top of page

The 45th Agora Awards Celebrates Seven Decades of Leadership, Innovation and Community in Philippine Marketing Excellence

  • 6 minutes ago
  • 4 min read
Mary Faith Abaño, CPM Chairperson, Agora Awards; Kimberly Ann Lim, CPM Asia Director in Charge for Agora:  Michelle Ballesteros, CPM Asia 2026 PMA President; Mary Ann Cortez, CPM Co- Chair, Agora Master Class  and Enrique Pablo "Eric" Caeg, CPM Asia Chairperson, Agora Book
Mary Faith Abaño, CPM Chairperson, Agora Awards; Kimberly Ann Lim, CPM Asia Director in Charge for Agora: Michelle Ballesteros, CPM Asia 2026 PMA President; Mary Ann Cortez, CPM Co- Chair, Agora Master Class  and Enrique Pablo "Eric" Caeg, CPM Asia Chairperson, Agora Book

MANILA, Philippines—In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, evolving consumer behavior, artificial intelligence and increasing demand for purpose-driven leadership, marketing has become far more than a business function. Marketing has become a force that shapes industries, communities and national progress.

Touted as the country’s pioneer trade association, the Philippine Marketing Association is that force, bringing decades of excellence and purpose only the country’s oldest and most respected marketing trade organization can.

To steer the country’s marketers to strive for quality and merit, PMA founded its flagship recognition program—the Agora Awards. Since then, the Agora Awards stands as the ultimate measure of marketing excellence honoring the finest marketers, entrepreneurs, brands and educators that have defined and elevated Philippine marketing across generations.

Now, as the Agora Awards marks its 45th year, it returns with renewed purpose and a resonant campaign theme: “Power of One: One Standard. One Legacy. One Community.”


A LEGACY BUILT OVER SEVEN DECADES 


Founded in 1954, the Philippine Marketing Association has spent over seven decades developing and promoting marketing as a profession, a discipline and a pillar of the Philippine industry. The Agora Awards, PMA’s most celebrated tradition, was established to give name and honor to the individuals and organizations who exemplify what marketing excellence truly means.

Over 45 editions, the Agora Awards has served as the Philippines’ premier marketing recognition program lauding innovative marketers, pioneering entrepreneurs, transformative educators and organizations that continue to elevate the standards of marketing brilliance in the Philippines.

To receive the Agora is to join an elite circle of Filipino marketing legends. Beyond an avenue for visibility, the awards have become a symbol of integrity, innovation and stewardship across industries— a gold standard that the industry looks to for direction, inspiration and affirmation that excellence, done right, endures.


THE 2026 THEME: POWER OF ONE 


This year’s milestone theme carries a powerful and timely message: while excellence often begins with one person, one vision or one idea, its true and lasting impact is realized only when industries and communities move forward together.


“The Power of One represents both individual excellence and collective strength. It is about recognizing the leaders, brands, educators, entrepreneurs and organizations that continue to raise standards while contributing to a stronger, more united marketing community.”

~ Kimberly Ann Lim, 45th Agora Awards Director



At a time when businesses are navigating economic shifts, digital disruption and changing market expectations, the Agora Awards reaffirms the critical role of marketing in driving resilience, trust and long-term growth. Transcending campaigns and branding, marketing today influences culture, education and even nation-building. Furthermore, it allows top minds and dynamic brands leverage purposeful practices to drive sustainable change and uplift communities.




RECOGNITION ACROSS FOUR MAJOR TRACKS


The 45th Agora Awards will honor exceptional achievements across four major tracks, each designed to celebrate the full breadth of marketing’s contribution to Philippine society:


  • Marketing Enterprise Excellence — Honoring organizations whose marketing strategies have driven measurable and meaningful business impact.


  • Marketing Leadership & Luminaries — Recognizing executives and professionals who have led with vision, integrity and lasting industry influence. 


  • Entrepreneurial & Business Ownership Excellence — Celebrating entrepreneurs who have built enduring brands and demonstrated that Filipino enterprise can compete at the highest levels. 


  • Marketing Education — Acknowledging the educators, institutions and academic leaders shaping the next generation of marketing professionals


TWO NEW LANDMARK INITIATIVES

 

As part of its expanded vision for this milestone year, the 45th Agora Awards will introduce two major initiatives designed to deepen industry conversations and preserve Philippine marketing’s living legacy.


Agora Masterclass: The Voices of One

29 July 29 2026

A premier thought leadership platform that will bring together past Agora awardees, industry leaders, innovators and marketing professionals to share insights on emerging trends, digital transformation, leadership and the future of Philippine marketing. More than a conference, the Masterclass will be a living dialogue between the legends who built this industry and the next generation poised to lead it.


Agora Book: The Journeys of One

Launching 26 November 2026

A commemorative legacy publication featuring the stories, insights, defining moments and leadership journeys of past Agora awardees. Equal parts tribute and inspiration, the Agora Book will serve as a definitive archive of 45 years of Philippine marketing excellence, and a compass for the marketers, entrepreneurs and business leaders who will shape the next 45.


KEY DATES


  • 26 May 2026 Official Media Launch — 45th Agora Awards: The Power of One

  • 29 July 2026 Agora Masterclass: The Voices of One

  • 26 November 2026 Awards Night & Legacy Book Launch


Anchored on the idea that every leader and every story contributes to a greater collective legacy, the campaign reinforces the importance of unity, collaboration and unified standards

in charting the industry’s next chapter.


As the Philippine marketing industry continues to evolve in an increasingly connected and competitive world, the Agora Awards remains committed to recognizing those who continuously redefine the status quo through inventive thinking, bold direction and a deep commitment to positive transformation-- proving that the true Power of One lies in its ability to spark growth, leave a lasting legacy and unite people. After 45 years, that truth has never been more relevant.


For updates and event queries, connect with us through:


Philippine Marketing Association: @philippinemarketingassociation.org I Agora Awards on Facebook: @AGORA.AWARDS I Jade Galande of the PMA Secretariat at 09959474790 or through email: jade@philippinemarketing.net.ph

 
 
 

Comments


CONNECT WITH US
facebook.png

ExperienceTravel.PH

1024px-Instagram_icon.png

exptravelph

tik-tok-logo-E3F1A1B69E-seeklogo.com.png

ExpTravelPH

youtube.png
About Us
Experience Travel Logo.png

We are a travel & lifestyle magazine for everyone. Share your own passions, and the travel, food and lifestyle finds along your journey.

Sign-up to Our Newsletter
Cover.png

© 2018 Experience Travel Magazine.

Follow us on Instagram

bottom of page