TopNewsAsia April 2025 Cover Story: Celebrating the “Men of the Year”

TopNewsAsia proudly unveils its April 2025 issue, shining the spotlight on six exceptional individuals who are setting new standards in leadership, innovation, and public service. This year’s “Men of the Year” cover story honors movers and shakers who have become the talk of the town—not just for their achievements, but for their relentless work ethic, often burning the midnight oil in pursuit of progress.

From transformative governance to impactful entrepreneurship, each honoree has demonstrated unwavering commitment to excellence:

• George Erwin Mojica Garcia, Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), is lauded for his visionary leadership in reshaping electoral processes, enhancing transparency, and upholding democratic integrity.
• Bienvenido Y. Rubio, Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), is recognized for steering major reforms that modernized customs operations and elevated the country’s trade facilitation standards.
• Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), earns his spot for driving tax reforms that streamlined compliance and boosted public trust in the agency.
• Brian Poe Llamanzares, Chairman of FPJ Panday Bayanihan, is applauded for his trailblazing work in business and philanthropy, empowering communities through innovative social programs and entrepreneurial ventures.
• Raymond “RS” Francisco, Co-founder of Frontrow Philippines, stands out for his entrepreneurial acumen and continued efforts in promoting wellness, proving that business success can go hand in hand with social impact.
• Samuel Salonga Verzosa Jr., also known as Sam Verzosa Jr., Co-founder of Frontrow Philippines and dedicated public servant, is celebrated for his unique ability to bridge the worlds of enterprise and civic duty with purpose-driven initiatives.

Our National Gem: Jewelmer Celebrates its 45th Anniversary in partnership with Mercedes-Benz

On September 12, 2024 at the Mercedes-Benz Showroom BGC, Jewelmer celebrated its 45th Anniversary. The CEO of Jewelmer Jacque Branellec, COO of CATS Group of Companies Frankie Ang, Grace Ang, and the Country Head of Inchcape Philippines Alex Yap unveiled the 2024 GLE 450 AMG Line. 

Jewelmer was established in 1979 by Jacques Branellec, a French pearl farmer, and Manuel Cojuangco, a Filipino entrepreneur, exceptional South Sea pearls are the centerpieces of the celebrated Jewelmer brand. Jewelmer has grown globally to represent a world of rarity and enduring elegance. Each Jewelmer pearl is a culmination of 377 steps over five years of dedicated care.

Asia Leaders Awards “Men and Women of Power and Purpose List” at the cover of Rising Tigers Magazine August -September 2024 issue

Tag Media Group, publisher of Rising Tigers Magazine and Producer of Asia Leaders Awards when conceptualizes an activity, it must be different from the previous. The team who are composed of young and dynamic leaders will not settle for less. So for the Asia Leaders Awards this year with a theme “Men and Women of Power and Purpose” List, showcasing sustainability, peace and economic strength, the team partners with the Indonesia Embassy headed by His Excellency Indonesia Ambassador Agus Widjojo. 

The event’s welcome address was delivered by the co owner of Rising Tigers Magazine, Dr. Brian Poe Llamanzares and mentioned that he is proud for the magazine’s frequent presentation of featured leaders, it means  that more people can be reached to influence and to do more good for the country by being inspired by these leaders we have today. 

Rising Tigers Magazine Reached New Milestone With 4th Magazine Signing Event

The 4th Magazine Signing of Rising Tigers Magazine this year held today at National Book Store, SM Megamall with the current featured leaders headed by Editor-in-chief  Grace Bondad Nicolas. 

Featured leaders includes Cory Navarro, Camille Navarro Makasiar, Anna Magkawas, John Calub, Jenny Lin Maaño Ngai, Millet Cruz and Merle Mendoza Balicao. 

The event was the most well attended celebration since the scholars of philanthropist Cory Navarro showed their support and the followers of social media sensation Millet Cruz strongly head to the venue for their idol. 

Making HerStory

Rising Tigers Magazine will have the first magazine signing at National Bookstore, SM Megamall on April 2, 2024 and headed by it’s Editor-In-Chief and President, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas. 

Grace just launched her very own Coffee Table Book last February 10, 2024 at the same venue, her second launch after 2021. 

Rising Tigers is the most circulated business and lifestyle magazine in National Bookstores right now and also at Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounges. 

The April 2 event is just one of the so many launches under Rising Tigers for this year to promote the Philippines as the premier business hub in Asia through the stories of these leaders. Confirmed to attend are the  following;

Rising Tigers: Filipino-owned Magazine goes to Taiwan.

The Top Executives of a proudly Filipino-owned Magazine Rising Tigers went to one of Asia’s Tiger Countries, Taiwan. 

According to the Corporate Finance Institute, Taiwan is one of the Four Asian Tigers that have steadily retained a high rate of economic growth since the 1960s, joining the ranks of the richest countries in the world. Taiwan is one of the pioneers in the manufacture of electronic components and computers. The country’s economic growth became a model for developing nations, specifically Southeast Asia’s Tiger Cub Economies, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Top Executives of Rising Tigers Andrew Troy Nicolas, Grace Bondad Nicolas, Andria Terese Nicolas, and Alexa Tracy Nicolas flew to Taiwan sponsored by the flag-carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL).

