A Grand Celebration of Exemplary Leadership and Bilateral Collaboration at the 2025 ICCPI Leadership Awards
- Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
The Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc. (ICCPI) hosted the 5th Edition of the ICCPI Leadership Awards on November 20, 2025 at the Fairmont Hotel Makati. The evening brought together business leaders, innovators, and distinguished guests from both Italy and the Philippines to celebrate individuals and organizations whose achievements continue to elevate their industries and strengthen bilateral ties.
The awards night reflected months of preparation, meticulous evaluations, and a shared commitment to honor leadership grounded in integrity, innovation, and global vision. Guided by its theme “Celebrating Exemplary Leadership and Outstanding Business Practices,” the 2025 ICCPI Leadership Awards once again demonstrated ICCPI’s role as a catalyst for progress and cross-border collaboration.
ICCPI Celebrates Business Leadership and Bilateral Collaboration at the 2025 ICCPI Leadership Awards
Manila, Philippines — The Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc. (ICCPI) celebrated the fifth edition of the ICCPI Leadership Awards at the Fairmont Hotel Makati, honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and cross-border collaboration continue to shape the business landscape between Italy and the Philippines. The awardees were selected through ICCPI’s rigorous nomination and judging process, as outlined in the official event script and presentation.
A Prestigious Program of Leadership and Inspiration
The event opened with host Gabrielle Hahn Lopez, Director of Media and Public Relations of ICCPI. She welcomed guests and acknowledged the sponsors whose partnership made the celebration possible, emphasizing the Awards as a platform that not only recognizes excellence but also fosters meaningful relationships within the business community.
She highlighted the event’s top sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor: Terravision Gold Sponsors: Araneta City, Security Bank, Dusit Thani Manila, MX3 Silver Sponsors: SEA Milan Airports, DATEM, Eastern Communications, Garlic & Peppermill Food Company / Tartufo, Filinvest Support Sponsors: DMARK Beauty, Alveo
Lopez noted that the evening marked the culmination of more than three months of coordination, bringing together world-class leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations that shape both Italian and Filipino industries. She then introduced her co-host, ICCPI Executive Director Lorens Ziller, whose leadership and commitment have been central in bringing the event to life.
Welcoming Remarks and Special Messages
In his welcoming remarks, Lorens Ziller reflected on the extensive preparation behind the event and highlighted the Chamber’s mission to uplift leadership that inspires and empowers others. He recognized the importance of honoring individuals who not only succeed in business but also encourage young academics, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Ziller also expressed gratitude to the sponsors, partners, and supporters whose dedication continues to strengthen ICCPI’s influence within the business sector.
ICCPI President Sergio Boero followed with a special message. He underscored the growing significance of the Leadership Awards as a platform celebrating leaders who exemplify resilience, creativity, and global competitiveness. He emphasized the shared commitment between Italy and the Philippines to build a future guided by innovation, sustainability, and collaborative leadership.
Keynote Address by Ambassador Davide Giglio
The evening continued with a keynote speech from His Excellency Davide Giglio, Ambassador of Italy to the Philippines. He spoke about the deepening ties between Italy and the Philippines and acknowledged the awardees as examples of leadership that drive economic progress and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Giglio highlighted the importance of shared values, bilateral cooperation, and visionary leadership as foundations for growth between the two nations.
A Rigorous Selection Process Led by Esteemed Judges
After the keynote address, Executive Director Ziller returned to the stage to give an overview of the nomination and selection process. He explained that the Chamber received hundreds of nominations, each reviewed for accuracy and merit before being presented to the judging panel. The process ensured fairness, transparency, and recognition of excellence.
The 2025 ICCPI Leadership Awards Panel of Judges
• Apples Aberin, Vice President for Lifestyle Media Brands
• Giovanni Porcu, First Secretary, Embassy of Italy
• Margaux Advincula, Partner, SGV & Co.
• Atty. Roel Refran, EVP & COO, Philippine Stock Exchange
• Shubham Chandra, General Manager, Dusit Thani Manila
First Secretary Giovanni Porcu later delivered the Judges’ Address, commending the professionalism of the process and the exceptional caliber of nominees across all categories.
