DDB Group Philippines Chairman and CEO Gil G. Chua and daughter, Tribal Worldwide Philippines Managing Director Diane Isabel Chua, were both honored as 'Master Entrepreneur' at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards, Philippines Chapter for their successful, purpose-driven business leadership
A TRIUMPH OF LEGACY AND LEADERSHIP: FATHER AND DAUGHTER WIN MASTER ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS
Inamomentousoccasionthatgoes
goesbeyondprofessionaltriumph,a fatherandhisdaughterproudlycelebrate side by side a rare and heartwarming achievement. At the 2024 Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA), Philippines Chapter, GilG.Chua and DianeIsabel Chua were both honored with the prestigious Master Entrepreneur award—an extraordinary recognition of their shared commitment to excellence, innovation,andcompassioninbusiness.
Gil G. Chua, Chairman of DDB Group Philippines and FCT Group, was named Master Entrepreneur Gold winner—a testament to his enduring impact and visionary leadership. This marked the second time he received this honor, having been first recognized at the APEA Regional Edition in Bangkok earlier this year. On the same night, Diane Isabel Chua, Managing Director of Tribal Worldwide Philippines, followed in her father’sformidablefootsteps,earningher own MasterEntrepreneurdistinction.
Together, this father-daughter duo representsthespiritofentrepreneurship that not only drives success but uplifts communities. Their leadership has transformedtheirrespectivecompanies into engines of meaningful change, embodyingtheAPEA’smissiontohonor leaders who build thriving enterprises whileembracingsocialresponsibility
AFather’sDreamFulfilled
Hailing from humble beginnings in Virac,Catanduanes,GilChua’sjourney is a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs. In his heartfelt acceptancespeech,hereflectedonhis earlydaysinadvertisingandhisdream ofcreatingopportunitiesforFilipinos.
That dream has blossomed into a legacy: today, he oversees 17 companies, 27 offices nationwide, and aworkforceofover5,000people.From traditional advertising to integrated marketing communications, logistics, and manpower services, Gil’s business empire thrives on innovation and impact.
He attributes much of this success to empowering others, having nurtured 17 new entrepreneurs within his organization,sharingresponsibilityand fosteringgrowth.
“Our businesses now span creative solutions, logistics, trade promotions, and more,” Gil shared. “But beyond growth and innovation, this award servesasareminderofwhywedowhat wedo—tocreatejobsandinspireothers topursueentrepreneurship.
“...I HOPE OUR STORY SHOWS THAT WITH FAITH AND HARD WORK, ANYONE CAN DREAM BIG AND MAKE IT HAPPEN.”
ADaughter’sVisionfortheFuture
For Diane, the journey is personal and purposeful. Leading Tribal Worldwide Philippines, a DDB company known for pioneeringdigitalandsocialstrategies, shehasbuiltacompanyculturerooted in diversity, empathy, and innovation. Under her leadership, Tribal has become a multi-awarded agency, delivering cutting-edge solutions that resonate with today’s fast-moving
“Ourstrengthliesinourpeople,”Diane said.“Weareatribebuiltonempathy, talent, growth, and integrity. These values fuel everything we do—from creating total experiences for our partners to driving good growth for society.Thisrecognitionbelongstothe incredibleteamthatmakesTribalwhat
Inamovingtributetoherfather,Diane expressed gratitude for the inspiration
“Papa,thisawardisasmuchasyours asitismine.Yourmissiontocreatefair opportunities for Filipinos is embodied inallIdo.Totheyoungergeneration,I want to say this: believe in yourself. Chase your dreams relentlessly. Never let anyone define your worth or limit
ANightofUnmatchedBrilliance
Theeveningwasn’tjustacelebrationof GilandDiane’sindividualachievements —it was also a testament to the collective excellence of DDB Group Philippines.
DDB Philippines was recognized for Corporate Excellence, showcasingitscontinuedleadership intheadvertisingindustry.
Bent and Buzz won the Fast Enterprise award, reflecting its rapid growth and innovative approachtomarketing.
Ripple8 was celebrated as an InspirationalBrand, embodying the group’s commitment to meaningful connections.
These accolades underscore the group’sexceptionalcreativity,business acumen, and people-centered approach.
LegacyintheMaking
For Gil and Diane, this father-daughter victory is more than a milestone—it’s a sharedlegacyofleadership,service,and hope.Astheystoodtogetheronstage,it was clear that their achievements weren’tjustaboutawardsbutaboutthe lives they’ve touched and the opportunitiesthey’vecreated.
