MAKING a name for oneself and being successful in their chosen field is a dream of many individuals and companies. But beyond the higher income and the greater sphere of influence, truly successful entities will always find a way to lift others to greater heights in their journey.
It is this selfless spirit that Malaya Business Insight highlights as it honors the winners of its inaugural “The Living Laurels 2024: The Malaya Business Insight Lifestyle Excellence Awards.” The brainchild of Malaya Business Insight Living Section’s Edison Gonzales, the awards pay tribute to the people that were able to rise above the challenges and build something that has improved the quality of lives of others while pushing their industry forwards.

“It was time, I realized, that a broadsheet company pays tribute to companies, brands, and individuals whose contributions had left an indelible mark on the industry. With a determined step, I set out to bring this vision, The Living Laurels, to life, eager to celebrate and honor their positive impact,” Gonzales said, adding that by paying tribute, “we not only honor their achievements but also celebrate the power of human ingenuity and creativity to shape the world around us.”
“The Living Laurels serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of progress, highlighting how each milestone builds upon the foundations laid by those who came before,” the founder added, noting that paying tribute is an expression of reverence for the journey of progress and an affirmation of the enduring legacy of those who have dared to dream and push the boundaries of what is possible,” he added.

“We want to impart our journalistic spirit to our partners and friends in the lifestyle industry. It is because of you that we are able to write down what I personally enjoy reading about — the human spirit and moreover, the Filipino spirit,” shared Monica Macasaet, vice president for Administration and Finance at Malaya Business Insight.
“The Living Laurels is our way of honoring success as seen through the unique lens of the lifestyle beat. The focus on human interest gives us the opportunity to see the story beyond the story and it is our honor and privilege to highlight their efforts to shape the world into a better place,” said Antonio Isabelo Delos Reyes, senior lifestyle journalist of Malaya Business Insight.

A total of 16 awards spanning 11 categories were given out during the awarding ceremony, which was held at the Escolta Ballroom of Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila. Carefully evaluated and judged by Atty. Samuel Merjudio and Mark Aljon Valdez, RPm, chair and co-chair respectively of The Living Laurels 2024 Selection Committee, the categories spanned different facets related to business and lifestyle such as culinary arts, transforming how people work and play through technology, or helping a community get back on its feet through different collaborative efforts.
Kingsford Hotel and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) received The Pandemic Resilience Award for their efforts to support their industries as the height of the COVID-19 lockdown.

“The board and the management worked very closely to make sure that we fulfill the duty of the institution to the Filipino people, most especially the artists who were very much affected by the pandemic… I’d like to dedicate this award not only to my fellow colleagues at the CCP, but also to the artists who fought very hard during the pandemic and finished victorious,” CCP ad interim president Michelle Nikki Junia said during her acceptance speech.
The Creative Culinary Excellence Award was given to Okada Manila’s Medley Buffet and Palm Grill. These two awardees showcased the depth and breadth of local regional cuisines as well as a continued drive for innovation and exploration.

“Seven years ago, a lot of my peers thought that I was crazy for putting up a restaurant that champions Southern Mindanao cuisine in Metro Manila. I’ve been doing this for the love of the people, their history, their culture, and their cuisine that deserves recognition. What fuels me more now is that there are people who recognize our efforts. This award will be my constant reminder that I am on the right track in serving the best of Mindanaoan specialties one plate at a time,” Palm Grill’s Chef Miguel Cabel Moreno shared.
The Digital Transformation Excellence Award was awarded to computer company Acer Philippines for its use of technology, both mature and cutting-edge to enhance consumer experiences.

Sustainability is now at the forefront of many businesses with many companies trying to minimize their environmental impact. The Sustainable Lifestyle Champion Award was given to Megaworld Hotel and Resorts for its meaningful sustainability efforts which were tailor-fit to suit the needs of its different properties.
People have always wanted to live healthier lives, and this has been made easier today with the numerous advances in health and wellness. The Innovative Health and Fitness Solutions Award was given to Sante International, the company that offers one of the country’s most trusted barley brand.

The workplace should be a safe space where employees are judged solely on their merit and output, with neither race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation playing a role in how the people are treated. The Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award was given to Home Credit Philippines for its efforts to maintain a workplace free from biases and prejudice.
“We believe that there are no small roles and that everyone is important. We value each other regardless of skills, intellect, and talent. Our 15,000-strong workforce across the country is consistently diverse, with a 50-50 split between genders — even in traditionally male-dominated fields such as field collections,” Home Credit Philippines officials said.

The Mental Health and Wellness Advocate Award was given to Watsons Philippines and Nestle Philippines for their efforts to promote well-being and holistic health, particularly in the post-pandemic era.
The pandemic also gave rise to a hybrid work system which saw businesses reduce the days that employees need to physically be at the office, freeing up their time significantly. The SM Supermalls and SM Development Corp. received The Hybrid Work-Life Integration awards for their efforts in finding a balanced approach for productivity in the new normal.

The Arts Visionary and Local Artisan Award aims to honor the ones who shine a spotlight on budding Filipino talents and it is no surprise that the CCP’s The Virgin Labfest would be the recipient. A project aimed at staging plays from unknown playwrights, the Virgin Labfest is considered by many to be the breeding ground of future theatre greats.
“We are proud that many of the playwrights that were featured in the Virgin Labfest have become some of our country’s better-known playwrights. Some have won awards such as the Palanca, and others have been turned into films. We pledge that we will continue to do this over the coming years,” CCP vice president and artistic director Dennis Marasigan shared.

The Joy Delos Reyes Community Impact Award was given to Tanghalang Mandaluyong Inc. and SM Foundation for their works to uplift their communities. Tanghalang Mandaluyong is a youth group that aims to introduce the rudiments of the performing arts among the less-privileged youths. Meanwhile SM Foundation has renovated hospitals, health centers, and schools all over the Philippines.
Finally, The Che Francisco PR Excellence Award, honoring those who have succeeded in developing and managing public image, communication, and reputation, was given to Alex John Aquino from Swissotel Clark in recognition of his efforts as a hotelier over the course of his career.

The afternoon ended with a keynote message from the 14th Vice President of the Philippines and chairperson of Angat Buhay, Atty. Leni Robredo, who was also the recipient of The Living Laurels 2024 Special Award for Public Service Excellence.
“Solidarity — this to me is a crucial ingredient to living. The acknowledgement that none of us ever gets to where we want to be on our own and the commitment to ensure that we will not be the end point of all the good that we gain from the world… We are here to celebrate the groups and individuals who were able to rise above the challenges and build something that has improved the lives of others. Each laurel points towards ways that our honorees defied limitations in order to adapt and thrive in the midst of the new normal,” Robredo shared.