2025 ICCPI Leadership Awardees
Individual Awards
Outstanding Business Leader of the Year — Lesley Villanueva (DATEM, Inc.) As President of DATEM, she led the company to sustained growth while elevating corporate governance and strategic leadership.
Woman in Business of the Year — Florence Ko (Furnitalia)
Founder and President of Furnitalia, honored for breaking barriers in the furniture industry and driving innovation.
Creative Excellence Award — Rosanna Ocampo
Recognized for her original work and creative direction that influence contemporary design.
Inspirational Sports Pioneer — Alenna Dawn (Asia Padel Events / Philippine Padel Association)
Honored for championing the growth of padel and inspiring sports participation across communities.
Beauty & Personal Excellence Award — Nikki Tang (DMark Beauty & DermAsia)
Acknowledged for elevating beauty and wellness standards through leadership and professional excellence.
Excellence in Sustainability Award — Glenn Banaguas (ECCRI)
Awarded for advancing environmental stewardship and impactful sustainability initiatives.
Organizational Excellence Awards
Export Excellence Award — Santé International (Joey Marcelo)
Recognized for expanding international markets and promoting Philippine products globally
Import Excellence Award — AM Group (Andrea Mazza)
Honored for excellence in importing, market adaptation, and supply chain reliability.
SME of the Year — Pocofino (Tuesday Angliongto)
Celebrated for entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and contributions to national economic development.
Industry-Specific Awards
Digital Connectivity Excellence Award — Eastern Communications
For advancing digital infrastructure and enabling connected business ecosystems.
Banking & Financial Service Leadership Award — CRIF
Recognized for innovation in financial services and strengthening credit intelligence.
Healthcare & Wellness Leadership Award — Orissa Garden of Wellness (Riza Lim)
For contributions to holistic health and patient-centered wellness services.
Retail & Consumer Excellence Award — Ferrero
Celebrated for excellence in product quality, retail presence, and consumer engagement.
Food & Beverage Excellence Award — Garlic & Peppermill Food Company (Kennedy Alfonso)
For culinary leadership and contributions to food culture and standards.
Education Leadership Award — Digital Ventures Pte. Ltd. (Dr. Wallace Panlilio)
For advancing educational solutions that enhance learning outcomes and industry readiness
Energy & Sustainability Innovation Award — IONTEK Power Solutions (Miles Ballestar)
Recognized for technological innovation in energy management and sustainability.
Architectural Design & Urban Development Award — Megaworld (Jericho Barcelon)
For visionary urban development shaping sustainable communities.
Real Estate Leadership Award — Filinvest Alabang, Inc.
Honored for excellence in property development and inclusive community building.
Corporate Property Advisory Excellence Award — Leechiu Property Consultants, Inc.
For strategic real estate advisory services that deliver long-term value.
Innovation Technology Excellence Award — GFTC Digital Concepts OPC / Xeikon (Gynn Flores)
Recognized for pioneering digital printing technologies that transform marketing and production workflows.
Hospitality Excellence Award — The Bellevue Manila
For outstanding guest service, operational excellence, and contributions to Philippine hospitality.
Special Honors
“ItalPinoy” Company of the Year — Blu Coffee Distributors
Celebrated for bridging Italian and Filipino culinary and business traditions.
Global Impact Award — SPEA (Robert Sannicandro)
Recognized for leadership that creates lasting international contributions.
Thermal Innovation & Engineering Excellence — Coldprime Enterprises Corporation
For innovation in thermal and engineering solutions with significant industry impact.
Closing the Ceremony
To conclude the night, Executive Director Lorens Ziller expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, judges, partners, and community whose support strengthened this year’s Awards. He emphasized the ICCPI’s ongoing commitment to celebrating leadership that uplifts industries, builds collaboration, and shapes a more connected future for both Italy and the Philippines.
Article by Holly Marie Lim Congbalay ICCPI Associate. November 27, 2025. Philippines, Makati
Comments