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     Welcome to the ALB Philippine Law Awards 2023! 

     

    Date:    Thursday, 30 November 2023
    Time:    6:30 pm Registration
    VenueMakati Shangri-La, Manila, Rizal Ballroom-A, Ayala Avenue Corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila 1200

    Asian Legal Business is pleased to announce 8th Annual ALB Philippine Law Awards 2023 set to be hosted on November 30, 2023. Recognize the accomplishments and efforts of your own law firm, in-house team, or other teams you have worked with in the last year.

    The process will conclude with an awards ceremony in November 2023. Come celebrate legal excellence with us!

    WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED!

    For queries regarding submissions and event
    Contact: Zachary at renzachary.zhang@thomsonreuters.com

    For sponsorship opportunities and audience profiles in the past awards
    Contact: Amantha Chia at amantha.chia@thomsonreuters.com or call at +65 6973 8258


     PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

    ALB           https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en.html

     

    CATEGORIES

    Individual Categories
    Data Privacy and Protection Lawyer 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 (NEW)
    Innovative In-House Team of the Year
    Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
    Philippine In-House Team of the Year

    Law Firm Categories
    Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year 
    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 
    Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year 
    Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year 
    Immigration Law Firm of the Year 
    Fintech Law Firm of the Year (NEW)
    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 and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year
    Private Equity and Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year 
    Rising Law Firm of the Year
    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

    Deal Categories
    Debt Market Deal of the Year
    Equity Market Deal of the Year 
    M&A Deal of the Year 
    Finance Deal of the Year

    If you have suggestions for categories to be introduced or you wish to join our mailing list for the latest update on the event, contact Zach on renzachary.zhang@thomsonreuters.com.

               SUBMISSION FORMS          

    Research Methodology Summary

    Submission Closed

               IMPORTANT DATES          

    Opening of submissions | Aug 14
    Deadline for submissions | Oct 6
    Announcement of finalists | Early November
    Awards ceremony | Nov 30

               SUBMISSION INQUIRIES          

    Zachary
    Phone: +65 6973 8283
    Email: renzachary.zhang@thomsonreuters.com

     

     

    JUDGING PANEL 

    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.

    g

    Beatrix R. Guevarra
    Legal Director, DKSH Philippines, Inc. 

    Atty. Beatrix Guevarra is currently the Legal Director of DKSH Philippines, Inc., (member of the DKSH Group), a market expansion services provider for companies who want to grow their business in the areas of healthcare, performance materials and technology.  She leads the DKSH Philippines legal team which serves all the DKSH entities in the Philippines. 
    Prior to joining DKSH, she was the Country Legal and Compliance Head of the Bollore Group in the Philippines. She also served as Senior Legal Counsel of Holcim Philippines, Inc. for almost 6 years. She started her career in Ponce Enrile Reyes & Manalastas immediately after she was admitted to the bar.

    g

    Camille Aromas
    General Counsel, Huawei Technologies

    Camille Aromas is the General Counsel of Huawei Technologies in the Philippines. She graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law and received her Master of Laws from Queen Mary University of London under a Chevening scholarship. Prior to Huawei, Camille worked as a governance consultant at the Asian Development Bank and in top tier law firms in the Philippines and in London as a dispute resolution specialist. 

    Fernando Penarroyo

    Fernando S. Penarroyo
    Chairperson, Professional Regulatory Board of Geology
    Professional Regulation Commission

    FERNANDO S. PEÑARROYO is currently the Chairperson, Professional Regulatory Board of Geology at Professional Regulation Commission. He is also the Managing Partner at the Peñarroyo and Palanca Law Offices. He was the former Group Legal Counsel and General Manager for Busi-ness Development of Polyard Petroleum International Group Co. Ltd. He practices in the area of energy, resources, environment, infrastructure, and corporate law and possesses the required legal, financial, and technical educational background and experience having worked for the government (Department of Energy) and private sector, both locally and internationally (Australia). 
     
    He is the former President of the Geological Society of the Philippines, current Vice President of the Philippine Mining and Exploration Association, and former Director of the International Geothermal Association. His commentaries are also archived at his personal blog site - https://penarroyo.com/.

    s

    Jhimmy Portugal Santiago
    General Counsel, Light Rail Manila Corporation

    Atty. Santiago is the General Counsel for Light Rail Manila Corporation, the private concessionaire operating the Light Rail Transit Line-1 system. Prior to holding this position, he was the Governance and Compliance Head of LRMC. Before joining LRMC, he was a partner for Litigation and Labor of the Carag Zaballero San Pablo and Abiera Law Office. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management Economics from the Ateneo De Manila University in 2001 and his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines in 2006.

