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Welcome to the ALB Philippine Law Awards 2021!
Asian Legal Business congratulates all the winners and finalists at the ALB Philippine Law Awards 2021. Now you can purchase our official items. For more details, please click on the "BOOK NOW" tab above.
Date: 19 November 2021, 8pm
VIRTUAL EVENT
Asian Legal Business (ALB) is proud to present the 6th Annual ALB Philippine Law Awards 2021! Held online on 19 November 2021, this virtual award promises to be a memorable celebration of the outstanding work done by private practitioners and in-house teams across the Philippines and the region.
We invite you to join an exceptional online awards experience all from the comfort of your homes. Stay tuned for more updates!
WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED. Congratulations to all law firms and in-house teams who made it to the list.
For queries regarding event
Contact: Lokesh Bogati at lokesh.bogati@thomsonreuters.com
For sponsorship opportunities and audience profiles in the past awards
Contact: Amantha Chia at amantha.chia@tr.com or +65 6973 8258
Categories
CATEGORIES
Submissions for ALB Philippine Law Awards 2021 are now closed.
DEAL CATEGORIES
Debt Market Deal of the Year (Midsize/Premium)
Equity Market Deal of the Year (Midsize/Premium)
M&A Deal of the Year (Midsize/Premium)
Project Finance Deal of the Year (Midsize/Premium)
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
Data Privacy and Protection Lawyer of the Year (NEW)
Dealmaker of the Year
Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year
In-House Lawyer of the Year
Managing Partner of the Year
Woman Lawyer of the Year
Young Lawyer of the Year
IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES
Banking and Financial Services In-House Team of the Year
Compliance and Risk Management In-House Team of the Year (NEW)
Data Privacy and Protection In-House Team of the Year
PMFTC Award Innovative In-House Team of the Year
Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
Philippine In-House Team of the Year
FIRM CATEGORIES
Anti-Trust and Competition Law Firm of the Year (NEW)
Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year
Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
Data Privacy and Protection Law Firm of the Year (NEW)
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year (NEW)
Immigration Law Firm of the Year
Innovative Technologies Law Firm of the Year
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
International Law Firm of the Year
Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year
Litigation Law Firm of the Year
Philippine Deal Firm of the Year
Projects, Energy and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year
Rising Law Firm of the Year
Maritime Law Firm of the Year (NEW)
Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year
Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year
Transportation and Logistics Law Firm of the Year
Philippine Law Firm of the Year
Submit Today
SUBMISSION FORMS
Submissions are closed
IMPORTANT DATES
Opening of submissions – August 17, Tuesday
Deadline for submissions – September 17, Friday
Announcement of finalists – October 15, Friday
Awards night – November 19, Friday (WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED!)
SUBMISSION INQUIRIES
Lokesh Bogati
Events Researcher
Phone: +91 22 6841 4325
Email: lokesh.bogati@thomsonreuters.com
Judges
JUDGES
Each year, ALB invites an independent judging panel of senior and expert legal industry leaders from various sectors corresponding to the diverse list of award categories. ALB is pleased to introduce some of the distinguished judges. The rest of the panel will be revealed on the evening of the awards.
April Raimundo
Legal and Compliance Director, Greystar
April Raimundo is the Legal and Compliance Director for Greystar’s Asia-Pacific business and its first employee in Singapore. In this role, she oversees Greystar’s Code of Conduct and regulatory compliance program in the region. In addition, April spearheads legal structuring, investor documentation, and acquisition activities as Greystar, the global leader in residential housing starts to invest across the region. Prior to Greystar, April spent 8 years at EFA Group as Chief Legal and Compliance officer and served as a member of the company’s executive committee. During her private practice career, April was in the corporate and commercial group of Quisumbing Torres, a member firm of Baker McKenzie.
April is qualified to practice law in England, Wales, and the Philippines. She was named one of 5 in house counsels in the 2016 edition of ALB’s 40 Under 40 Asia’s best young lawyers. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of the Philippines where she was awarded the Dean's Medal for Academic Excellence. She also has a BS in Legal Management from the Ateneo de Manila University and attended executive development courses in various institutions including Harvard Business School. She sits in the International Relations Committee and Public Law Help Committee of the Law Society of Singapore.
Barney Almazar
Head of Commercial Practice, Gulf Law Philippines, UAE, UK and Portugal
Barney Almazar is the Philippines' inaugural ALB Young Lawyer of the Year in 2016 and Young Lawyer of the Year for South East Asia in 2017.
He is the head of the commercial practice of Gulf Law in the Philippines, UAE, UK and Portugal.
Just recently, he was appointed as chief counsel for a US$ 1.5 billion acquisition of a payment aggregator group with operations in the Middle East and Europe. He is also teaching business law at Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates.
Barney Almazar was awarded as one of Philippines’ The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for law and commended by the Philippine Senate for his contribution in protecting the interests of more than 3 million overseas Filipino workers.
Ben Ferdinand Cruz
Asia Cluster ERC Head, Sandoz
Has extensive legal training and professional work experience for 14+ years now as a Commercial Law practitioner and Compliance and Business Ethics expert in various corporate settings: both in private local and multinational corporations (MNCs), the Philippines’ SEC, government-owned and controlled corporation, and also in the academe.
