MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In a momentous occasion that goes beyond professional triumph, a father and daughter stood proudly side by side to celebrate a rare and heartwarming achievement. At the 2024 Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA), Philippines Chapter, Gil G. Chua and Diane Isabel Chua were both honored with the prestigious Master Entrepreneur award—an extraordinary recognition of their shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassion in business.
Gil G. Chua, Chairman of DDB Group Philippines and FCT Group, was named Master Entrepreneur Gold winner—a testament to his enduring impact and visionary leadership. This marked the second time he received this honor, having been first recognized at the APEA Regional Edition in Bangkok earlier this year. On the same night, Diane Isabel Chua, Managing Director of Tribal Worldwide Philippines, followed in her father’s formidable footsteps, earning her own Master Entrepreneur distinction.
Together, this father-daughter duo represents the spirit of entrepreneurship that not only drives success but uplifts communities. Their leadership has transformed their respective companies into engines of meaningful change, embodying the APEA’s mission to honor leaders who build thriving enterprises while embracing social responsibility.
A Father’s Dream Fulfilled
Hailing from humble beginnings in Virac, Catanduanes, Gil Chua’s journey is a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, he reflected on his early days in advertising and his dream of creating opportunities for Filipinos.
That dream has blossomed into a legacy: today, he oversees 17 companies, 27 offices nationwide, and a workforce of over 5,000 people. From traditional advertising to integrated marketing communications, logistics, and manpower services, Gil’s business empire thrives on innovation and impact. He attributes much of this success to empowering others, having nurtured 17 new entrepreneurs within his organization, sharing responsibility and fostering growth.
“Our businesses now span creative solutions, logistics, trade promotions, and more,” Gil shared. “But beyond growth and innovation, this award serves as a reminder of why we do what we do—to create jobs and inspire others to pursue entrepreneurship. I hope our story shows that with faith and hard work, anyone can dream big and make it happen.”
A Daughter’s Vision for the Future
For Diane, the journey is personal and purposeful. Leading Tribal Worldwide Philippines, a DDB company known for pioneering digital and social strategies, she has built a company culture rooted in diversity, empathy, and innovation. Under her leadership, Tribal has become a multi-awarded agency, delivering cutting-edge solutions that resonate with today’s fast-moving trends.
“Our strength lies in our people,” Diane said. “We are a tribe built on empathy, talent, growth, and integrity. These values fuel everything we do—from creating total experiences for our partners to driving good growth for society. This recognition belongs to the incredible team that makes Tribal what it is.”
In a moving tribute to her father, Diane expressed gratitude for the inspiration he provides her:
“Papa, this award is as much as yours as it is mine. Your mission to create fair opportunities for Filipinos is embodied in all I do. To the younger generation, I want to say this: believe in yourself. Chase your dreams relentlessly. Never let anyone define your worth or limit your potential.”
A Night of Unmatched Brilliance
The evening wasn’t just a celebration of Gil and Diane’s individual achievements—it was also a testament to the collective excellence of DDB Group Philippines.
- DDB Philippines was recognized for Corporate Excellence, showcasing its continued leadership in the advertising industry.
- Bent and Buzz won the Fast Enterprise award, reflecting its rapid growth and innovative approach to marketing.
- Ripple8 was celebrated as an Inspirational Brand, embodying the group’s commitment to meaningful connections.
These accolades underscore the group’s exceptional creativity, business acumen, and people-centered approach.
Legacy in the Making
For Gil and Diane, this father-daughter victory is more than a milestone—it’s a shared legacy of leadership, service, and hope. As they stood together on stage, it was clear that their achievements weren’t just about awards but about the lives they’ve touched and the opportunities they’ve created.
In their own words, “This is only the beginning.”