    He is also an Investigating Commissioner of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Commission on Bar Discipline.

    n

    Lirene C. Mora
    Director | Head of Global Corporate Legal Affairs

    Lirene is ICTSI’s Director for Global Corporate Legal Affairs. She joined ICTSI in 2007 as Industrial Relations Officer and has since held several positions in the Legal Department, including Regional Counsel for Asia Pacific.

    Lirene has been elected as a Director in ICTSI subsidiaries in Papua New Guinea – Motukea International Container Terminal Ltd. and South Pacific International Container Terminal. Concurrently, she is a Director of Bauan International Port, Inc., Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal, Inc.  and South Cotabato Integrated Port Services, Inc.; a Director and Corporate Secretary of Abbotsford Holdings, Inc., IW Cargo Handlers, Inc. Manila Harbor Center Port Services, Inc.; a Corporate Secretary of Catalyst Logistics Incorporated, Sevilla Brokerage Incorporated, Intermodal Terminal Holdings, Inc., IWI Container Terminal Holdings, Inc.; and Assistant Corporate Secretary of ICTSI Subic, Inc., Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation and Subic Bay International Terminal Holdings, Inc. Lirene is also the Corporate Secretary of ICTSI Foundation, Inc.

    She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy (Summa Cum Laude) from the College of Social Sciences & Philosophy and Juris Doctor degree from the College of Law of the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Lirene was recognized as the 2019 Woman Lawyer of the Year and a finalist for the 2019 Young Lawyer of the Year by the Asian Legal Business Philippine Law Awards. In 2023, Lirene received recognition from The Legal 500 as she was selected to be part of the inaugural General Counsel Powerlist Philippines.

    Maria Lim

    Maria Lourdes P. Lim
    Tax Managing Partner, PwC Philippines

    Malou leads the tax practice of the Philippine office. She has more than 26 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; crossborder 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.

    From April 2001 to December 2002, Malou joined the government upon invitation of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue as Technical Consultant for Legal and Operations.

    Prior to joining the firm, her other professional experience includes working as an accountant and as a financial analyst.

    Weng

    Maria Rowena Espiritu    
    Contract Manager, Blount County Government, Tennessee, USA

    Maria Rowena Espiritu had been an in-house lawyer for multinational and domestic companies in the Philippines for almost two decades. She was Philippine Country Counsel and Data Protection Officer of IBM Philippines, Incorporated and its related companies before migrating to the US in early 2022. She is now the Contract Manager for Blount County Government in Tennessee, USA.
     
    Prior to IBM and Blount County Government, Espiritu was the Legal Affairs Director of Huawei Technologies Phils. for almost five years. She has also been a Resident Agent and Legal Counsel of VEECO APAC, INC. (Philippine Branch) Legal Manager of Directories Philippines Corporation; Assistant Corporate Secretary of Asian Terminals Inc. in previous years.
     
    Espiritu holds a Postgraduate Diploma (With Merit) in Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Law from Queen Mary University of London (United Kingdom). She also finished various certification courses by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy (Switzerland), namely Advance Course on Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property, Advance Course on Copyright and Related Rights and Advance Course on Arbitration and Mediation Procedure. 
    a

    Mark Enojo
    Head of Compliance - ASEAN, Siemens Healthineers
     
    Mark Enojo is the Head of Compliance in ASEAN of Siemens Healthineers, a leading publicly listed medical technology company headquartered in Germany.  In this role, he oversees the ASEAN countries and acts as a partner to the business in risk management in the key compliance areas of anti-bribery and corruption, data privacy, anti-trust and competition, and anti-money laundering.  He also serves as the Head of Legal and Compliance and as Data Protection Officer in the Philippines. 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). 