Experienced country Legal & Compliance professional with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceutical industry, and is currently responsible for countries in Asia, which include Bangladesh, Maldives & Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines as ASIA Cluster Ethics, Risk & Compliance (ERC) Head for Sandoz.
As an in-country Legal head in the Philippines, Ben is skilled in corporate legal work and housekeeping, contracts & negotiation, taxation, risk management, business ethics compliance, banking and securities, labor and employee relations, private international business transactions, foreign investments, due diligence, data privacy and protection, antitrust, M&A, immigration, government tender, among others.
![Edgar](/sites/default/files/inline-images/file.jpeg)
Edgar S. Tordesillas
General Counsel, Sun Life Financial Philippines
Atty. Edgar S. Tordesillas has been appointed as General Counsel for the Sun Life Financial Philippines group effective on 03 March 2011.
As General Counsel, Atty. Tordesillas is a member of Sun Life’s Philippine Leadership Team and has overall responsibility for the legal, compliance, privacy, corporate secretarial and government affairs of Sun Life Financial Philippines. He provides professional advice and strategic counsel on both local and international bases in the interest of the group, and champions increased awareness and commitment towards mitigating legal and reputation risks.
Ed has worked mostly with various financial institutions (insurance, private equity firms) after his stint with private law firms. Prior to joining Sun Life, Ed was the Vice President for Legal and Compliance of Manulife Philippines. He has held similar posts at Asian Life and General Assurance Corporation (formerly GE Life), and Asian Life Financial Assurance Corporation. He was the Executive Director of All Asia Capital Managers, Inc., where he was heavily involved in legal due diligence on prospective investments. He also worked for ATR Kim Eng Partners, Inc. as Trust Counsel where he took the lead role in the development of the company's first Unit Investment Trust Fund. He worked as an associate at De Borja Medialdea Ata Bello Guevarra and Serapio Law Offices and Bernas Law Office before moving to the financial services industry.
Ed graduated from the University of the Philippines with a B.S. Business Administration degree (1981). He obtained his Bachelor of Laws from the Ateneo de Manila University (1990), and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 1991. He was granted the Chartered Financial Analyst designation by the CFA Institute, USA, in 2000.
![Fernando Penarroyo](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Penarroyo%20Photo.jpg)
Fernando S. Penarroyo
Group Legal Counsel and General Manager for Business Development, Polyard Petroleum International Group Co. Ltd.
FERNANDO S. PEÑARROYO is the Group Legal Counsel and General Manager for Business Development of Polyard Petroleum International Group Co. Ltd, a Hong Kong-listed company which operates the Alegria petroleum project, the Philippines’ first and only commercial onshore oil development and production. He is also the Managing Partner at the Peñarroyo and Palanca Law Offices.
He serves as the Presidential Adviser on Energy for the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. He is also the Vice President of the Philippine Mining and Exploration Association and former Director of the International Geothermal Association. He was former President of the Geological Society of the Philippines. He is actively involved as officer and legal counsel in industry associations like the National Geothermal Association of the Philippines, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, Philippine Petroleum Association of the Upstream Industry, and Philippine Chamber of Coal Mines. He lectured at the Asian Institute of Technology, MBA-JD Program of the De La Salle-FEU Institute of Law, and the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Sciences.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Geology and Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines, and Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne. He also has a Diploma in Petroleum Exploration from the Norwegian Institute of Technology, a Certificate in Oil and Gas Financial Management from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a Certificate in International Nuclear Law Essentials from the National University of Singapore.
![GMT](/sites/default/files/inline-images/GMT%20Picture%20%28002%29.jpg)
Geraldine Meneses-Terrible
Senior Corporate Counsel – SEA, Jones Lang LaSalle
Geraldine Meneses-Terrible is the Senior Corporate Counsel for South East Asia of Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a global commercial real estate services company. She provides legal support to the management and business lines of JLL on various commercial, operations, compliance and regulatory issues, as well as acquisitions, restructuring and cross-border transactions in South East Asia.
Prior to working as an in-house counsel, she was a Senior Associate at Fortun Narvasa & Salazar where she performed corporate and litigation work. She has more than 13 years of litigation and commercial law experience.
Geraldine obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines where she graduated cum laude, and earned her law degree from San Beda College.
![Jay](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jay%20Santiago.jpg)
Jay Patrick R. Santiago
Country General Counsel, Kyndryl
Jay Patrick R. Santiago is an independent ADR practitioner based in the Philippines. He is an attorney in the Philippines and a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with over 12 years of legal experience in Hong Kong and Manila.
Jay is an accredited arbitrator of the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, the Philippine International Center for Conflict Resolution, and the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution of the Philippines, which qualifies him to be an arbitrator in arbitrations involving government agencies in the Philippines. He has performed various roles in arbitral proceedings–as a party representative, a tribunal secretary, and an arbitrator. He is part of the Expert Pool of the Benchmark Chambers International & Benchmark International Mediation Center (深圳市蓝海法律查明和商事调解中心). He is a member of the Professional Development & Education Committee of the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution. He is currently an Ambassador of the International Bar Association’s (IBA) Asia Pacific Arbitration Group and a Country Representative of the Asia-Pacific Forum for International Arbitration.