Tag Media Group on Net25s Trailblazer Awards: The Philippines is Open for Business

President of Net25 Ceasar Vallejos, Brian Poe
Llamanzares, Tag Media Group
President Andrew Troy Nicolas

On January 25, 2024,  Net25 held their very first Trailblazers Awards at the EVM Convention Center. The Awards is the first collaboration between Net25 and Tag Media Group marking a milestone for both Media Companies. 

The Awards are presented by Tag Media Group CEO Andrew Troy Nicolas and Net25 President Caesar Vallejos.

The Awardees are leaders from different industries, namely Dr. Brian Poe Llamanzares Author of A Sustainable Future, Ramon Ang President of San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Airlines President Capt. Stanley Ng, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia, Glenda Dela Cruz CEO of Brilliant Skin, Walther Buenavista President of Shawarma Shack, George Royeca Founder of Angkas, Robert Laurel Yupangco President of Zoomanity Group, Ferdinand Vincent Co President of Puregold, Josh Mojica Owner of KangKong Chips Original, Sarah Mateo President of SPD Jobs, Dr. Elton See Tan of E-Hotels and many more.

JC Founders Jonathan So and Carlito Macadangdang recognized as Captains of Industry and Asia Leaders

On January 7, 2024, Asia Leaders Awards and Rising Tigers Magazine honored the founders of JC with more than 3,000 members are present. The event 'JC Go Global Kick-Off 2024' was held at the Metrotent. 

Asia Leaders Awards board that were present are H.E Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Bin Castelino, Tag Media Group CEO Andrew Troy Nicolas, and Tag Media Group COO Grace Bondad Nicolas. Rising Tigers Top Management, CMO Andria Terese Nicolas, Rising Tigers Co-Owners Atty. Arnel Mateo, and Sarah Mateo. 

The Dragon Rises: Rising Tigers Magazine welcomes the Year of the Dragon

Rising Tigers Magazine launched at 2022 on the year of the Tiger. The Magazine is currently the most distributed Leadership Magazine in the Philippines. The growth of the Magazine was due to the stories of the Top Business Leaders, Public Servants and Prominent figures of the country. In just two years, the Magazine expaneded to more National Bookstore branches and successfully penetrated different industries in the Country. Philippine Airlines became one of its strongest partners, and now the Magazine is available in all Mabuhay Lounge as one of their many milestones.

As we enter 2024, Rising Tigers welcomes the year of the Wood Dragon. The dragon symbolizes power, nobleness, honor, and luck. It is a supernatural being with no parallel for talent and excellence.  

According to China Highlights, Because of the Dragons knowledge, power and capability, people are willing to take orders from them. They are best suited leaders of the world with their character traits of dominance and ambition. They are also ambitious, and have a strong drive to realize their dreams and they are adventurous. Once goals are settled, they will try their best to fight for success. Their eloquence and passion make their speech authoritative. They have another gift - their innate luck, which will help them achieve their goals. They are people of charm, so they can always win another's heart easily.

Business Exclusive: Prominent figures and Country’s Industry Leaders gathered at Asia Leaders Awards 2023 to witness the grand event.

Asia Leaders Awards was held on November 20, 2023, at the historical Manila Hotel. 

Leaders all gathered to witness the country's annual award-giving body. Out of thousands of nominees, there were only 20 leaders who were meticulously chosen by the board.

The biggest names in business at Asia Leaders Awards

What does Kevin Tan of Megaworld, Ernesto Tanmantiong of Jollibee and Ronald Mascariñas of Chooks to Go have in common? They were all previous honorees of Asia Leaders Awards. 

To be presented by the different embassies in the Philippines and the tycoons from different industries, Asia Leaders Awards will celebrate the world-class business leaders once again this coming November 23, 2023 to highlight these icons who keeps on winning in-spite of the challenges. 

Captains of Industries

A captain of industry was a business leader whose means contributed positively to the country in some way. This may have been through increased productivity, expansion of markets, providing more jobs, or acts of philanthropy. 

Rising Tigers Team Made Waves In Seoul, Korea

The board and co-owners of Rising Tigers Magazine visited Korea as part of the Philippines Korea Economic Council (PhilKorec) business delegation. 

Representing their own companies; Robert Laurel Yupangco of Yupangco Group, Brian Poe Llamanzares of Pantheon Holdings, Atty. Arnel Mateo of ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting Inc., Sarah Mateo of SPD Jobs, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas of Tag Media Group and Andria Terese Nicolas of Rising Tigers Magazine Inc. 

The delegation goal is to expand their business through partnership or joint venture with the companies in South Korea. 

Activities includes the company visits in the following to check their technology; SD Bio Technologies, HD Hyundai Energy Solution and Deepnoid. 

