Figari Honors Trailblazing Entrepreneurs at the 2025 Asia CEO Awards
For the 16th year in a row, the Asia CEO Awards gathered the Philippines’ brightest leaders and innovators for a night of recognition, inspiration, and shared vision for the future. Held in Marriott Grand Ballroom in Manila, the 2025 edition carried the theme: “Predict the Future by Creating It.” It was a bold reflection of how Filipino enterprises are shaping tomorrow’s economy today.
Figari, a long-standing supporter of entrepreneurial excellence, proudly returned as sponsor of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, continuing its tradition of honoring visionary founders who lead with purpose, innovation, and tenacity.
“We’re sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year award again this year, something very near and dear to our hearts at Figari,” said Darcy Lalonde, Figari Chairperson, in his official message.
Darcy Lalonde has been closely involved with the Asia CEO Awards since its inception 16 years ago, supporting the mission of recognizing world-class leadership across industries. Figari’s Chairperson and the broader leadership team were also present at the ceremony, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to growing with and through the business community it serves.
This year, the Entrepreneur of the Year honor was awarded to Ruth Yu-Owen, President & CEO of Upgrade Energy Philippines, who captivated the room with her authenticity and gratitude. “I have the greatest team in the world,” she said during her short speech, a powerful statement that resonated with the very ethos of Figari: empowering teams through better spaces.
The event, produced by Rebecca Bustamante and Richard Mills, co-founders of the Asia CEO Awards, continues to stand as a beacon for excellence in business. Their tireless dedication over 16 years has built this platform into the premier stage for recognizing Filipino and Asia-Pacific talent.
Among this year’s other notable honorees:
- Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) received the Lifetime Contributor of the Year Award, reminding the crowd that “Success must be found not just in achievement, but in service.”
- PJ Luillhier’s Jean Henri Lhuillier, took home CEO of the Year, recognized for leadership that drives both business and community impact.
- ibex’s Young Leader of the Year Award went to Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon, President of Pili AdheSeal Inc., highlighting the next wave of Filipino innovation.
- Teleperformance (TP) won the Service Excellence Award, exemplifying outstanding delivery in the IT-BPM sector.
“The Philippines is not defined by its problems, but by its potential,” shared Jack Madrid, President & CEO of IBPAP, a statement echoed throughout the evening. As a brand dedicated to building future-ready workspaces, Figari was honored to stand among peers and partners who are not only growing successful businesses but elevating industries and communities along the way.