Jay authored chapters in various publications, including the Asia Mediation Handbook (Sweet & Maxwell, 2015), Foreign Investment and Investment Arbitration in Asia (Intersentia, 2019), Baker McKenzie International Arbitration Yearbook (2011-2013, 2020-2021), and Arbitration in Asia (published in Russian) (Kiaplaw, 2021). He regularly speaks at Mandatory Continuing Legal Education seminars in the Philippines and international conferences in the Philippines and abroad.
![Jun P Bautista](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jun%20photo_1.jpg)
Jun P Bautista
Counsel
King & Spalding (Singapore) LLP
Jun Bautista is counsel in King & Spalding’s Singapore office, and is a member of the International Arbitration practice group. He has represented clients across a number of industries in international arbitrations under various rules. He has been recognized by Chambers, Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal.
Prior to joining King & Spalding, Jun was based in Hong Kong and worked in the international arbitration groups at Herbert Smith Freehills and Baker Botts. He was also the founding director of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution in Singapore, an associate at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, and a law clerk for Justice Conchita Carpio Morales at the Supreme Court.
Jun has been teaching international arbitration in the Philippines since 2009. He is a founding member and a former co-chair of HK45, the HKIAC’s young practitioners’ group. He is also a member of the ICC Taskforce on the New York Convention.
![Enojo Mark](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Enojo_Mark_0.jpg)
Mark Enojo
Head of Compliance - Zone ASEAN
Head of Legal and Compliance - Philippines
Siemens Healthineers
Mark Enojo is the Head of Compliance in ASEAN and concurrently the Head of Legal and Compliance in the Philippines of Siemens Healthineers, a leading publicly listed medical technology company headquartered in Germany. He started his career in various law firms: Ponce Enrile Reyes & Manalastas in the Philippines and the Vietnam offices of Kelvin Chia Partnership and Mayer Brown, mainly focusing on M&A and corporate law. Prior to working for Siemens Healthineers, he was with the business process outsourcing sector through RR Donnelley and then SPi Global (now, Straive). He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Juris Doctor degrees from the Ateneo de Manila University and where he also serves as a professorial lecturer in the Civil Law and Political Law departments at the School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the Philippines and previously held a foreign practicing license as a lawyer in Vietnam.
![Maria Lim](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Maria%20Lourdes%20P.%20Lim_0.jpg)
Maria Lourdes P. Lim
Vice Chairman & Tax Managing Partner, PwC Philippines
Malou leads the tax practice of the Philippine office. She has more than 25 years of professional and extensive experience in providing tax services for various multinational and local companies of different industries such as Financial Services, Real Estate, Consumer & Industrial Products and Services (CIPS), Business Process Outsourcing, Energy, Oil & Gas.
Her core experience includes corporate structuring and taxation, with emphasis on in-bound and out-bound investment planning; cross-border acquisitions; advisory on the application and interpretation of domestic laws on tax, investment, corporate and securities regulations; restructuring/reorganization; mergers & acquisitions; tax due diligence/tax health check review; tax assessments and refund claims
Prior to joining the firm, her other professional experience includes working as an accountant and as a financial analyst. She earned her degree in Bachelor of Laws from San Beda University, Manila. Prior to law, she finished Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) at the Philippine School of Business Administration. She has completed the Comparative Tax Policy and Administration Program at the Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Asia Leadership Program at INSEAD Singapore and attended various PwC training & conferences.
Being both a CPA and a lawyer, Malou maintains active memberships at the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. She was the 2017 Past President of the Tax Management Association of the Philippines (TMAP). During her term, TMAP actively participated as resource speaker during the deliberations of the House of Representatives and Senate on the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) which became effective on 01 January 2018.
She is also a resource person on other tax reform legislations including the Tax Amnesty Act, which was signed into law on 14 February 2019; the bills on Tax Reform for Attracting Better and Higher Quality Opportunities (TRABAHO), the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (CITIRA); and the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Act (PIFITA).
![Maria Zarah R. Villanueva-Castro](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Maria%20Zarah.jpg)
Maria Zarah R. Villanueva-Castro
Vice President & Head, Corporate Legal
Manila Electric Company
Atty. Maria Zarah R. Villanueva-Castro is a Vice President and currently heads the Corporate Legal Office of the Manila Electric Company which renders corporate legal work for Meralco and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
She also serves as the Corporate Secretary of the One Meralco Foundation, Meralco Pension Fund, Meralco Employees Savings and Loan Association, Meralco Employees Fund and Charity Inc., Comstech Integration Alliance, Inc. and Pure Meridian Holdings, Inc.
She obtained pre-law degree, BA Political Science, from the University of the Philippines and her law degree from San Beda University where she graduated as Class Valedictorian. She is also a professor of law at San Beda University and Ateneo de Manila University where she teaches Commercial Law Review. She is also an author and a bar review lecturer.
