Meet the Mansmith Innovation Awardees 2026
PENK CHING | CEO of Pastry Bin
Mansmith Innovation Awardee 2026 for Cake Innovation
Penk Ching transformed a weekend passion into Pastry Bin, a brand that revolutionized celebration cakes in the Philippines. Every creation is a storytelling masterpiece, blending artistry, flavor, and technical precision, setting new benchmarks for bespoke cakes long before social media magnified her fame.
Her innovation lies in reimagining what cakes can be—from the 3-foot edible replica of the Beijing 2008 Olympics Bird’s Nest to the inaugural cake for President Benigno Aquino III, she combines engineering, artistry, and imagination in ways unprecedented in the local industry.
Beyond her creations, she has shaped the standards of Philippine pastry, mentoring bakers, judging international competitions, and sharing her craft through Caked in Sugar. Even during the pandemic, she introduced artisanal cakes that delighted a new audience, proving that innovation is not only creative but adaptive.
Penk Ching’s journey exemplifies vision, discipline, and pioneering spirit, inspiring a new generation of bakers and innovators.
NINO NAMOCO | CEO of 1Life Inc.
Mansmith Innovation Awardee 2026 for Healthcare Innovation
Nino Namoco co-founded 1Life Inc. with a vision to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all Filipinos. Starting from a small team of passionate changemakers, he built a platform that has served over one million patients, reaching both urban communities and remote, underserved areas.
Driven by a commitment to solve systemic healthcare gaps, Nino pioneered a proprietary community healthcare management system that integrates advanced portable diagnostics, compressing multi-day processes into a single, streamlined visit. With DocMate AI, he equips doctors with smart decision support, improving diagnostic accuracy while allowing more patients to receive timely care.
Through technology, collaboration, and a focus on preventive care, Nino has created a scalable, equitable model for national health delivery. His leadership demonstrates how vision, ingenuity, and determination can reshape an industry and uplift millions of lives.
ER ROLLAN | CEO of Growsari
Mansmith Innovation Awardee 2026 for Digital Transformation
ER Rollan has dedicated his leadership to GrowSari, a tech-enabled B2B platform supporting the Philippines’ more than one million sari-sari stores and community retailers. Throughout his journey, he has focused on empowering micro-entrepreneurs, many of whom are the backbone of their neighborhoods, by providing access to essential tools, services, and opportunities that help their businesses grow.
GrowSari began in 2016 as a simple ordering platform serving stores in three cities. Today, it has expanded to over 700 municipalities, helping store owners secure affordable inventory, working capital, and valuable data insights. Beyond products and financing, GrowSari integrates microservices—telco load, bills payment, e-commerce, and wi-fi—into a single, easy-to-use platform, enabling stores to evolve into comprehensive neighborhood service hubs.
For ER Rollan, the Mansmith Award reflects not just personal achievement, but the resilience, creativity, and determination of Filipino micro-retailers, inspiring him to continue leading with vision, empathy, and community at the heart of every decision.
GrowSari began in 2016 as a simple ordering platform serving stores in three cities. Today, it has expanded to over 700 municipalities, helping store owners secure affordable inventory, working capital, and valuable data insights. Beyond products and financing, GrowSari integrates microservices—telco load, bills payment, e-commerce, and wi-fi—into a single, easy-to-use platform, enabling stores to evolve into comprehensive neighborhood service hubs.
For ER Rollan, the Mansmith Award reflects not just personal achievement, but the resilience, creativity, and determination of Filipino micro-retailers, inspiring him to continue leading with vision, empathy, and community at the heart of every decision.
ALVIN KINGSON TAN | PRESIDENT & CEO of CHiNOY TV
Mansmith Innovation Awardee 2026 for Business Model Innovation
Alvin Kingson Tan is the President and CEO of Fil-Chi Media Productions Inc., the company behind CHiNOY TV, a pioneering multimedia platform dedicated to telling the stories of the Chinese-Filipino community. What began in 2010 as a 30-minute television program has grown under his leadership into a full multimedia agency spanning television, digital, print, and on-ground events, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
Tan has spearheaded landmark initiatives such as “Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart”, a documentary series aired on CNN Philippines, and the globally expanding Mr. & Ms. Chinatown Global, with Year 2 set at the historic Araneta Coliseum featuring candidates from 15 countries.
