On November 18, the best of the best in the world of Finance converged at the Hyundai Hall of The Arete, Ateneo de Manila University, for the awarding ceremony of the ING-FINEX CFO of the Year.
The award recipient was Mylene Kasiban, chief financial officer of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (RRHI). She is the second female to win the award in its 14-year- run, celebrating the finance industry’s creme de la creme.
A prestigious Board of Judges gave the award after the stringent screening and inputs from the Finance industry.
“I think it was apparent that her various contributions made a relatively larger impact on the health and welfare of her firm. She was resolute in these initiatives,” said ING Philippines country manager Hans Sicat, who believed that Mylene demonstrated a very agile approach to the issues RRHI was facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For FINEX President Jose Jerome Pascual III, Mylene’s close relationship with CEO Robina Gokongwei-Pe was also crucial, making her a trusted advisor. “She developed a very strong partnership with her CEO looking at future scenarios, opportunities, and recovery strategies,” he said.
After having been formally given her ING-FINEX CFO of the Year award, Mylene gave her acceptance speech and dedicated her achievement to RRHI, John Gokongwei, James Go, Lance Gokongwei, and Robina. “It is a joy going to the office every day,” she said, “Knowing that you can make a difference and your voice can be heard.”
What followed were several photo opportunities with the judges, with her RRHI family, and with her Everlasting Light trophy. True to Filipino gatherings’ tradition, the ING-FINEX CFO of the Year award ceremony ended on a high note with a sumptuous luncheon at the Ubuntu open lobby area of the Areté.
It was a day that began with COVID-19 rapid testing in a venue that — at first — felt too big for a small number of people who were attending. But towards the end of the celebration — where onsite and remote VIPs were in attendance —, Hyundai Hall at The Areté was bursting with good vibes. It was full, alright: full of excitement, full of joy, and more importantly, full of hope.The event was a first of its kind for ING-FINEX, and it certainly won’t be the last.