![Maria](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Maria%20.png)
Maria Mercedes A. Maglaya
General Counsel and Acting Compliance Officer
PNOC Exploration Corporation
A Lawyer by profession, Marmee started her career with ESS Manufacturing Company Inc. as Legal Editorial Analyst IN 2004. Thereafter, she worked for the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) starting of as an Associate Solicitor II and eventually as State Solicitor II. Marmee’s experience in OSG carries with her several years of practice in litigation, and was part of the Special Committee on Naturalization which interviewed and evaluated applicants for Filipino Citizenship. She was also detailed to the Department of Justice as an Assistant to then Justice Secretary.
In 2012, Marmee shifted to corporate practice when she joined PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC EC) as Legal Counsel. She was promoted Manager of the Legal Department in 2019, and was appointed as General Counsel and Acting Compliance Officer in 2021.
As the current General Counsel and Acting Compliance Officer of PNOC EC, Marmee provides legal guidance to PNOC EC’s Board of Directors and top management, and is responsible for the general legal direction of the company. She is the chief negotiator of all agreements specific to the oil, gas, and coal industry as well as other contracts being entered into by the Company. Marmee earned both her Bachelor of Laws and undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
![Ruben](/sites/default/files/inline-images/RTR_Web_pic.png)
Ruben Del Rosario
Managing Partner, Del Rosario & Del Rosario
Ruben Del Rosario has extensive experience in maritime litigation including dry and wet work, personal injury, labour, insurance, multimodal transport and arbitration. He is managing partner of Del Rosario & Del Rosario which has won accolades as the best maritime law firm in the Philippines. DelRosarioLaw and its affiliate, Del Rosario Pandiphil Inc. represents practically all of the Protection and Indemnity Clubs, marine insurers and all types of shipping companies. Del Rosario has handled most of the major maritime casualties in the Philippines and also abroad when Filipino seafarers are involved. The founder of DelRosarioLaw, Arturo M. Del Rosario Sr has represented maritime firms since 1946.
Ruben has long been recognized as a leading authority in maritime and admiralty law and was named in AsiaLaw’s top 100 lawyers in the Philippines for the year 2018. He is an accredited maritime arbitrator and founded the Philippine Maritime Voluntary Arbitrators Association. He has been president of various maritime, legal and civic organizations. He has lectured on maritime issues in various international conferences in the Philippines and abroad.
![Ryan](/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-9440.jpg)
Ryan Co
Deputy General Counsel, Kumu
Atty. Ryan Co is one of the pioneering in-house legal counsels for start-up technology companies in the Philippines. He currently serves as Deputy General Counsel for Kumu, Inc. where he works with external counsels and attends to legal matters concerning markets in the Asia-Pacific Region. He also previously served as Country Legal Counsel for Shopee Philippines and other SEA Group entities which includes Garena, and AirPay. Prior to his technology law practice, he was into real estate where he served as Legal Director at Santos Knight Frank, Senior Legal Counsel at Rockwell Land and Legal Counsel at Megaworld Corporation.
He also handled high profile litigation cases and complex legal transactions for multi-national clients while he was at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan and Kapunan Lotilla Flores Garcia & Castillo. In the United States, he was a Foreign Attorney Intern at Reeves and Associates, an immigration law firm based in San Francisco, where he assisted US counsels prepare for trial and conduct legal research involving both United States and Philippine laws.
He was also a Professor at San Beda University where he taught labor and economics. He has a Master of Laws Degree (LL.M.) from Santa Clara University School of Law in California focused on High Technology, Employment and Intellectual Property and Law (J.D.) and Economics (A.B.) Degrees from San Beda University.
and many more...