PhilKorec Visits Korean Global Knowledge Exchange & Development Center

The attendees in the trade mission under Philippines Korea Economic Council (PhilKorec) enjoyed the Korea history when they visited the Global Knowledge Exchange & Development Center (GKEDC) in Korea. It’s an eye opener and an inspiration since the people of that country transformed Korea from one of the poorest country in Asia to one of the biggest trade supplier globally with known and popular brands trailblazing from different industries such as Hyundai, Samsung, Etude House and Kia among others with Samsung defends crown as South Korea's most valuable brand at US$82.7 billion. Samsung retained its title of being the most valuable brand in South Korea despite recording a decrease in brand value by 7% to US$82.7 billion.

Why Everybody Loves Cosmetics in Korea

Famous in Korea, aside from the barbecue’s, korea novels and K Pop, above all is cosmetics. 

Korean products are significantly cheaper than their western counterparts because manufacturing costs are lower in Korea. There are many skilled Filipinos also working in this tiger country and enjoying their stay. There is also stiff competition between companies to offer the “best for less”. 

Beauty-obsessed Koreans are always on the lookout for the next “Big Thing” in skincare. Same as Filipinos who have an extra income to provide good skincare for them, some will use the Korean products as it’s known for quality and effectiveness. 

Robert Yupangco Leads Philippines Korea Economic Council Trade Mission

The richest chamber in the country under Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) headed by Chairman Robert Laurel Yupangco is PhilKorec or Philippines Korea Economic Council with currently more than 200 members goes to Korea and brought more than 40 of its members headed by the officers of the council from August 15-20, 2023. 

The second activity for this administration, the trade mission goal is to have partnership between the entrepreneurs in Philippines and Korea with first stop at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul with Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC). Her Excellency, Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega together with her team in Korea made sure that the Philippine delegation will feel at home and invited different businesses in Korea to meet with their counterparts from the Philippines. 

Rising Tigers Magazine is officially covering Sports

Manila Golf and Country Club—The huge success of the first Rising Tigers Cup under Rising Tigers Magazine has been held in the most prestigious and ultra exclusive golf course in the country, with membership estimated valued at Php 185M thus an epitome of success just fit for the venue to showcase greatness. 

Attended by the businessmen, tycoons from all around the country and diplomats, the first golf tournament which is powered by Tag Media Group, the mother company of Rising Tigers Magazine started with a sumpteous Filipino buffet breakfast and a welcome remarks by the grandson of former Philippine President Jose P. Laurel and part of the board of Rising Tigers, Robert Laurel Yupangco. He mentioned that the event is not just about sports but also to meet liked minded leaders to network and have fun. 

Rising Tigers released its tournament invite video featuring Brian Poe, Michael Pacquiao, Andria Nicolas and Ambassador of Malaysia.

Rising Tigers Magazine enters sports through its Golf Tournament, Rising Tigers Cup. The country’s leading business and lifestyle Magazine officially announced entering sports through an invite video that was recently released in their Facebook and Instagram pages. The video features Rising Tigers Co-Owner Brian Poe, Creative Director Michael Pacquiao, Chief Marketing Officer Andria Nicolas and H.E Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony.

The Magazines Co-Owner Brian Poe Llamanzares invites everyone to support and join the tournament.

Richie Cuna Proves He's An Exceptional Entrepreneur With Successful Brands

It comes as no surprise that another recognition for the CEO and founder of Milkin Corporation, Mr. Richie Cuna is on the way, because of establishing three reliable and resilient brands Fiorgelato, Donburimix, Kurimi Milk Tea Bar.

They say for anyone to be successful in business, it takes instincts more than academic preparation to make it work. But our seasoned entrepreneur is quick to dispel that myth. He used both his academic preparation and wisdom gained from experience, to propel Milkin Corporation to its meteoric rise in the most unprecedented time in Philippine business history.

Since 2019, during the height of the Covid 19 lockdowns, the company has seen dynamic growth which is happening despite the discomfort brought about by challenges of the pandemic and post-pandemic. Clearly a big adjustment had to be made from the traditional business set-up to the hybrid model. But his experience to navigate uncharted waters in business, while simultaneously building pillars for community development, makes him a wizard at handling uncertainty. His vast network includes local and international affiliations. His most notable roles are composed of being a founding member of ICSB International Council for Small Business ( Founding Director), PCCI Qc ( Board of Trustee), PFA ( Philippine Franchise Association) Franchise Director for NCR. These functions helped him execute a strategic economic development plan.

Rising Tigers Magazine Welcomes Award-Winning Entrepeneurs Atty. Arnel and Sarah Mateo

The most distributed magazine right now at National Bookstores and now at all Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge, Rising Tigers adds two more partners in their ever-growing team. 

Award winning entrepreneurs and civic leaders; Atty. Arnel and Sarah Mateo are now co-owners and promise to add value in the company. Both successful business people under their own companies; SPD Jobs and ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting Inc., one of Philippines’ leading data privacy firms and one of the institutional privacy trainers accredited by the National Privacy Commission. Established in 2017, ADM & Partners provides data privacy protection, compliance and legal services to several government offices and private businesses while SPD Jobs, Inc., provide business solutions to clients (such as e-commerce, inventory systems and websites), propelling sustainability and providing decent jobs to Filipinos.