VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — GIGIL partners Badong Abesamis, Herbert Hernandez, and Jake Yrastorza were recognized at The Business Manual CEO Awards 2026 in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, for their bold, unconventional, and distinctly Filipino approach to creativity. The three leaders were among ten visionary leaders honored at the awards night organized by the business publication, which carried the theme “Recognizing Vision. Celebrating Leadership. Shaping What’s Next.” The night recognized disruptors and catalysts across different industries.
The honor highlights the creative philosophy that has driven GIGIL since its founding. Following decades of experience in multinational ad agencies, Abesamis and Hernandez decided to open GIGIL 2017, and invited Yrastorza to be their business partner soon after. Their agency holds this belief: that bold and fresh ideas can produce good business results. Today, that belief has translated into an extensive client roster and international accolades earned alongside their bold and brilliant teams, who continue to help evolve the game of advertising.
The agency champions unexpected creative work that stops audiences in their tracks while still feeling distinctly Filipino. Their works for RC Cola, Grab, and Netflix don’t just break the internet or become content for memes–they translate into sales, helping clients achieve measurable business results.
GIGIL holds the record for the most number of APAC Effie Award honors for any agency in the Philippines. The APAC Effies are the gold standard in the marketing effectiveness of advertising campaigns not only in Asia, but also in Australia and New Zealand.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