Finalists
FINALISTS
We are pleased to announce the finalists for the ALB Philippine Law Awards 2021. For any queries regarding the shortlist, please email Lokesh at lokesh.bogati@thomsonreuters.com
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
Data Privacy and Protection Lawyer of the Year
Divina Ilas-Panganiban, Quisumbing Torres
Edson Byron Kuo Sy, SKY Law
Enrique F. Nitura, ACCRALAW
Philip Don G. Recentes, Gulapa Law
Ramon Manolo A. Alcasabas, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
Dealmaker of the Year
Aris Gulapa, Gulapa Law
Mark Gorriceta, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year
Arnold Corporal, ACCRALAW
Dino Vivencio Tamayo, Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
Elmar Galacio, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
Enrique Dela Cruz, Jr., DivinaLaw
Oscar Carlo Cajucom, Gulapa Law
Ramon Andre Cedro, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., Panelo Law Office
In-House Lawyer of the Year
Helen Go Tiu, Monde Nissin Corporation
Jazel Anne Calvo-Cariño, Sanofi
Michael Montero, Concentrix Philippines
Millicent Joie L. Desiderio-Dime, Accenture
Nikki Neil R. Santos, Union Bank of the Philippines
Terence Fernando, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines
Managing Partner of the Year
Charmaine Rose K. Haw-Lim, Gulapa Law
Fulvio D. Dawilan, Du-Baladad and Associates
Kurt Glen T. Yeung, SKY Law
Marvi Abo, Abo & Peñaranda Law Firm
Nilo Divina, DivinaLaw
Paolo E. Abarquez, VAL Law
Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., Panelo Law Office
Woman Lawyer of the Year
Benedicta Du-Baladad, Du-Baladad and Associates
Melissa Ester E. Chavez-Dee, Gulapa Law
Melissa R. Encanto-Tagarda, San Miguel Holdings Corporation
Millicent Joie L. Desiderio-Dime, Accenture
Norieva D. de Vega, Nicolas & de Vega Law Offices
Patricia Tysmans-Clemente, ACCRALAW
Rachel Uy-San Juan, R. Uy-San Juan & Associates Law Firm
Young Lawyer of the Year
Aiza Constantino, Sanofi
Aylward M. Consulta, ACCRALAW
Carla S. Pingul, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
Charmaine Sto. Domingo, FactSet Philippines
Elyrhey Cesar R. Vasig, VAL Law
Filemon Ray Javier, Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm
Jose Maria Angel Machuca, Gulapa Law
Khristian B. Alvaera; Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines
Kristine Torres, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Mabel Buted, Du-Baladad and Associates
Mario C. Cerilles, CFIP Law
Marvi R Abo, Abo & Peñaranda Law Firm
Michael Marlowe UY, SKY Law
Nikki Neil R. Santos, Union Bank of The Philippines
Rachel Uy- San Juan, R. Uy- San Juan & Associates Law Firm
Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., Panelo Law Office
IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES
Banking and Financial Services In-House Team of the Year
Bank of the Philippine Island
Union Bank of the Philippines
Innovative In-House Team of the Year
Accenture
Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines
Union Bank of the Philippines
Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
Accenture
FactSet Philippines
Philippine In-House Team of the Year
Aboitiz Equity Ventures
Accenture
Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines
Concentrix Philippines
Monde Nissin Corporation
Sunwest Group
FIRM CATEGORIES
Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year
C&G Law
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Quisumbing Torres
Villaraza & Angangco
Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
C&G Law
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
DivinaLaw
Gulapa Law
Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year
Abuda Asis & Associates
C&G Law
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Insights Philippines Legal Advisors
Villaraza & Angangco
Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Abo & Peñaranda Law Firm
Abuda Asis & Associates
Avenida and Diaz Law office
Castillo and Bello Law Offices
CFIP Law
EPEEQ Law
Panelo Law Office
Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm
Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
C&G Law
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
EPEEQ Law
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Insights Philippines Legal Advisors
VAL Law
Villaraza & Angangco
Data Privacy and Protection Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
C&G Law
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
DivinaLaw
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Quisumbing Torres
Tiongco Siao Bello and Associates
VAL Law
Villaraza & Angangco
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
C&G Law
Du-Baladad and Associates
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Panelo Law Office
SKY Law
Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law
Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
Immigration Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
Avenida and Diaz Law office
DivinaLaw
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Quisumbing Torres
VAL Law
Villaraza & Angangco
Innovative Technologies Law Firm of the Year
Castillo and Bello Law Offices
CFIP Law
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
VAL Law
Villaraza & Angangco
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
CFIP Law
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
DivinaLaw
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
SKY Law
VAL Law
International Law Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy
Herbert Smith Freehills
Milbank
Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
C&G Law
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
DivinaLaw
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Panelo Law Office
SKY Law
Tiongco Siao Bello and Associates
Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm
VAL Law
Villaraza & Angangco
Litigation Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
C&G Law
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
DivinaLaw
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Panelo Law Office
Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law
VAL Law
Villaraza & Angangco
Philippine Deal Firm of the Year
C&G Law
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Tiongco Siao Bello and Associates
Projects, Energy and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year
Abuda Asis & Associates
ACCRALAW
C&G Law
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
EPEEQ Law
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Insights Philippines Legal Advisors
Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm
VAL Law
Villaraza & Angangco
Rising Law Firm of the Year
Abo & Peñaranda Law Firm
Avenida and Diaz Law office
Castillo and Bello Law Offices
CFIP Law
De La Paz Castillo Ilas Herrera & Co
EPEEQ Law
Insights Philippines Legal Advisors
Panelo Law Office
SKY Law
Sunga Salandanan and Ampuan Law Offices
VAL Law
Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
C&G Law
Du-Baladad and Associates
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
VAL Law
Villaraza & Angangco
Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