Beyond content, CHiNOY TV has evolved into a production agency, serving brands in video production, Mandarin translations, and event management. Recognized as one of Go Negosyo’s Most Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs, Tan remains committed to using media as a bridge, fostering unity, cultural appreciation, and global connections for the Chinese-Filipino community.
Tan has spearheaded landmark initiatives such as “Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart”, a documentary series aired on CNN Philippines, and the globally expanding Mr. & Ms. Chinatown Global, with Year 2 set at the historic Araneta Coliseum featuring candidates from 15 countries.
Beyond content, CHiNOY TV has evolved into a production agency, serving brands in video production, Mandarin translations, and event management. Recognized as one of Go Negosyo’s Most Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs, Tan remains committed to using media as a bridge, fostering unity, cultural appreciation, and global connections for the Chinese-Filipino community.
Meet the Mansmith Entrepreneur Awardees 2026
LUCIO COCHANCO JR. | President of Fly Ace Corporation
Mansmith Entrepreneur Awardee 2026
Lucio “Jun” Cochanco Jr. is the President of Fly Ace Corporation, the company behind well-loved Filipino household brands such as Jolly, Doña Elena, Jolly Heart Mate, and Good Life. Guided by values of integrity, discipline, and perseverance, Jun helped transform the Cochanco family’s humble Binondo trading business into a leading food and beverage consumer goods company.
As an entrepreneur, Jun led Fly Ace’s evolution from a pure importation and distribution firm into a brand-driven organization, building house brands that deliver quality and accessibility to Filipino consumers. His ability to anticipate market shifts and respond to changing consumer needs enabled the company to expand into new categories, including frozen goods and pet care, while forging strategic partnerships with major principals.
Through collaborative leadership and a strong entrepreneurial culture, Jun continues to grow the Fly Ace legacy—creating long-term value, nurturing future leaders, and contributing meaningfully to the Philippine consumer goods industry.
RAMON GO | President and General Manager of Orocan
Mansmith Entrepreneur Awardee 2026
Ramon Go, President and General Manager of Ashlar Industrial Corporation, has guided Orocan, a beloved Filipino maker of durable household plastics, into enduring relevance across generations. From everyday buckets and storage solutions to coolers, his leadership has ensured that the brand remains a trusted presence in Filipino homes.
A pragmatic entrepreneur, Mr. Go champions innovation rooted in consumer needs, refining product designs, expanding categories, and supporting campaigns that strengthen Orocan’s connection with households nationwide. His foresight and disciplined approach have preserved affordability and quality while responding nimbly to evolving lifestyles and market trends.
Beyond business growth, his stewardship reflects a deep commitment to sustaining local manufacturing, empowering employees, and honoring a legacy brand. Ramon Go’s journey exemplifies quiet, disciplined entrepreneurship—showing how vision, resilience, and thoughtful leadership can elevate a heritage brand and inspire future generations of Filipino entrepreneurs.
A pragmatic entrepreneur, Mr. Go champions innovation rooted in consumer needs, refining product designs, expanding categories, and supporting campaigns that strengthen Orocan’s connection with households nationwide. His foresight and disciplined approach have preserved affordability and quality while responding nimbly to evolving lifestyles and market trends.
Beyond business growth, his stewardship reflects a deep commitment to sustaining local manufacturing, empowering employees, and honoring a legacy brand. Ramon Go’s journey exemplifies quiet, disciplined entrepreneurship—showing how vision, resilience, and thoughtful leadership can elevate a heritage brand and inspire future generations of Filipino entrepreneurs.
ROSEMARIE RAFAEL | Chairperson and Founder of Airspeed
Mansmith Entrepreneur Awardee 2026
Rosemarie P. Rafael is a Filipino entrepreneur whose vision and leadership have shaped Airspeed into one of the country’s most trusted end-to-end logistics companies. Since its founding in 1985, she has built the company with a clear purpose — to empower businesses and uplift people through service excellence, reliability, and integrity. A landmark moment came in 2018, when Airspeed entered a transformative partnership with SM Investments Corporation, affirming her entrepreneurial foresight and the company’s market leadership.