    m

    Mary Rose S. Tan
    AVP-Associate General Counsel, San Miguel Corporation

    Atty. Mary Rose S. Tan is the Assistant Corporate Secretary and AVP-Associate General Counsel of San Miguel Corporation. She has been teaching at the UP College of Law since November 2009. Among the subjects she has been teaching are Obligations and Contracts, Succession, and Torts and Damages. She is also team teaching Cross Border Securities Regulation at the UP Law Master of Laws program.  She also conducts MCLE lectures on Philippine Contract Law, and holds bar review lectures on Civil Law subjects for the UP Law Center Bar Review Institute. Prior to joining San Miguel Corporation. Atty. Tan was a Court Attorney at the Office of the Chief Justice – Supreme Court of the Philippines, and an associate at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan. Atty. Tan obtained her Master of Laws degree from the University of Sydney in 2009 as an Endeavour Postgraduate Award scholar of the Australian Government. She was admitted to the Bar in 2002. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree in 2001 and her degree of BA Psychology from the University of the Philippines. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the UP Women Lawyers Circle for 2022-2024. She is also Assistant Corporate Secretary of the UP Law Alumni Foundation.

    s

    Sharon T. Lim
    Head of Legal & Compliance - COL Financial Group, Inc. 

    Sharon is the Corporate Secretary and Head of Legal & Compliance of COL Financial Group, Inc., where she oversees the legal strategy and compliance program of the organization and its related companies namely CTS Global Equity Group, Inc., COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc., COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc., and COL Investment Management, Inc. Sharon holds a Masters in Law (Corporate & Financial Services Law) from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines. She is also a licensed Associated Person and Certified Information Privacy Manager.
     

    Teodoro Kalaw

    Teodoro Kalaw IV. C. Arb.
    Chartered Arbitrator & President Emeritus, Philippine Institute of Arbitrators

    Atty. Kalaw is the first and only Filipino to be installed as a Chartered Arbitrator as well as certified as an Accredited Mediator by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). As President Emeritus of the Philippine Institute of Arbitrators (PIArb), he is also among the youngest to be elected a Fellow of CIArb, PIArb, the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (SIArb), the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (HKIArb), and the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR).  A practicing attorney since 1998, he is a member of the bars of the Philippines, New York State, and the United States Supreme Court.

    and many more...

    FINALISTS

    We are pleased to announce the finalists for ALB Philippine Law Awards 2023. 

    INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

    Data Privacy and Protection Lawyer of the Year

    Anthony Edsel C. F. Tupaz - Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Carlo E. Abarquez - VAL Law
    Divina Pastora Ilas-Panganiban - Quisumbing Torres 
    Enrique V. Dela Cruz Jr. – DivinaLaw
    Ramon Manolo A. Alcasabas - Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    Recolito Ferdinand N. Cantre Jr. - Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    Ryan N. Espiritu - 3M

    Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year

    Anzen P. DY - Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
    Augusto A. San Pedro, Jr. - Villaraza & Angangco
    Elyrhey Cesar R. Vasig - VAL Law
    Enrique V. Dela Cruz Jr. – DivinaLaw
    Jose A. Linsangan - Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    Luis Martin S. Clemente - Union Bank of the Philippines
    Michael Marlowe G. Uy - SKY Law
    Nestor M. Mejia - GSMH Law
    Ramon André F. Cedro - Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra

    In-House Lawyer of the Year

    Cecily Nerisse (Chel) C. Ramirez-dela Cruz - 3M Philippines
    Nadaine Tongco - Enjin
    Nikki Neil R. Santos - Union Bank of the Philippines
    Rosa Margarita A. De Guzman - McDonald’s Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation)

    Managing Partner of the Year 

    Greg Joseph SJ. Tiongco - Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates
    Marvi R. Abo - Abo and Peñaranda Law Firm
    Paolo E. Abarquez - VAL Law
    Sylvette Y. Tankiang - Villaraza & Angangco
    Valeriano Del Rosario – VERALAW

    Woman Lawyer of the Year

    Divina Pastora Ilas-Panganiban - Quisumbing Torres 
    Ma. Elizabeth L. Liceralde - Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
    Maria Elizabeth Peralta Loriega - Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    Maria Francesca Bautista - VERALAW
    Nadaine Tongco - Enjin 
    Rosa Margarita A. De Guzman - McDonald’s Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation)

    Young Lawyer of the Year

    Carlo Artemus V. Diaz - Avenida and Diaz Law Office
    Jerome D. Canlas - Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    John Robert A. Eleccion - GSMH Law
    Justin Christopher C. Mendoza - Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
    Kristine T. Torres - Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Marie Jourgen Endaluz - Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    Marvi R. Abo - Abo and Peñaranda Law Firm
    Nadaine Tongco - Enjin
    Patrick P. Sarmiento - VERALAW
    Timothy Joseph N. Lumauig - VAL Law

