The agency's three partners—Badong Abesamis, Herbert Hernandez and Jake Yrastorza—were among 10 leaders recognized at The Business Manual CEO Awards 2026 in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, for their bold and unconventional approach to creativity.
Organized by business publication The Business Manual, the awards carried the theme “Recognizing Vision. Celebrating Leadership. Shaping What’s Next,” honoring leaders across different industries.
Bold ideas, results
Founded in 2017 by Abesamis and Hernandez after decades of experience in multinational advertising agencies, GIGIL was built on the belief that bold, fresh ideas could produce good business results.
The two later invited Yrastorza to join them as a business partner.
The agency has since developed an extensive client roster and earned international recognition alongside its creative teams.
Its campaigns for RC Cola, Grab and Netflix reflect its approach to developing unexpected advertising work that captures audience attention while retaining a distinctly Filipino character.
Beyond generating online conversations and becoming material for internet memes, the campaigns have also helped clients achieve measurable business results, according to the agency.
Regional recognition
GIGIL holds the record for the most APAC Effie Award honors earned by an advertising agency in the Philippines.
The APAC Effie Awards recognize marketing effectiveness across Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
The regional recognition reflects the agency's emphasis on combining creative ideas with business results, a philosophy that has guided its work since its establishment, Gigil said in a statement.
The recognition of Abesamis, Hernandez and Yrastorza at The Business Manual CEO Awards 2026 adds to the agency's honors as it continues to develop unconventional advertising campaigns for its clients. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