Under her guidance, Airspeed expanded across freight forwarding, e-commerce fulfillment, storage solutions, customs clearance, and specialized logistics, all while nurturing a people-first culture rooted in accountability. A champion of women’s empowerment, she chairs the Women’s Business Council Philippines and advocates for gender-inclusive economic participation as Commissioner for Labor at the Philippine Commission on Women.
With the Mansmith Award, Rosemarie Rafael exemplifies leaders who translate insight into impact, inspire positive change, and elevate industries for the nation.
Under her guidance, Airspeed expanded across freight forwarding, e-commerce fulfillment, storage solutions, customs clearance, and specialized logistics, all while nurturing a people-first culture rooted in accountability. A champion of women’s empowerment, she chairs the Women’s Business Council Philippines and advocates for gender-inclusive economic participation as Commissioner for Labor at the Philippine Commission on Women.
With the Mansmith Award, Rosemarie Rafael exemplifies leaders who translate insight into impact, inspire positive change, and elevate industries for the nation.
SAMUEL PO | CEO of JS Unitrade Merchandise
Mansmith Entrepreneur Awardee 2026
Samuel Po, founder of JS Unitrade Merchandise, Inc., has turned a vision for quality and affordability into one of the Philippines’ top 300 corporations. Hailing from Iloilo, he moved to Manila to pursue a BSECE degree at FEATI University, navigating early ventures through partnerships in electrical products before taking full ownership and expanding into diverse enterprises.
A defining moment came in 1989, when a personal need for reliable disposable diapers led him to discover superior Taiwanese products, marking JS Unitrade’s entry into the market and establishing a lasting niche.
Today, JS Unitrade leads four of six product categories—baby and adult diapers, fempro, wipes, paper tissue, and pet care—reflecting Mr. Po’s entrepreneurial foresight, discipline, and dedication. Recognized with Iloilo’s Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award, Samuel Po continues to inspire through a legacy of innovation, excellence, and meaningful impact on Filipino families and the nation’s business landscape.
A defining moment came in 1989, when a personal need for reliable disposable diapers led him to discover superior Taiwanese products, marking JS Unitrade’s entry into the market and establishing a lasting niche.
Today, JS Unitrade leads four of six product categories—baby and adult diapers, fempro, wipes, paper tissue, and pet care—reflecting Mr. Po’s entrepreneurial foresight, discipline, and dedication. Recognized with Iloilo’s Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award, Samuel Po continues to inspire through a legacy of innovation, excellence, and meaningful impact on Filipino families and the nation’s business landscape.
Meet the Mansmith CEO Lifetime Achievement Awardees 2026
MERCY ABAD
Mansmith CEO Lifetime Achievement Awardee 2026 for Market Research
Mercedes “Mercy” Abad has devoted her life to advancing market research and social development in the Philippines. She began as a technical researcher in the Metallurgical Advisory Group during the Macapagal administration and later became Project Manager at Procter & Gamble’s Market Research Department, refining the expertise that would shape her future endeavors.
She co-founded Consumer Pulse (later acquired by AC Nielsen) and TNS Trends, and co-founded Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia, setting new benchmarks for public opinion research in the country. After 42 years in the industry, she retired as Managing Director of TNS Philippines, yet her dedication to social impact continued.
Ahon sa Hirap, Inc., where Mercy is currently president, has already provided 105,000 Nanays with microloans and business training. Her vision, leadership, and commitment to gender equality and community development have created a legacy that inspires generations of Filipinos.
She co-founded Consumer Pulse (later acquired by AC Nielsen) and TNS Trends, and co-founded Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia, setting new benchmarks for public opinion research in the country. After 42 years in the industry, she retired as Managing Director of TNS Philippines, yet her dedication to social impact continued.
Ahon sa Hirap, Inc., where Mercy is currently president, has already provided 105,000 Nanays with microloans and business training. Her vision, leadership, and commitment to gender equality and community development have created a legacy that inspires generations of Filipinos.
EMILY ABRERA
Mansmith CEO Lifetime Achievement Awardee 2026 for Marketing Communications
Emily Altomonte Abrera is a pioneering Filipina advertising executive, cultural advocate, and civic leader whose work has left a lasting imprint on Philippine media and the arts. She made history as the first woman to lead a McCann Erickson agency in the Philippines, serving successively as President, CEO, and later as Chairperson. Under her leadership, the agency produced iconic campaigns, including San Miguel Beer’s “Iba ang may pinagsamahan,” and conducted landmark studies on Filipino youth, men, and housewives, providing deep insights into societal and consumer behavior.