    IN-HOUSE CATEGORIES

    Banking and Financial Services In-House Team of the Year 

    Aboitiz Equity Ventures
    MUFG Bank 
    Union Bank of the Philippines

    Innovative In-House Team of the Year

    Enjin
    Ninja Van Philippines
    The Coca Cola Company
    Union Bank of the Philippines

    Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year

    917Ventures
    Aboitiz Power
    Enjin
    NinjaVan Philippines

    Philippine In-House Team of the Year

    Aboitiz Equity Ventures
    Enjin
    MUFG Bank 
    Union Bank of the Philippines

    LAW FIRM CATEGORIES

    Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year 

    C&G Law
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Arbitration Law Firm of the Year 

    Avenida And Diaz Law Office
    C&G Law
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    DivinaLaw
    PJS Law
    Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year

    C&G Law
    DivinaLaw
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    PJS Law
    Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates 
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Boutique Law Firm of the Year

    Abo and Peñaranda Law Firm
    Avenida And Diaz Law Office
    Del Rosario & Del Rosario Law Offices
    SKY Law
    Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm

    Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year

    C&G Law
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Data Privacy and Protection Law Firm of the Year 

    C&G Law
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    DivinaLaw
    GVES Law Office
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Quisumbing Torres 
    Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    VAL Law

    Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year 

    C&G Law
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    DivinaLaw
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    GSMH Law
    PJS Law
    Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
    Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year 

    C&G Law
    DivinaLaw
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    PJS Law
    Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
    Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates 
    Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Immigration Law Firm of the Year 

    Abo and Peñaranda Law Firm
    Avenida And Diaz Law Office
    DivinaLaw
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Quisumbing Torres 
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Fintech Law Firm of the Year 

    C&G Law
    DivinaLaw
    GVES Law Office
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates 
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year

    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    DivinaLaw
    Federis & Associates Law Offices
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
    Quisumbing Torres 
    Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    International Law Firm of the Year

    Allen & Overy
    Gibson Dunn 
    Latham & Watkins 
    Milbank 

    Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year

    Del Rosario & Del Rosario Law Offices
    DivinaLaw
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    PJS Law
    SKY Law
    Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates 
    Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Litigation Law Firm of the Year

    Abo and Peñaranda Law Firm
    C&G Law
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    DivinaLaw
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    GSMH Law
    Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
    Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    Tolosa Javier Lim & Chua Law Firm
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Philippine Deal Firm of the Year

    C&G Law
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Projects and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year

    C&G Law
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    PJS Law
    Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates 
    VAL Law
    VERALAW
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Private Equity and Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year 

    C&G Law
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    VAL Law

    Rising Law Firm of the Year

    Abo and Peñaranda Law Firm
    GVES Law Office
    SKY Law

    Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year

    C&G Law
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices
    Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year

    C&G Law
    CFIP Law
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    PJS Law
    Quisumbing Torres 
    Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates 
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Transportation and Logistics Law Firm of the Year 

    Del Rosario & Del Rosario Law Offices
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    VAL Law
    VERALAW
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Philippine Law Firm of the Year

    C&G Law
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia
    DivinaLaw
    Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra
    Quisumbing Torres
    Sarmiento Loriega Law Office
    Tiongco Siao Bello & Associates 
    VAL Law
    Villaraza & Angangco

    DEAL CATEGORIES**

    Debt Market Deal of the Year

    ACEN Corporation’s Green Bonds
    Law Firm: Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles

    Baring Private Equity Asia's Debt Financing for Sagility Recapitalization
    Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Hart Muirhead Fatta; Kirkland & Ellis; PJS Law

    BPI Reinforcing Inclusive Support for MSMEs Bonds
    Law Firms: Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles; SyCipLaw

    Frontier Tower Associates' Debt Financing for 3,539 Telecom Towers Acquisition
    Law Firms: Allen & Overy; PJS Law; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett; SyCipLaw

    Syndicated loan financing to San Miguel Corporation
    Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos

    Equity Market Deal of the Year 

    ACEN Corporation’s Follow-On Offering of Preferred Shares
    Law Firm: Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles

