The Ramon V. del Rosario Siklab Awards, a collaborative endeavor orchestrated by PHINMA and the De La Salle University (DLSU) RVR College of Business, shone a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of youthful and brilliant entrepreneurs. The distinguished event, which took place on a Tuesday, July 25th, unfolded at The Fifth at Rockwell Events Hall in the vibrant city of Makati.
This year’s RVR Siklab Awards ceremony honored a cohort of trailblazing individuals hailing from diverse domains. Among the esteemed awardees were Ralph Ray Chua, the luminary behind Immuni Global Inc. His pioneering creation, ImmuniPlus, derives its potency from locally-sourced ingredients, procured from the heart of rural and coastal communities. Equally laudable was the recognition of Stephen Co, the mastermind behind Nipa Brew Craft Beers, a venture that crafts exceptional brews infused with indigenous flavors. Not stopping there, Co’s entrepreneurial spirit also shines through as the co-founder and CEO of Worth The Health Foods, which innovates wholesome protein alternatives for beloved Filipino meat dishes. Lastly, Anya Lim, the visionary founder of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, secured her place on the list for her tireless efforts in uplifting weaving communities and preserving the rich heritage of local weaving traditions, seamlessly woven into contemporary wear.
The event graced the presence of notable luminaries, including Maria Teresa Zeller, the Director of PHINMA, Inc., Victor del Rosario, Director of PHINMA Corp., and the accomplished Jose Mari del Rosario, President and CEO of PHINMA Microtel Hotels, Inc. and PHINMA Hospitality, Inc. Further adding to the distinguished assembly were Miguel del Rosario, President and CEO of Toon City, and Br. Bernard Oca, FSC, the esteemed President of DLSU, who also served as the co-chair of the RVR Siklab Awards Board of Judges.
The occasion gained further significance with the presence of individuals who have previously been bestowed with the Ramon V. del Rosario Award for Nation Building. Ambassador Jesus Tambunting and Senen Bacani graced the event, along with 2019 Siklab Awardees Melissa Yeung-Yap, JB Tan, and Gary Ayuste.
The inception of the RVR Siklab Awards took place in 2018, commemorating the centennial birth anniversary of the esteemed late Ambassador and PHINMA Founder Ramon V. del Rosario. This initiative coincided with the PHINMA Group’s jubilant 60th anniversary celebration. Ramon V. del Rosario’s legacy spanned business and diplomacy, marked by his historic roles as the first Filipino General Manager of IBM Philippines, the inaugural Filipino Executive Vice-President of Philam Life, and his distinguished tenure as ambassador to Canada, Germany, and Japan.
The RVR Siklab Awards were conceived with the noble purpose of acknowledging exceptional young entrepreneurs, aged between 25 to 40, who exemplify the ideals of its eponym and have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their respective domains through sustainable ventures that empower and uplift lives.
From a pool of 100 entries this year, the spotlight illuminated only three standout winners. These accomplished individuals not only received the coveted trophy but also secured financial grants of Php 50,000 each, earmarked for the betterment of their communities. As a testament to PHINMA’s commitment to fostering growth, the awardees will also benefit from mentorship opportunities provided by seasoned entrepreneurs and business stalwarts within the PHINMA network, a circle that includes recipients of the esteemed RVR Award for Nation Building.
“Amidst us, a new generation of astute business leaders and nation builders is swiftly emerging, and I am of the conviction that we, who possess the wisdom of experience, should earnestly strive to empower these budding entrepreneurs, facilitating the realization of their boundless potential,” emphasized Ramon R. del Rosario Jr., the Chairman and CEO of PHINMA and co-chair of the RVR Siklab Awards Board of Judges.
He went on to add, “Our aspiration, as encapsulated in the RVR Siklab Awards, is to ensure that the remarkable endeavors of these enterprising young men and women receive the recognition they unequivocally deserve. By bestowing upon them the acknowledgment they’ve earned, we not only instill a sense of pride in their achievements but also nurture the confidence requisite for them to effect positive transformation within our society.”