C&G Law
CFIP Law
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Insights Philippines Legal Advisors
SKY Law
Tiongco Siao Bello and Associates
Villaraza & Angangco
Transportation and Logistics Law Firm of the Year
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Insights Philippines Legal Advisors
Quisumbing Torres
Villaraza & Angangco
Philippine Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
C&G Law
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
DivinaLaw
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Gulapa Law
Quisumbing Torres
Tiongco Siao Bello and Associates
VAL Law
Villaraza & Angangco
DEAL CATEGORIES
Debt Market Deal of the Year (Midsize)
Cebu Air’s Issuance of Convertible Bonds
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Clifford Chance; Fernandez-Estavillo Cruz Rogero Gancayco & Associates; Latham & Watkins; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
Bank: BPI Capital Corporation
Puregold Price Club’s Issuance of Senior Corporate Notes
Law firms: Jose S. Santos & Associates; Puyat Jacinto & Santos
Banks: China Bank Capital Corporation; China Banking Corporation; Development Bank of the Philippines; First Metro Investment Corporation; KEB Hana Bank – Manila Branch; Land Bank of the Philippines; Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co.; Philippine Bank of Communications – Trust and Wealth Management Group; Shinhan Bank – Manila Branch; The Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s Issuance of AT1 Capital Securities
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Allen & Overy; Milbank; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventrua Sayoc & de los Angeles
SMC Global Power’s Issuance of Loan Facility
Law firms: Allen & Overy; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos
Vista Land & Lifescapes’ Issuance of Debt Notes
Law firms: Latham & Watkins; Milbank; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
Banks: Credit Suisse; DBS Bank; HSBC
Debt Market Deal of the Year (Premium)
Cebu Pacific Issuance of Convertible Bonds
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
Development Bank of the Philippines’ Reg S Bond Offering
Law firms: Allen & Gledhill; Milbank; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
FPC Resources’ Issuance of Guaranteed Bonds
Law firms: Allen & Overy; Conyers Dill & Pearman; Linklaters
Petron Corporation’s Issuance of Senior Perpetual Capital Securities
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Latham & Watkins; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos
Banks: DBS Bank; MUFG Securities; SMBC-Nikko; Standard Chartered Bank; UBS
SMC Global Power’s Issuance of Senior Perpetual Capital Securities
Law firms: Latham & Watkins; Milbank; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan
SN Aboitiz-Benguet’s Issuance of Fixed Rates Corporate Notes
Law firms: C&G Law; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos
Union Bank of the Philippines’ Issuance of MTN Programme
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Allen & Overy; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos
Equity Market Deal of the Year (Midsize)
26 Capital Acquisition Corporation's De-SPAC Transaction
Law firms: Baker McKenzie; Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra; Milbank; Quisumbing Torres; Schulte Roth & Zabel
AC Energy’s Follow-on Offering
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Allen & Overy; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos
DITO CME’s Stock Rights Offer
Law firms: Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
Bank: Chinabank Capital Corporation
Filinvest REIT IPO
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Latham & Watkins; Milbank; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos
Equity Market Deal of the Year (Premium)
Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions’ IPO
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Latham & Watkins; Milbank; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos
Monde Nissin Corporation’s IPO
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Allen & Overy; Milbank; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos
RL Commercial REIT’s IPO
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Allen & Overy; Latham & Watkins; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc and de los Angeles
Banks: BPI Capital Corporation; China Bank Capital Corporation; CLSA; Fist Metro Investment Corporation; Merrill Lynch (Singapore); PNB Capital and Investment Corporation; SB Capital Investment Corporation; UBS AG, Singapore Branch
M&A Deal of the Year (Midsize)
Advantage Partners’ 70% Stake Acquisition in Micro-D International
Law firms: Clifford Chance; Milbank; Poblador, Bautista and Reyes; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
CVC Capital's Partnership with Landers Superstore
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; White & Case
Fast Group's Partnership with CVC Capital
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Clifford Chance; DivinaLaw; Milbank; QMBTI
International Finance Corporation, IFC Emerging Asia Fund, and Indigo Philippines Investment in Cebu Air
Law firms: Clifford Chance; Latham & Watkins
Keppel Infrastructure Trust's Acquisition of Philippine Tank Storage International
Law firms: Allen & Overy; Clifford Chance; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmatian
KKR's Investment in Pinnacle Towers
Law firms: Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett; Shearman & Sterling; SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan
Bank: ING
SMIC's Investment in 2GO Group
Law firms: Martinez Vergara Gonzalez & Serrano; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles; SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan
Bank: BDO Unibank
Probe's Acquisition of Stellar
Law firms: C&G Law; Gerodias Suchiangco Estrella; Gilbert + Tobin; Jackson Walker LLP
M&A Deal of the Year (Premium)
Ayala Land's Five-Way Merger
Law firm: C&G Law
GIC's Investment in AC Energy Philippines
Law firm: Latham & Watkins; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
Finance Deal of the Year (Midsize)
Blue Loan Financing for IVL
Law firm: Allen & Overy
Loan Facility for Metro Pacific Investments Corporation
Law firms: C&G Law; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; Rajah & Tann Singapore
Term Loan Facility for Metro Pacific Investments Corporation
Law firms: Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez & Protacio; Milbank; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; Rajah & Tann
**COMPLETENESS AND ACCURACY OF INFORMATION
Please note that the inclusion of banks and legal advisors in the transactions essentially reflects the information provided by nominating organizations. Therefore, any omission of a party involved in any of these transactions should not be taken as a commentary on the role assumed by that party. For queries about the shortlist, please email Lokesh at lokesh.bogati@thomsonreuters.com
* The above list will be regularly updated until final.
Winners
WINNERS
Congratulations to the winners of the ALB Philippine Law Awards.