Beyond advertising, Emily championed artistic freedom and open dialogue as Chairperson of the Cultural Center of the Philippines from 2004 to 2018, guiding the institution through significant cultural moments with integrity and resolve. She is also a founding member of the Women’s Business Council Philippines and continues to lead the Foundation for Communication Initiatives, advancing social development through strategic communication.
Emily Abrera’s career reflects courage, innovation, and enduring dedication—strengthening the Philippines’ media, culture, and civic landscape while inspiring generations of leaders and creatives.
Beyond advertising, Emily championed artistic freedom and open dialogue as Chairperson of the Cultural Center of the Philippines from 2004 to 2018, guiding the institution through significant cultural moments with integrity and resolve. She is also a founding member of the Women’s Business Council Philippines and continues to lead the Foundation for Communication Initiatives, advancing social development through strategic communication.
Emily Abrera’s career reflects courage, innovation, and enduring dedication—strengthening the Philippines’ media, culture, and civic landscape while inspiring generations of leaders and creatives.
PET BAUTISTA
Mansmith CEO Lifetime Achievement Awardee 2026 for Strategy
Bienvenido “Pet” Bautista has devoted over four decades to the pharmaceutical and FMCG industries, building a career marked by discipline, vision, and transformative leadership. From starting as a salesman, he steadily advanced through marketing and general management, taking on key leadership roles in Universal Robina Corporation, Kraft Foods South/Southeast Asia, San Miguel Beer, San Miguel Foods, Kraft General Foods Philippines, Warner-Lambert Indonesia, and the Philippine International Trading Corporation – Pharma.
Pet’s career reflects not only business success but also mentorship, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—earning him the Agora Award for Excellence in Marketing Management, the CEO Excel Award, and the Executive of the Year Award from the Philippine Association of Secretaries.
A proud Ateneo de Manila University graduate in Economics with an MBM, and a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Pet exemplifies integrity, expertise, and enduring influence. His lifetime of service continues to inspire generations of leaders, cementing his legacy as a pillar of Philippine business.
Pet’s career reflects not only business success but also mentorship, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence—earning him the Agora Award for Excellence in Marketing Management, the CEO Excel Award, and the Executive of the Year Award from the Philippine Association of Secretaries.
A proud Ateneo de Manila University graduate in Economics with an MBM, and a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Pet exemplifies integrity, expertise, and enduring influence. His lifetime of service continues to inspire generations of leaders, cementing his legacy as a pillar of Philippine business.
PONG EJERCITO
Mansmith CEO Lifetime Achievement Awardee 2026 for Customer Development
Jose Santiago “Pong” Ejercito has devoted over four decades to shaping the FMCG and retail industries in the Philippines and abroad. He began his career at Unilever Philippines in 1977 as a Methods Officer, steadily rising to Sales Director and Board Member, with international assignments as National Sales Operations Controller for Unilever China and Managing Director of Unilever Korea.
In 2012, Pong applied his expertise at SM Retail Inc., consulting on SM Supermarkets and Save More. His strategic guidance transformed store operations, elevated customer service standards, and nurtured future leaders, leaving a lasting imprint on employees, partners, and communities.
An outstanding alumnus of the University of the Philippines and active member of Upsilon Sigma Phi, Pong exemplifies vision, disciplined leadership, and professional excellence. His lifetime of mentorship, innovation, and transformative leadership reflects not only remarkable achievement but also a profound commitment to inspiring future generations, cementing his legacy as a pillar of Philippine business.
In 2012, Pong applied his expertise at SM Retail Inc., consulting on SM Supermarkets and Save More. His strategic guidance transformed store operations, elevated customer service standards, and nurtured future leaders, leaving a lasting imprint on employees, partners, and communities.
An outstanding alumnus of the University of the Philippines and active member of Upsilon Sigma Phi, Pong exemplifies vision, disciplined leadership, and professional excellence. His lifetime of mentorship, innovation, and transformative leadership reflects not only remarkable achievement but also a profound commitment to inspiring future generations, cementing his legacy as a pillar of Philippine business.