PepsiCo Philippines and DDB MNL's "Sting Hataw ang Energy sa Mind at Body" campaign won Gold and Silver metalsintheOmnichannelMarketingas well as Creator/Influencer/Celebrity Marketing categories, respectively, of the 2024 MMA SMARTIES Awards Philippines.
The Omnichannel Marketing category honors the strategic and tactical prowess of using various media touchpoints including TV, print, radio, outdoor, PR, direct marketing, and digital platforms to craft a coherent brandstorythatengagesconsumersat multiplelevelsoftheirjourney.
The Creator/Influencer/Celebrity Marketing category celebrates campaigns that effectively leverage personalities to enhance brand engagement and achieve marketing objectives through authentic and persuasivecollaborations.
OrganizedbyMMA,SMARTIESAwardsis the world’s only innovation award recognizing leaders, brands, agencies, and tech providers that use technology to pioneer new approaches in modern marketing.
With over 800-member companies globally and 16 regional offices, the MMA is the only marketing trade associationthatbringstogetherthefull ecosystem of marketers, martech and media companies working collaborativelytoarchitectthefutureof marketing, while relentlessly delivering growthtoday.
DDB MNL ECD BIA FERNANDEZ TO SEAT IN SPIKES ASIA JURY
DDB MNL Executive Creative Director Bia Fernandezhasbeenannouncedasoneof the industry experts who will be part of theSpikesAsia2025Juries.Shewillbea juror for Audio & Radio, Film, Print & Publishing.
Congratulations,Biaforbeingpartofone of the most prestigious award-giving bodies that set the benchmark for creativeexcellenceintheregion!
RIPPLE8 EARNS SHORTLIST IN CAMPAIGN AOY
Ripple8 was in the coveted "Philippines PR Agency of the Year" ShortlistofCampaign'sAgencyofthe Year 2024 Awards. In recent years, Ripple8 had accumulated Bronze and Silvermetalsinthesaidcategory.
The prestigious Awards recognize inspiring leadership, management excellence, outstanding business performance, and overall achievements in advertising and brand communications.
Congratulations!
DDB GROUP PHILIPPINES EXECS
HEADLINE FEU MARKETING SUMMIT 2024
DDBGroupChairmanandCEOGilChuaandTribal WorldwidePhilippinesManagingDirectorDianeChua graced Far Eastern University's Marketing Summit 2024asresourcespeakers.
Through this discussion, the audience comprising FEU Group of Schools and partners' marketing, communication,andsocialmediaofficerslearnedthe latest trends in digital platform and reinforced their skills and knowledge about digital marketing strategies.
In photo signing the memorandum of agreement are (from right): Group Chief Culture Officer of DDB Group and Managing Director of DDB Philippines and Bent & Buzz, Anna Chua-Norbert; POVEDA Vice Principal Senior High School Rachelle Sususco and POVEDA Senior High School English Team Leader Ojister R. de Ungria; and (leftmost) DDB Group Philippines Corporate Communications Director Cherie Mijares.
POVEDA, DDB GROUP PHILIPPINES PARTNER TO CHAMPION SAFE SPACES AND CREATIVE SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE YOUTH
Recognizing the potential of young womenincreativecommunication,Saint Pedro Poveda College (POVEDA), a leadinginstitutionforfemaleeducation, haspartneredwithintegratedmarketing communications and business solutions network DDB Group Philippines to provide Grade 12 students taking the ABM,HUMSS,andSTEMstrands,withan immersiveworkexperience.
Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration partnership set for the 2024–2025academicyear,studentswill bridgeclassroomlearningwithpractical exposure to the advertising industry, gaining invaluable skills and learning how organizations champion inclusivity andsustainabilityintheirworkculture.
This collaboration aligns with POVEDA’s goal of preparing students for future global opportunities and DDB Group’s dedication to nurturing future creative leadersinasafe,inclusiveenvironment. Both organizations believe in shared responsibility to create a better community that values the dynamic equitable environment for the creative economy.
PovedaVicePrincipalSeniorHighSchool RachelleSususcosaidthattheirschoolis grateful that DDB Group Philippines opened the company for their students' immersionandlearning.
"We are happy and proud to be having DDB Group as our industry partner in furthering the learning of our students. WebelievethatPovediansstandtogain a lot from such a diverse workplace as DDB Group which ensures a safe space fortheirutmostlearning,"saidSususco.
In an industry marred by outdated gender stereotypes, sexual harrassment controversies, and high attrition rates, DDBGroupPhilippinesstandsoutasone of the active voices that champion safe spaces, inclusivity, and creative sustainability. Known for policies that support all genders and prioritize wellbeing, DDB Group continues to break industrybiases.