    Ayala Corp’s Preferred "A" Shares Reissuance with Oversubscription Option
    Law Firm: Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles

    Ayala Land Inc’s Rule 144A/Reg S overnight placement of shares of AREIT 
    Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos

    Globe Telecom’s Stock Rights Offer
    Law Firms: Latham & Watkins; Milbank; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles

    Union Bank of the Philippines’ Rights Offering
    Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles

    M&A Deal of the Year 

    Aboitiz InfraCapital Acquires Mactan Cebu International Airport Developer, GMCAC
    Law Firms: Gulapa Law; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles

    Ayala's JV with FLOW for Nationwide Data Center Development
    Law Firms: ACCRALAW; Allen & Overy; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles; White & Case
    Bank: UBS AG Singapore Branch

    CleanTech's Partnership with BlackRock on Solar Platform Transaction
    Law Firm: Herbert Smith Freehills; Latham & Watkins; PJS Law 

    EdgeConneX and Aboitiz's Joint Venture for Philippine Data Centers
    Law Firms: Allen & Overy; PJS Law; Shearman & Sterling; SyCipLaw

    Project Ivy/Rockwell
    Law Firms: C&G Law; Herrera Teehankee and Cabrera; Latham and Watkins; PJS Law; Villaraza & Angangco

    Project Leyte
    Law Firms: Sarmiento Loriega Law Office; Quisumbing Torrres

    Finance Deal of the Year

    Acquisition of stake in Malampaya LNG to Power Project
    Law Firms: Ashurst; Allen & Gledhill; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Loyens; Milbank; MVGS; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; Villaraza & Angangco
    Banks: ANZ; ING; Deutsche Bank

    CEXIM's Concessional Loan to the Republic of the Philippines
    Law Firms: C&G Law; FenXun Partners

    DITO Telecommunity Project Development and Financing Agreement
    Law Firms: Clifford Chance; Shearman & Sterling; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles; Villaraza & Angangco

    Syndicated loan financing to San Miguel Corporation
    Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos

    **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 Zachary at renzachary.zhang@thomsonreuters.com.

    * The above list will be regularly updated until final. 

    Refer to our Research Methodology on the judging criteria and parameters. Alternatively, contact Zachary at renzachary.zhang@thomsonreuters.com (+65 6973 8283)

    WINNERS

    The winners for the ALB Philippine Law Awards 2023 are as below

    Individual Categories

    Data Privacy and Protection Lawyer of the Year
    Anthony Edsel C. F. Tupaz - Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra

    Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year
    Nestor M. Mejia - GSMH Law

    In-House Lawyer of the Year
    Nikki Neil R. Santos - Union Bank of the Philippines

    Managing Partner of the Year 
    Sylvette Y. Tankiang - Villaraza & Angangco

    Woman Lawyer of the Year
    Divina Pastora Ilas-Panganiban - Quisumbing Torres

    Young Lawyer of the Year
    Kristine T. Torres - Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra

    In-House Categories

    Banking and Financial Services In-House Team of the Year 
    Union Bank of the Philippines

    Innovative In-House Team of the Year
    Enjin

    Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year
    917 Ventures

    Philippine In-House Team of the Year
    Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.

    Law Firm Categories

    Antitrust and Competition Law Firm of the Year 
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Arbitration Law Firm of the Year 
    Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices

    Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year
    DivinaLaw

    Boutique Law Firm of the Year
    Abo and Peñaranda Law Firm

    Construction and Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Data Privacy and Protection Law Firm of the Year 
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

    Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year 
    Poblador Bautista & Reyes Law Offices

    Energy and Resources Law Firm of the Year 
    C&G Law

    Immigration Law Firm of the Year 
    Avenida and Diaz Law Office

    Fintech Law Firm of the Year 
    DivinaLaw

    Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

    International Law Firm of the Year
    Allen & Overy

    Labor and Employment Law Firm of the Year
    Del Rosario & Del Rosario Law Offices

    Litigation Law Firm of the Year
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

    Philippine Deal Firm of the Year
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

    Projects and Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year
    Villaraza & Angangco

    Private Equity and Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year 
    VAL Law

    Rising Law Firm of the Year
    GVES Law

    Tax and Trusts Law Firm of the Year
    Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

    Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year
    Quisumbing Torres 

    Transportation and Logistics Law Firm of the Year 
    VERALAW

    Philippine Law Firm of the Year
    Quisumbing Torres 

    Deal Categories

    Debt Market Deal of the Year
    Frontier Tower Associates' Debt Financing for 3,539 Telecom Towers Acquisition
    Law Firms: Allen & Overy; PJS Law; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett; SyCipLaw

    Equity Market Deal of the Year 
    Union Bank of the Philippines’ Rights Offering
    Law Firms: Allen & Overy; Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles 

    M&A Deal of the Year 
    Project Leyte
    Law Firms: Sarmiento Loriega Law Office; Quisumbing Torres

    Finance Deal of the Year
    DITO Telecommunity Project Development and Financing Agreement
    Law Firms: Clifford Chance; Shearman & Sterling; Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles; Villaraza & Angangco
     

    BOOK NOW

    Date: Friday, 30 November 2023
    Time: 6:30 p.m. sharp, cocktail
    Venue: Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Rizal Ballroom-A, Ayala Avenue Corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila 1200
    Attire: Black Tie

     

     

    If you are looking for reservation information of the ALB Malaysia Law Awards 2024. Click here.

     

     

     

     

    The price of table/seat includes:

    • Cocktails
    • Four-course gourmet dinner
    • Live entertainment
    • Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks
    • Black-tie awarding ceremony
    • Use of ALB Philippine Law Awards 2023 winner or finalist logo on marketing collateral 

    *Fees listed are in USD. Payments to be made by credit card. Please note all table locations are arranged by ALB, and ALB reserves the right of final decision. 

    For reservation assistance, sponsorship opportunities, or non-finalist attendees' inquiries, please contact:
    Jonathan at jonathan.yap@thomsonreuters.com or Krupa at krupa.dalal@thomsonreuters.com.

    For other event details, please contact Tracy at Tracy.Li@thomsonreuters.com, or call +852 3462 7708.

    # Advertisement on awards event programme guide

    Artwork Specifications 1 Full page vertical ad, size

    Trim: (w) 148mm x (h) 210mm
    Bleed: (w) 158mm x (h) 220mm (with crop mark) 

    For ads file submission:

    • Please supply all ads artwork in PDF format only, and set in 300dpi high resolution with CMYK process colour.
    • 5mm bleed with crop marks is required
    • All ads received should be in printable files with no conversion required.
    • Ads files in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or other software are NOT acceptable.
    • Please submit the artwork to tracy.li@thomsonreuters.com  

    **Terms and conditions apply. Thomson Reuters Corporation Pte Ltd must be informed of any cancellation 14 working days before the event date. Cancellations made more than 14 working days of the event will incur an administrative fee of US$500 per awards seat; cancellations made 14 working days or less will be liable for the full fee, and no refund will be provided. Failure to provide advance notice of cancellation will result in the forfeiting of payment. If any participant who has not paid will be required to pay Thomson Reuters Corporation Pte Ltd

    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?

    Each submission for the law awards must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of USD $10 which will go towards helping ALB process your submission for the purpose of judging. The application fee must be received by the submission deadline in order for the submission to be considered for the award. The payment of the application fee does not guarantee that the submission will be shortlisted for an award. 

    TIMELINE OF EVENTS

    When will the finalists and winners be announced?

    The shortlist of finalists will be released around 4-8 weeks prior to the awards ceremony. The winners will be exclusively announced at the awards ceremony on 30 November 2023.

    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 has been announced, an independent judging panel will review and select their top three 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. ALB reserve the right to move entries from one category to another if such a change is considered appropriate. ALB’s decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into. 

    Who will be on the judging panel for ALB Law Awards? 

    There will be an independent judging panel of at least 25 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 judge's 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?

    The submission information will be provided to the independent judging panel, for the judging purpose only, 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 tracy.li@tr.com. 

    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 lokesh.bogati@tr.com.

    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.

    What happens if the winner of a category is not able to attend the ceremony? 

    The award will be given to the highest-scoring firm, department or individual in attendance at the ceremony. 

    Disclaimer

    Note: We encourage finalists to attend the awards ceremony. The results of the Awards will be announced on the night of the ceremony, and the trophy will be given to the highest-scoring firm, department or individual in attendance at the ceremony. We congratulate all finalists and encourage you to attend the ceremony to celebrate your achievements together.

    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 tracy.li@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, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, 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 award

      PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

    ALB           TR