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
Data Privacy and Protection Lawyer of the Year
Divina Ilas-Panganiban, Quisumbing Torres
Dealmaker of the Year
Mark Gorriceta, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year
Dino Vivencio Tamayo, Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
In-House Lawyer of the Year
Helen Go Tiu, Monde Nissin Corporation
Managing Partner of the Year
Nilo Divina, DivinaLaw
Woman Lawyer of the Year
Norieva D. de Vega, Nicolas & de Vega Law Offices
Young Lawyer of the Year
Filemon Ray Javier, Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm
IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES
Banking and Financial Services In-House Team of the Year
Bank of the Philippine Island
PMFTC Award Innovative In-House Team of the Year
Accenture Philippines
Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
FactSet Philippines
Philippine In-House Team of the Year
Aboitiz Equity Ventures
FIRM CATEGORIES
Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year
Quisumbing Torres
Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm
Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
Data Privacy and Protection Law Firm of the Year
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
Immigration Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
Innovative Technologies Law Firm of the Year
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
CFIP Law
International Law Firm of the Year
Herbert Smith Freehills
Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year
VAL Law
Litigation Law Firm of the Year
Villaraza & Angangco
Philippine Deal Firm of the Year
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Projects, Energy and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year
Abuda Asis & Associates
Rising Law Firm of the Year
VAL Law
Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year
Du-Baladad and Associates
Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year
Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Transportation and Logistics Law Firm of the Year
Quisumbing Torres
Philippine Law Firm of the Year
ACCRALAW
DEAL CATEGORIES
Debt Market Deal of the Year (Midsize)
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s Issuance of AT1 Capital Securities
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Allen & Overy; Milbank; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventrua Sayoc & de los Angeles
Debt Market Deal of the Year (Premium)
SMC Global Power’s Issuance of Senior Perpetual Capital Securities
Law firms: Latham & Watkins; Milbank; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan
Equity Market Deal of the Year (Midsize)
26 Capital Acquisition Corporation's De-SPAC Transaction
Law firms: Baker McKenzie; Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra; Milbank; Quisumbing Torres; Schulte Roth & Zabel
Equity Market Deal of the Year (Premium)
Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions’ IPO
Law firms: ACCRALAW; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Latham & Watkins; Milbank; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos
M&A Deal of the Year (Midsize)
KKR's Investment in Pinnacle Towers
Law firms: Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett; Shearman & Sterling; SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan
Bank: ING
M&A Deal of the Year (Premium)
GIC's Investment in AC Energy Philippines
Law firms: Latham & Watkins; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
Finance Deal of the Year (Midsize)
Blue Loan Financing for IVL
Law firm: Allen & Overy
Quotes
![Header](/sites/default/files/inline-images/PLA%20Quotations%20Title%20Image.jpg)
Thomson Reuters proudly presents 6th edition of ALB Philippine Law Awards. On 19th November 2021, this virtual awards ceremony will be enjoyed by finalists and special guests in the comfort of their own homes.
Let’s discover what types of legal work the finalists are most engaged with recently, as well as their readiness and capabilities needed to tackle such work.
![Benjamin](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Atty.-Benjamin-S.-Tolosa%2C-Jr.---Tolosa-Javier-Lim-%26-Chua-Law-Firm.jpg)
![Ben](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ben-Yap---C%26G-Law.jpg)
![Dino](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dino-Vivencio-A.A.-Tamayo---Poblador-Bautista-%26-Reyes-Law-Offices.jpg)
![Emerico](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Emerico-O.-De-Guzman---ACCRALAW.jpg)
![Helen](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Helen-Go-Tiu---Monde-Nissin-Corporation.jpg)
![Jesselie](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jesselie-A.-Sunga---Sunga-Salandanan-and-Ampuan-Law-Offices.jpg)
![Kurt](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kurt-Glen-T.-Yeung---SKY-Law..jpg)
![Manuel](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Manuel-Alberto-R.-Colayco---Aboitiz-Equity-Ventures-Inc..jpg)
![Mario](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Atty.-Mario-C.-Cerilles%2C-Jr.---Cerilles-%26-Fernan-Intellectual-Property-Law-%28CFIP-Law%29.jpg)
![Marvi](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Atty.-Marvi-Abo---Abo-%26-Pe%C3%B1aranda-Law-Firm.jpg)
![mARLON](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Atty.-Marlon-W.-M.-Castillo---Castillo-%26-Bello-Law-Offices.jpg)
![Melissa](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Atty.-Melissa-R.-Encanto-Tagarda---Integrated-Bar-of-the-Philippines--Quezon-City-Chapter.jpg)
![Michaela](/sites/default/files/inline-images/MICHAELA-SOPHIA-E.-RUBIO---Union-Bank-of-the-Philippines.jpg)
![Paolo](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Paolo-Abarquez---VAL-Law.jpg)
![Rachel](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rachel-Uy--San-Juan---RUS-Law-Firm.jpg)
![Raoul](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Atty.-Raoul-R.-Angangco---Villaraza-and-Angangco.jpg)
![Robenso](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Atty.-Robenson-D.-Avenida---Avenida-and-Diaz-Law-Office.jpg)
![Salvador](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Salvador-Paolo-A.-Panelo%2C-Jr.---Panelo-Law-Office.jpg)
![Salvador](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Salvador-P.-Escalante---EPEEQ-Law.jpg)
Book Now
BOOK YOUR TROPHY/CERTIFICATE
Asian Legal Business congratulates all the winners and finalists of the ALB Philippine Law Awards 2021.