“We believe that ensuring youth feel secure, valued, and inspired is key to building a thriving creative economy. Safe spaces nurture not only talent but also the confidence to dream bigger,” said Chua-Norbert. “By welcoming students into our professional environment,weallowtheircreativityto thrivewhileupholdingourvaluesoffour freedoms,respect,andexcellence.
As the advertising industry continues to evolve, DDB Group Philippines remains steadfast in its mission to inspire the next generation of creative leaders and drive meaningful progress for the Philippineeconomy.
TRIBAL BRINGS
HOLIDAY CHEER TO CHILDREN OF ERDA
SABANA CENTER IN TONDO
Tribal, clients bring holiday cheer to children of ERDASabanaCenterinTondo
In partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati Valero, Tribal Worldwide Philippines (Tribal) organized a Christmas party for 180 underprivilegedchildrenofERDASabanaCenterin Tondo, Manila. This is the eighth year that Tribal has been supporting ERDA Sabana together with theRotary.
Led by Tribal Managing Director Diane Chua, countontheTribetodeliverafunoutreachactivity where the children enjoyed singing and dancing, and playing games. Everyone received SM and NutriAsianochebuenapacksandJollibeetreats.
The ERDA Sabana kids experienced many hardships this year such as child labor, flooding, andfires.ButthankstoTribalanditsclients,they wereabletoexperienceajoyfulChristmas.
SaBaNa or the SAnayan ng mga BAtang NAnambakan is a development center that empowers children and their families through educationalassistance,capacitybuildingtrainings and livelihood support. It is a project of ERDA EducationalResearchandDevelopmentAssistance) Foundation,Inc.
D DDBGroupPhilippinesbelievesthatChristmas,indeed,isforkids. DBGroupPhilippinesbelievesthatChristmas,indeed,isforkids.
I was on a TBS | Bright Sparks (a junior colleague program) action plan call recently. At the conclusion of the course, each participant committed to a goal, putting their learnings into practice. A return on intelligence to the business. The objectiveofthecallwastoreviewprogress inimplementingtheirgoals.
Afewofthegrowthplansweredevotedto pitching. Following discussion, I offered in parallel to potentially direct some of the group’s considerable energy to growing existingclients.
Looking back on my files surrounding this topic,here’smytenrelationshipprinciples.
1. Honour each other | Successful partnerships are based on respect and trust. All interactions between the client and agency should be characterized by respectandmutualtrust.
2. Have the same common goal | Partnerships thrive when everyone is workingforthesameresults.Makethegoal of each project clear. Ultimately, this will buildbothbusinesses.
3. Profit Is not a four-letter word | Realizewe’rebothinbusinessforthesame reason,financialsuccess.
4. Conduct a formal performance review | Reviews help make good relationships even better. Have reviews at least once a year. Reviews should include in-person meetings as well as written evaluations. Reviews are also a two-way street: Client reviews the agency’s work, and the agency reviews the client’s behaviours towards the development of remarkable creativity. The last formal review I led across the Group’s clients was in2017.Maybeitstimeforanotherroundof DDBPULSE.
5. Make your expectations clear | Clear expectations create clear pathways of responsibility and clear project goals. Clearexpectationsalsocreateameansby whichtomeasureperformanceresults.
6.Learneachother’sbusinesses| I could count on a few fingers, over decades,thenumberofclientswhomadeit their business to really understand how agencieswork.
One stand out global brand I’ve had the goodfortunetoworkonovertheyears,in different markets, knows their agencies’ business as well as their own. That knowledge, to this day, paves the way for insightsandmutualgrowthopportunities.
7. Rebel against the status quo | Change is constant. Keep your client/agency partnership fresh and growing by always looking for ways to generate new ideas, try new approaches, perceivethefamiliarinnewways.
8. Do not kill a new idea | Ideas are valuable and should be respected. Good ideas can come from anywhere at any time. Create a positive environment with your client to grow a new idea into a success. Sadly, too many times, I’ve seen brilliantideasquashedinadvanceofbeing presented, as the team took the view the clientwouldrejectthework.
9. Have fun ... together | Strong partnerships are not just about work. Build client-agencyrelationshipsbyhavingfun, getting to know each other, doing things outside of work. No one seems to prioritize this anymore. When was the last time you heard laughter on a call or during a meeting?Itseemswe’reallbusiness,allthe timethesedays.It’sinourpowertochange this.
10. Live the relationship | This was a comment I remember from my best client. “Ourclient/agencypartnershiptakesplace every day, so get involved. You are each other’s living resources, so rely on one another”.
