( L- R: Mr. Aniceto Sobrepena- Metrobank Foundation President , Ms. Maeyeth Cadundog ( Agora Search Chair), Ms. Pinky T Yee, Mr. ( PMA President ) Joseph Chay Cruel , Ms. Alpha Allanigui ( Director in Charge ) Ms. Ria Salvana, Category Search Head
Since its inception in1979, the Agora Awards have honored many distinguished individuals and companies for their significant contributions to the Marketing Profession. Over the years, new categories were added. These included Export Marketing and Marketing Company of the Year in 1986. To further recognize the role of entrepreneurs and their contribution to economic growth, the Entrepreneurship category was segmented into Large-Scale, Medium Scale and Small Scale in 1989.
In 1997, an international dimension was added to the awards with the Asia Pacific Agora Awards for Marketing Excellence. This was a logical outgrowth of PMA becoming a founding member of the Asia Pacific Marketing Federation in 1992, along with 12 National Marketing Associations from the region. Significantly, it was during the Centennial Celebration of the Philippine nation that the PMA “exported” the Agora Awards to members of the Asia Pacific Marketing Federation, who have enthusiastically adopted this Filipino originated award.
Now, on its 37th year, the PMA proudly welcomes The Agora Awardees of 2016 into illustrious company of previous winners. Each year, the torch is passed, and flames of excellence showing the way for current and future Marketing Professionals.
The first Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management was given to Mr. Gatt Magay in 1979, and now the 43rd winner is Mr. Joseph Chay Cruel – one of the youngest awardees in the marketing management category, He is currently the Vice President for Marketing of Asia Brewery Non- Alco Business, Business Development and International Business. He was the first recipient of the Young Market Master Awards of Mansmith & Fielders for Brand management for launching C2 Green Tea during his stint with URC in 2005. Now with Asia Brewery, another brand other his wing is Vitamilk , with phenomenal growth that replicates the marketing mix strategies he has done before.
The Agora Awards constantly highlights and rewards Filipino ingenuity and innovation in the field of Marketing. And on its 62nd year, The PMA, looks forward to continuing to champion The Agora Awards as a platform for serving the marketing profession and the Filipino people.