Official items are now available for purchase. For more information on the items, please contact
Romulus at romulus.tham@thomsonreuters.com or +65 8126 1532
FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ELIGIBILITY
How do I know if I am eligible to make a submission?
We highly encourage all firms, individuals and in-house teams to submit, as we have numerous award categories to choose from. We welcome both past participants and newcomers to join the submission for the awards.
Is self-nomination permitted?
Yes, we accept self-nominated submissions. We also accept third-party submissions, should you wish to nominate an external party or vice versa.
Is there a fee required to make a submission in the law awards?
No, there is no fee payment required for you or your firm/team to make a submission.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
When will the finalists and winners be announced?
The shortlist of finalists will be released on last week of October 2021. The winners will be exclusively announced at the virtual awards ceremony on November 19, 2021.
NOMINATION PROCESS AND ASSESSMENT
How are the finalists chosen?
Asian Legal Business will compile all of the submission entries, and the ALB editorial and research teams will extensively review each submission to ensure the criteria are met in order to advance to the shortlist of finalists. We stress that this process is fair, impartial and not subject to external influences.
How are the winners chosen?
Once the shortlist of finalists have been announced, an independent judging panel will review and select their top five choices for the award categories they are assigned to. The scores for each award category will be tabulated, and the individual/firm/team with the highest score will be announced as the winner.
What are the award categories that I can take part in?
Any law firms, in-house teams or individuals may take part in multiple award categories if appropriate. The researchers reserve the right to move entries from one category to another if they feel it appropriate. The researchers’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Who will be on the judging panel for ALB Philippine Law Awards?
There will be an independent judging panel of at least 30 senior and expert legal industry leaders to review the submission materials. The judging panel will be selected on the basis of their expertise and knowledge, and will be comprised from various sectors to correspond to the diverse list of award categories. A partial list of judges’ names will be released prior to the awarding ceremony, and the remaining judges will be revealed on the evening of the awards.
What will my contact information/my client’s information be used for?
All contact information provided will not be disclosed to external parties; and will only be seen by our ALB research team and the judges panel. We keep the information on record internally, in case we need to contact you or your client regarding any questions or discrepancies in the submission form.
Where will my name/firm name/team name be published if we are a finalist or winner?
As a finalist and/or winner, your firm/team/individual name will be published in ALB awards materials and print magazine. For more information, please contact us.
Is my submission confidential?
Any information you submit will only be reviewed by the ALB team and independent judging panel, whose names will be published. The material submitted will only be disclosed to the above; if there is any information that is strictly confidential, please mark clearly on the nomination form. Though we do our best to maintain the security of the information you provide, any information you transmit to us is done at your own risk and Thomson Reuters is not responsible for any unauthorized transmission of information.
SPONSORSHIP, PARTICIPATION AND OTHER
I would like to sponsor the ALB Law Awards.
Please contact Amantha.Chia@thomsonreuters.com or (+65) 6973 8258 for further details regarding sponsorship.
I am interested in being an official partner of the ALB Law Awards, as a media/legal association.
Please contact mary.aquino@thomsonreuters.com or call +632 9825 938.
My practice area or specialty is not listed, but I would like to participate in the Awards.
Please get in touch with our ALB Law Awards research team at mary.aquino@tr.com or call +632 9825 938.
Can I participate in Awards across the region?
Yes, you can participate in more than one market. Please note there may be specific criteria for each market.
Who should attend the Awards Ceremony? Can I attend?
We welcome all finalists and non-finalists to join the Awards Ceremony; please contact Amantha.Chia@thomsonreuters.com or (+65) 6973 8258.
I would like to order a winner’s trophy and/or certificate (for finalists and winners).
Please contact Amantha.Chia@thomsonreuters.com or (+65) 6973 8258.
How can I receive communications related to the ALB Law Awards?
Please email mary.aquino@tr.com to subscribe to the ALB mailing list.
Asian Legal Business – Who are We?
Asian Legal Business (ALB) is owned by Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading source of intelligent information for business and professionals. With its portfolio of leading titles, law awards, in-house legal summits and online services, ALB provides authoritative and unbiased insights and unmatched networking and business development opportunities to legal professionals throughout the Asia-Pacific.
ALB combines news and analysis from its team of professional legal journalists and the expert opinions of senior industry professionals with Reuters news and insights that power businesses across the globe.
Please visit legalbusinessonline.com for further information.
Asian Legal Business – Law Awards
The ALB Law Awards are the pre-eminent legal awards in Asia-Pacific, held annually in Hong Kong, Dubai, India, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and China. The Awards are comprised of months of intensive research and culminate in a black-tie Awarding Ceremony in each of the markets. We cordially invite you to take part in these prestigious awards – and celebrate legal excellence with us.