MANILA – Hotel Interncontinental Manila, Makati. Hon. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., Mayor, Mandaluyong City. Nurhayati N. Adbullah, Country Manager, DHL Express Philippines. Miguel G. Belmonte, President and CEO, The Philippine STAR Media Group. Roberto F. de Ocampo, OBE, Chairman and CEO, Philippine Veterans Bank. Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr., President and CEO, Social Security System. Rohit Jawa, Chairman and CEO, Unilever Philippines. Emmanuel C. Lorenzana, President and CEO, MediaQuest Holdings, Inc.. Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Hon. Ramon J.P. Paje, Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Felino A. Palafox Jr., President, Palafox Architecture Group, Inc. Dr. Elena E. Pernia, Dean, College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines-Diliman. Senator Grace Poe. Robert G. Vergara, President and General Manager, Government Service Insurance System. Manuel Paolo A. Villar, President and CEO, Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc. These fourteen names are now added to the roster of standout communicators as the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines honored them as the 2015 CEO EXCEL (Communication Excellence in Organizations) Awardees. The CEO EXCEL is the honor program of the IABC Philippines for top-level executives, CEOs, and organization leaders in the country.
Cited for their excellent and innovative use of strategic communication in their programs and projects, the awardees have shown how it is to excel and thrive in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing economic and social environment. Adding more meaning to the event were short motivational talks by some of the winners, and also by the IABC Philippines’ very own leaders.
Like a true game changer, the president of IABC Philippines, Kane Errol Choa (Integrated Corporate Communications Head, ABS-CBN Corporation), both amused and moved the audience in his opening remarks as he explained how to become a trailblazer in one’s field and achieve “rock star” status, just like the CEO EXCEL Awardees.
“The term rock star is also used to describe someone who is influential, has won the admiration of many, contributed much in his or her field, and will be remembered by generations…to be one you have to embrace change, champion excellence, and value your people,” he explained.
Likewise, the chair of the 2015 CEO EXCEL Awards Committee, Joe Zaldarriaga (Assistant Vice President and Public Information Head, Manila Electric Company), emphasized the importance of innovation in the worlds of business and communication.
“Innovation works hand-in-hand with progress, with success. It serves as a map that leads organizations to achieve its goals and targets. It also helps build and strengthen the relationship of companies with all its stakeholders by introducing value adding out of the box solutions. It is also considered as a tool to help solve problems, resolve crisis and ultimately uphold the company’s reputation”, he said.
Among the highlights of the night, made possible by Gold Sponsors Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and San Miguel Corporation and Silver Sponsors San Miguel Brewery, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, and SMART Communications, Inc., was the launch of the new IABC Philippines’ logo. Choa said the logo symbolizes the IABC’s global reach, its values of transparency, connection, and community, and its modern and progressive approach to communication.
Also supporting the event were Bronze Sponsors ABS-CBN Corporation, PAGCOR, Petron Corporation, Philippine Business Center, PRU Life UK, San Miguel Pure foods Company, Inc., and Social Security System; Media Partners Adobo Magazine, ANC, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, GMA Network, Inc., Malaya Business Insight, Manila Standard Today, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler, The Philippine Star, and TV5 Network; and Media Intelligence Partner, isentia.
The Voice Kids of the Philippines season 2 grand champion, Elha Mae Nympha, impressed the attendees with her soulful yet powerful voice; ANC news anchor Ron Cruz hosted the awarding ceremony.
The completion of the 2015 CEO EXCEL Awards ushers the start of this year’s Philippine Quill Awards season. Deemed the highest prize in business communication in the country, the Quill is participated in by top Philippine corporations, agencies, and organizations annually, in order to test their best communication programs using the Quill’s international standards. Also happening soon is the Philippine Student Quill Awards, the junior version of the Quill that recognizes outstanding communication works by college students nationwide.
