28/08/2026
Maria Charo Calalo: A Woman of Leadership and Purpose at the InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026
The InCharge Magazine CEO Awards 2026 celebrated leaders whose achievements went beyond titles and professional success, individuals who created opportunities, inspired others, and demonstrated what purposeful leadership could achieve.
Among the distinguished honorees was Maria Charo Calalo, President and National Director of Mrs. Universe Philippines, whose recognition highlighted her significant contributions to the world of pageantry, women’s empowerment, leadership, and community advocacy.
Held on August 27, 2026, at the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila, the awards ceremony brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, government officials, public servants, and personalities from various sectors. Organized by TAG Media Group under the leadership of media entrepreneur Grace Bondad Nicolas, the event was held in celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Indonesia.
Calalo’s leadership in Mrs. Universe Philippines reflects a growing movement that positions pageantry beyond beauty and glamour. Under her leadership, the organization has provided a platform where women can showcase not only confidence and grace but also leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility.
Her recognition at the CEO Awards 2026 underscored the importance of women who use their platforms to inspire others and create meaningful opportunities. As President and National Director, Calalo represents a leadership model that combines vision, public engagement, and the ability to elevate Filipino women on both national and international platforms.
She was honored alongside an impressive roster of leaders representing different industries and sectors.
The Individual Leadership and Industry Excellence awardees included fashion designer Albert Andrada, visual artist and photographer Filbert Diego Kung, content creator and entrepreneur Tommy Tiangco, entrepreneur, business builder and aviator Capt. Mark Tan, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, Sarah Deloraya-Mateo, President and CEO of SPD Jobs, Inc., Glenda Hufano, Past District Governor of Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District, and Elvi Sanchez-Quiazon, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of The Bellevue Hotel.
The awards also recognized distinguished diplomats, including H.E. Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood of Bangladesh, H.E. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke of Germany, H.E. Edgar Rodrigo Rojas Garavito of Colombia, H.E. Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of Malaysia, H.E. Ricardo Luis Bocalandro of Argentina, H.E. Sin Saream of Cambodia, and H.E. Katarzyna Wilkowiecka of Poland.
The Government and Public Service Leadership roster featured Cabinet Secretary Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Defense Secretary Atty. Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., COMELEC Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, BIR Commissioner Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, MMDA General Manager Nicolas D. Torre III, Baguio Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Sta. Margarita Vice Mayor Sol Deloraya, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Mel Senen Sevilla Sarmiento, and Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
The evening also gathered prominent personalities and business leaders, including Aficionado founder Joel Cruz, LGBT icon Barbie Arcache, Rotary Club’s Mache Torres, Manjit Reandi of Camp John Hay, Embassy of Japan Minister of Economic Affairs YOKOTA Naobumi, Dr. Elton See Tan of The E Hotels and Resorts, Robert Laurel Yupangco of Yupangco Group, and Atty. Arnel Mateo of PCCI NCR, together with members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Los Baños.
Through the CEO Awards 2026, InCharge Magazine reinforced a simple but powerful message: leadership is measured not only by what one achieves, but by the people, communities, and industries one inspires along the way.
For Maria Charo Calalo, the recognition was another meaningful milestone in a journey dedicated to elevating women, celebrating Filipino excellence, and proving that leadership can be both influential and purposeful.
