following the successful inaugural summit in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia in 2025 that drew 600 delegates, the Manila forum is expected to be bigger — with *over 1,000 business leaders, policymakers, investors, and MSME champions* from China and all 11 ASEAN states.

#### Three Pillars: Innovation, Resilience, Collaboration

*1. FORWARD THROUGH INNOVATION*

The forum will focus on AI-enabled economic cooperation, digital trade, green economy, and supply chain innovation — echoing the discussions at the 23rd China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) held in Nanning, China last September 17-19, 2026. Panels will explore advanced manufacturing, e-vehicles, fintech, and PropTech — opportunities directly relevant to Philippine industries.

*2. FORWARD THROUGH RESILIENCE*

In a world facing El Niño, geopolitical fragmentation, and supply chain disruptions, resilience is key. Sessions will tackle food security, energy transition, MSME empowerment, and how to translate policy consensus into tangible business outcomes.

*3. FORWARD THROUGH REGIONAL COLLABORATION*

As FFCCCII President Victor Lim said: _"This is a golden opportunity to showcase the best of the Philippines. The Philippines is open for business and ready to welcome the world."_

Discussions will center on:

- Driving Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into the Philippines

- Expanding two-way trade and closing trade gaps

- Integrating Philippine MSMEs into regional value chains

- Strengthening commercial law cooperation and dispute resolution

- Tourism as an economic bridge — "Every delegate is a potential tourist and a potential investor."

#### Why Manila Matters

The Philippines is positioning itself as *the gateway to ASEAN*. With its strategic location, young English-speaking workforce, and chairmanship role, Manila is sending a clear message: regional commerce must be inclusive, innovative, and resilient.

The ASEAN Chinese Business Forum 2026 is not just a summit. It is a platform where *ideas become investments, and partnerships become progress.*

> Leading ASEAN Forward is not a slogan. It is a commitment — that innovation will be shared, resilience will be built together, and collaboration will bring prosperity to all 11 nations.

*ASEAN Chinese Business Leaders Summit*

October 18-20, 2026 | Metro Manila, Philippines

Hosted by FFCCCII | In celebration of Philippines ASEAN Chairmanship 2026

INNOVATION SHOWCASING AND LEARNING EVENT

*October 17, 2026 | Ardenhills Suites & Hotel, Quezon City*

*Main Spotlight: Samar and Bicol Youth Lead the Way in Addressing Disaster and Climate Change*

*October 17, 2026*, the *Ardenhills Suites & Hotel in Quezon City* will host a timely and powerful gathering — the *Innovation Showcasing and Learning Event* — putting the spotlight on the most inspiring innovators of our time: *the youth of Samar and Bicol*.

While the Philippines braces for a *very strong El Niño expected to persist until early 2027* — bringing drought, water shortages, and risk of both dry spells and sudden floods — young Filipinos from two of the most climate-vulnerable regions are showing the nation how to prepare, adapt, and lead.

From Vulnerability to Leadership

Samar and Bicol know disaster firsthand. Calbayog City alone has declared a state of calamity four times since 2022 due to floods. In Bicol, P235 million worth of agricultural damage has already been reported in 2026, and water districts in Naga report 30% decline in water sources.

But instead of waiting for aid, the youth are stepping up.

*In Samar:*

- *Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU)* students and its Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight are leading tabletop exercises and scenario-planning workshops this October with LGUs of Calbayog and San Jorge.

- Youth volunteers are developing community-based early warning systems, mapping vulnerable barangays, and teaching "Foresight is not predicting the storm. It is deciding, while it is quiet, who will do what when it comes."

*In Bicol:*

- Bicolano youth groups, supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Greenpeace Philippines, are pushing for Local Climate Change Adaptation Plans (LCCAP) and integrating climate resilience into barangay planning.

- From creating Small Water Impounding Systems (SWIS) in Catanduanes to running barangay forums on water conservation in Naga City, Bicol youth are turning bamboo planting, soil conservation, and water saving into community movements.

