CCCI honors successful Cebuano entrepreneurs

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) honored several successful Cebuano entrepreneurs, including the woman behind the famous cooking oil brand, during the annual Chamber Awards 2024.

Barbara “Bambi” Gothong-Tan, president and chief executive officer of A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corp., received the most coveted “Entrepreneur of the Year” award.

Gothong-Tan, the woman behind the famous Bambi cooking oil, was formally recognized during the 26th Chamber Awards held at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

In her speech, the president and chief executive officer of A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corp. described entrepreneurship as one of the most honorable professions, emphasizing that for her, succeeding in business is a true calling.

“Let us continue to make an impact to the Cebuano community,”Gothong-Tan urged Cebuano business community who attended the most prestigious business awards in Cebuano.

She paid tribute to her late father, Albino Gothong, who shaped her business acumen, and vowed to carry on his legacy.

“This award is not about me but for the entire A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corp. team,” she said.

ADGMC is the first and only Good Manufacturing Practices-certified fats and oils manufacturing plant in Cebu.

For nearly 50 years, ADGMC has remained a leading force in the Philippine fats and oils industry, particularly in Cebu, where “Bambi Oil” has become a staple in many kitchens.

This year’s “Chamber Awards” also recognized Cebuano business icons Giorgio Bernardo “Gio” Visitacion, founder of Good Cup Coffee Company, as Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year; Kyle Alexander Aznar, CEO of E.B. Aznar Holdings, Inc., as Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Alvin Hing, founder of Excelsior Farms, Inc., as Countryside Entrepreneur of the Year; Bobby Adan, founder of Prutasan ni Adan, as Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year; and Christhea Tim V. De Jesus, COO of Payruler, as Technopreneur of the Year.

Special citations were also given to Julius G. Neri Jr., general manager and chief executive officer of Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), Atty. Anastacio Muntuerto, Jr. and wife Nora Muntuerto of Jardin De Muntuerto, as well as Jamaica B. Diamante, chief operating officer (COO) of Tuburan 360.

The Chamber Awards highlighted the innovative and impactful contributions of Cebu's business leaders, reinforcing the region’s reputation as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence.