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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider "Godfather of Shawarma" recognized as Rising Tigers' "Man of the Year"

"Godfather of Shawarma" recognized as Rising Tigers' "Man of the Year"

Published Oct 7, 2022 12:07 pm

Mr. Walther Uzi Buenavista, President and CEO of Shawarma Shack, has been awarded “Man of the Year” by the most distributed magazine right now in National Bookstores, Rising Tigers during the Rising Tiger Ball.

Starting with a simple food stall at Divisoria night market back in 2015 to now having over 700 branches across the country, there is no doubt that President and CEO of Shawarma Shack, Walther Uzi Buenavista was awarded “Man of the Year” by the Rising Tigers Magazine, during the Rising Tigers Ball.

Mr. Walther Uzi Buenavista poses after receiving his award.

The ceremony was to recognize “Men of The Year” and “Women of Substance” who in their own respective fields have proven to be one of the leaders of this generation to be emulated and be inspired by.

Presentation or Awards Ambassador Jarosaw Szczepankiewicz of Poland; CEO Shawarma Shack Mr. Walther Uzi Buenavista; and Ambassador Peter Kell or New Zealand.

The list of honorees include: Senator Miguel Zubiri, Senator Robinhood Padilla, Capt.  Stanley Ng of Philippine Airlines, Gerald “Gerry” J. Santos of Mr. Freeze Tube Ice , `Ronald Daniel Mascariñas of Chooks2Go, Atty. Salvador Panelo, Leo Ortiz of Glutalipo , Walther Uzi Buenavista of Shawarma Shack, Jeffrey Amurao Geronimo of Aqua Skin, Rico Hizon of CNN, Christian Bautista, Congresswoman Ruth Mariano Hernandez, Jessa Macaraig of The Pretty You, Ghie Pangilinan of Skin Magical, Pia Arellano of Transunion, Sarah Mateo of SPD Jobs, Congresswoman Richelle Singson Michael, and Vice President Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The ball was hosted in the Maynila Ballroom of the historic Manila Hotel, where the former senator and current president Atty. Joey Lina, the main speaker, and Polish Ambassador Jarosław Szczepankiewicz, who had previously represented Poland in Ethiopia from 2008 to 2012, spoke.

Growth, Innovation, and Employment have been the main motivators of Mr. Buenavista in managing the business leading him to be one of the young leaders of this generation and even receiving the “One to Many The Millennial Club Award” by Francorp Philippines back in October 2017.

Besides the three motivators, Mr. Buenavista also believes in “Business is not just about business”, he and the company is also very active in having relief efforts for the Filipinos who were badly hit by natural calamities here in our country earning him multiple recognition:Plaque of Appreciation from the Philippine Coast Guard back in May 2021, The Medal of Valor from the National Capital Region Police Force back in September 2021, The Plaque of Appreciation from Philippine National Police back in October 2021, and recently The Plaque of Appreciation from Philippine Coast Guard – MARSLEC back in September 2022.

From left: Mr. Walther Uzi Buenavista, accompanied by his wife, COO of Shawarma Shack, Ms. Patricia Collantes Buenavista; Shawarma Shack Head of Marketing and Communications, Mr. Ervin Andaya; and Shawarma Shack’s Consultant Mr. Glenn Pasamanero.
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