MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) raised the curtain for the highly anticipated 43rd Agora Awards Gala at the Manila Ballroom, Manila Marriott Hotel, spotlighting marketing’s finest as they redefined industry excellence and innovation. A landmark celebration, this year’s gala coincided with PMA’s 70th anniversary, echoing the theme: AGORA S.M.I.L.E. – Stellar Marketing Innovators: Legacy of Excellence.
With the leadership of Director-in-Charge and Overall Chairperson Alpha Gracias C. Allanigui, the 43rd Agora Awards has become a landmark event over the years, and now, it has expanded its recognition to include groundbreaking new categories to celebrate innovative strategies and transformative contributions that push boundaries and set new standards of excellence.
“We are blessed to have not only notable luminaries but also outstanding enterprises in our Agora roster,” said Allanigui. “These awardees are making waves and consistently raising their game through their legacy of excellence.”
The 43rd Agora Awards reflected the ever-evolving marketing landscape by acknowledging forward-thinking initiatives. Among the standout new categories were Outstanding Achievement in Social Enterprise, Sustainability Marketing, and Marketing Campaign—each underscoring the industry’s commitment to societal impact, environmental responsibility, and groundbreaking strategy.
A defining highlight of the night was the Agora Special Trailblazer Award, reserved for those with triumphs across three distinct Agora categories. This year’s honoree, Century Pacific Food, Inc., clinched this distinction with wins in Agora Company of the Year (2011), Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management (2014), and Outstanding Achievement in Export Marketing (2018), solidifying its reputation.
Another notable category, the Agora Distinction Award for Nation-Building, celebrated individuals who have elevated the nation’s status through exemplary contributions in their respective fields. This honor was bestowed upon Mansmith and Fielders, Inc., under the leadership of Josiah and Chiqui Go, for their transformative impact on marketing education. Their commitment to fostering a culture of learning, mentorship, and sharing best practices has cemented their role as a cornerstone of marketing innovation and nation-building.
Other winners who embody ingenuity and excellence in their fields included Global Dominion Financing, Inc., SPD Inc., and Avocadoria for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship across large, medium, and small-scale business categories, respectively. ACEN and Jos Ortega were recognized for their achievements in marketing communication, while Unmeat shone in export marketing. UST and individual educators Enrique Caeg and Dr. Antonio Etrata were celebrated for their contributions to marketing education. The evening also highlighted Rags2Riches’ excellence in social enterprise, Agridom’s sustainability marketing efforts, and Knowledge Channel’s advocacy marketing initiatives. GCash received accolades for its standout marketing campaign, while Greg Banzon and Robert Hechanova were honored for their achievements in marketing management and overseas marketing, respectively.
Agora Special Trailblazer Award: Century Pacific Food, Inc.
SET 1: Marketing Education and Advocacy
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education: University of Sto. Tomas
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education – Collegiate: Dr. Antonio E. Etrata – UST
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education – Higher Education/Professional: Enrique Pablo O. Caeg, CPM Asia
Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Marketing: Agridom Solutions Corporation
Outstanding Achievement in Advocacy Marketing: Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.
Outstanding Achievement in Social Enterprise: Rags2Riches
SET 2: MarCom & Entrepreneurship
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications – Individual: Joselito B. Ortega
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications – Company/Enterprise: ACEN RES / Tony Valdez
Outstanding Achievement in Export Marketing: UnMEAT
Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Small Scale: Czarina J. Sevilla, Avocadoria.ph
Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Medium Scale: Sarah P. Deloraya-Matero, SPD Jobs, Inc.
Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Large Scale: Patricia P. Palacios, Global Dominion Financing, Inc.
SET 3: Marketing Management
Outstanding Achievement in Overseas Marketing: Roberto Hechanova
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management: Gregory Francis H. Banzon, Century Pacific Food, Inc.
Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Campaign: GCash
Agora Distinction Award for Nation-Building Marketing Leadership: Mansmith & Fielders
PMA made the conscious decision not to award a Marketing Company of the Year this year, upholding its commitment to maintaining integrity and ensuring a rigorous, fair judging process.
About Philippine Marketing Association
Founded in 1954, the PMA is a pillar of support and a source of direction for marketers in the Philippines. The organization plays a key role in shaping the marketing landscape in the Philippines through various initiatives such as seminars, workshops, conferences, and awards programs like the prestigious Agora Awards. PMA’s mission is to enhance the capabilities of Filipino marketers, pushing for excellence and unparalleled service to the marketing and business community. It serves as a platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and professional development, uniting industry leaders, educators, and marketing practitioners from diverse sectors.
Website: https://philippinemarketing.org/
About the Agora Awards
Established in 1979 by the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), the Agora Awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and transformational growth in marketing. Over the years, the awards have honored individuals and organizations that have demonstrated remarkable marketing practices, shaping the landscape of the industry in the Philippines.
Website: https://philippinemarketing.org/agora-awards/
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