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Manila Bulletin devider Property and Living devider 2025: A banner year for Filinvest Group

2025: A banner year for Filinvest Group

Backed by 70 years of enabling dreams, the conglomerate earned multiple awards last year

Published Feb 8, 2026 08:36 pm
At the ULI Summit in Bangkok, Belinda Bentley, managing director of 9Springs and co-chair of this year’s awards; Tracey San Pablo, Sr. Project Development manager, Filinvest City; Bonna Crisostomo, Sr. Project Development manager, Priming and Innovation; and Chris Law, founding director of Oval Partnership and co-chair of this year’s competition
At the ULI Summit in Bangkok, Belinda Bentley, managing director of 9Springs and co-chair of this year’s awards; Tracey San Pablo, Sr. Project Development manager, Filinvest City; Bonna Crisostomo, Sr. Project Development manager, Priming and Innovation; and Chris Law, founding director of Oval Partnership and co-chair of this year’s competition
Filinvest Group’s track record of excellence continues, as the conglomerate has bagged over a hundred local and international awards for its good corporate governance, sustainability, and excellence in people, products, and services. These accolades showcase the group’s collective strength in its businesses and the shared values that guide them.
With businesses spanning real estate, banking, power and utilities, hospitality, sugar milling, and infrastructure, Filinvest Group pursues sustainable growth across its portfolio while creating long-term value for stakeholders.
“At the heart of every recognition is a shared commitment to creating opportunities that matter to Filipinos and make a meaningful difference in their lives,” said Rhoda A. Huang, president and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation. “These awards reflect the work of our people, and we are grateful for their sense of purpose, which guides how we serve our customers and communities across generations.”
While the group’s strengths and achievements were recognized, they also received awards that strongly underscore Filinvest’s continued investment in building strong leaders and inclusive, value-driven workplaces.
At HR Asia Awards 2025, Bing Paraguas, FVP and head of HR Strategy and COE of Filinvest Group; Francis Gotianun, director of FDC and FSVP of Filinvest Hospitality Corp.; and Isabelle Gotianun Yap, director of FDC and VP Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and executive director of EastWest
At HR Asia Awards 2025, Bing Paraguas, FVP and head of HR Strategy and COE of Filinvest Group; Francis Gotianun, director of FDC and FSVP of Filinvest Hospitality Corp.; and Isabelle Gotianun Yap, director of FDC and VP Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and executive director of EastWest
The group’s focus on leadership and people development was reflected in multiple recognitions received by Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC), including the HR Excellence Awards, HR Asia Awards, and the Stevie® Awards for Great Employers.
All four of the group’s publicly listed companies—FDC, EastWest Bank (EWB), Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILT), and Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI)—were among the award recipients, including the Golden Arrow Awards from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), affirming the Group’s continued focus on transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.
In real estate, Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) was awarded Developer of the Year by the FIABCI Philippines Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards, underscoring its leadership and consistency in the industry. Dot Property Philippines also recognized FLI as the Best Developer Visayas and Best Developer Mindanao, highlighting its robust regional presence and performance.
Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI) won Best Residential Renovation at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2025 for Fortune Hill (5 stars). FAI’s Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel was also recognized at the prestigious 2025 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence, earning the distinction of being the sole Philippine winner. Additionally, FAI received Gold Awards from the FIABCI Philippines Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards for the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel (Purpose-Built Category) and Filinvest City (Master Plan Category), highlighting Filinvest’s focus on thoughtful, people-centered design.
Highlighting its efforts to enhance the customer experience through accessible, technology-driven solutions, EastWest Bank was recognized for its focus on digital and consumer banking, earning the Best Digital Ecosystem and Platform award from The Asian Banker Philippine Awards, among other honors this year.
At the 2025 Asian Banking and Finance Awards in Singapore, Carlo Mariano, head of Regional Sales, Financial Markets Distribution Group; Gerald Abrogar, head of Investment Banking; Ivy Uy, head of Branch Banking Group; Jacqueline Fernandez, president; Martin Reyes, head of Marketing and Cash Management; and Gio Cruz, head of Corporate Sales, Cash Management
At the 2025 Asian Banking and Finance Awards in Singapore, Carlo Mariano, head of Regional Sales, Financial Markets Distribution Group; Gerald Abrogar, head of Investment Banking; Ivy Uy, head of Branch Banking Group; Jacqueline Fernandez, president; Martin Reyes, head of Marketing and Cash Management; and Gio Cruz, head of Corporate Sales, Cash Management
In the power sector, FDC Misamis Power Corporation (FDC MPC) was recognized for its strong partnership with host communities and industry stakeholders, earning multiple commendations from the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, local schools, and civic institutions.
Filinvest’s hospitality portfolio took the global recognitions this year, with Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan earning distinctions from the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2025 and inclusion in the Michelin Guide – Hotels, while Enye by Chef Chele Gonzales, located within the resort, was named a Michelin-Selected Restaurant—affirming the Group’s commitment to world-class hospitality and dining experiences.
Receiving the Michelin Selection 2026 award, Didier Belmonte, general manager of Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay; Chef Javier Amador of Enye; and James M. Montenegro, country manager of Chroma Hospitality
Receiving the Michelin Selection 2026 award, Didier Belmonte, general manager of Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay; Chef Javier Amador of Enye; and James M. Montenegro, country manager of Chroma Hospitality
Filinvest Group’s recognitions reflect a shared standard across their companies—principled leadership, thoughtful innovation, and a commitment to creating lasting value by the people who work with dedication every day.

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