- As one Bicol youth coalition declared: "We've had enough. We deserve a sustainable, liveable, and better way of living."

*1. Youth Innovation Showcase (10 AM - 12 NN)*

Live demos by Samar & Bicol youth:

- Low-cost rainwater harvesting and SWIS models

- Drone mapping for flood-prone areas

- TikTok-based DRRM education campaigns

- Community food pack prepositioning apps inspired by DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS

*2. Learning Forum (1 PM - 4 PM)*

- Panel: "El Niño to La Niña: How Youth Can Bridge the Dangerous Handover from Drought to Flood"

- Workshop: Building Your Barangay Resilience Plan — with NwSSU and DSWD resource persons

- Storytelling: "What I Learned from Quinta, Rolly, and the Pandemic" by Bicol youth leaders

*3. Interoperability in Action*

In line with DMAP DigiCon 2026's theme this week — *"Interoperability: Welcome to the Age of Collaboration"* — this event proves that interoperability is not just about tech. It's about Samar youth talking to Bicol youth, LGUs working with universities, and Manila learning from the regions.

*Event Details:*

*Venue:* Conference Hall, Ardenhills Suites & Hotel, Quezon City (near SM North EDSA)

*Date:* October 17, 2026, 9AM-5PM

This is not just an innovation event. It's a handover of the future — from those who have endured disasters to those who are determined to end the cycle.

*Learn how the youth of Samar and Bicol are not just surviving climate change. They are solving it.*

DMAP DigiCon 2026: INTEROPERABILITY - Welcome to the Age of Collaboration

The future will not be built in silos. That is the bold message of the *Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP)* as it officially unveils *DigiCon 2026*, happening *October 15-16, 2026 at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel*.

Now on its *11th year*, DigiCon remains the Philippines' premier gathering for marketers, technologists, creatives, business leaders, and innovators — with over *2,000 delegates* expected this year.

This year's theme: *“Interoperability: Welcome to the Age of Collaboration.”*

 What is Interoperability?

DMAP defines interoperability as *the ability of different teams, systems, and sectors to work together* — people, technology, data, and business processes driving innovation together. 

“We are entering a new era, an age where progress is powered by coming together,” said *Raymund Sison, Co-Chair of DigiCon 2026*. “The future will not be built in silos. It will not belong to those who work alone. It will be shaped by connections, synergies, and ecosystems of collaboration where ideas, technologies, and communities converge.” 

 “DigiCon has always been about what's next,” added Co-Chair *Shayne Madamba*. “In 2026, what's next is working together across disciplines, across industries, and across technology.” 

 5 Tracks to Experience

DigiCon 2026 is structured into five immersive tracks:

1. *Innovation* - AI and human-machine collaboration, moving beyond AI hype to real business application

2. *Integrated* - Partnerships among organizations from different fields and industries

3. *Immersive* - Creating connected customer experiences across digital and physical channels

4. *Impact* - Purpose-driven cultures, storytelling, and brand purpose

5. *Interactive* - Workshops, collaborative hackathons, and live debates 

What's New in 2026

*1. DigiConX* - A series of satellite pop-up events at schools, campuses, and organizations nationwide, bringing the DigiCon conversation beyond Manila. 

*2. Global Speakers* - International keynotes including *Dr. Christian Busch*, bestselling author of _Connect the Dots_ (USC & London School of Economics), and *Judy John*, Global Chief Creative Officer of Edelman Canada. 

*3. Focus on Collaboration, Not Just Tech* - Unlike previous years focused on emerging tech, DigiCon 2026 examines how companies can build customer experiences through partnerships and involve audiences directly in developing products and campaigns.

As the digital landscape becomes more fragmented by platforms and tools, DMAP reminds us that *interoperability isn't just a technical concept but a mandate* — no brand, platform, or industry succeeds alone.