With its bold and unwavering mission to be the leading voice and champion of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) once again made history with the 2025 PFIP Leader Lab Live. This year’s flagship gathering was not just an annual event—it was a celebration of resilience, a declaration of authenticity, and a powerful call to action centered on the bold theme: “ICONIC: The New Blueprint for LGBTQ+ Excellence.”
More than a conference, Leader Lab Live was a living, breathing movement. It united LGBTQ+ professionals, allies, and advocates from across industries and sectors, transforming the conventional idea of leadership into one deeply rooted in identity, truth, and heart. It challenged every participant to imagine a world where being LGBTQ+ is not a barrier but a badge of honor—a world where inclusion is not an afterthought but a foundation.
From the moment the doors opened, there was a palpable sense of purpose. Energy and empowerment radiated from every corner of the venue, fueled by transformative panel discussions, interactive workshops, and deeply personal messages from industry trailblazers redefining what it means to lead authentically.
Shaping New Perspectives on Leadership
For PFIP Trustee and marketing communications professional Ivan Garong, the event was built with intention—to challenge perceptions and expand the very definition of being “iconic.”
“Leader Lab Live wasn’t just about inspiring attendees,” Garong said. “It was about equipping them with the tools, insights, and real-world strategies to champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—or DEIB—in their respective organizations.”
He emphasized that the event encouraged participants to move beyond performative inclusion. The goal? To build a workplace culture where everyone is truly seen, valued, and empowered to thrive—regardless of gender identity, orientation, or background.
Marking PFIP’s 12th year, the organization has continued to push the envelope, supporting the development of LGBTQ+ leaders across its network of member companies. Garong acknowledged that the Philippine context still poses unique challenges.
“While many Filipinos say they are accepting, the workplace often tells a different story,” he noted.
“Many LGBTQ+ employees have to prove themselves multiple times over just to be given equal footing. Tolerance is not enough. We must push for true acceptance—and that starts with equitable policies that level the playing field.”
Building Safe Spaces, Building Leaders
Leadership in today’s complex world demands not just intelligence, but heart—and that’s what PFIP’s iconic framework aimed to cultivate. From the start, the event set a tone of urgency and optimism.
Angelo Camaya, PFIP Trustee and Board Sponsor for Leader Lab Live, delivered a resounding welcome, urging participants not only to occupy leadership spaces, but to transform them. “This is your moment to lead with courage and compassion,” Camaya said.
“Go beyond comfort. Build safer spaces. Spark inclusive cultures. Leave your mark.”
The event’s keynote speakers elevated this spirit of transformation with stirring personal testimonies.
Ryan Tan, Accenture Philippines’ Chief Financial Officer, took the stage with authenticity, recounting his experience of coming home—both professionally and personally. “When I joined Accenture in 2008, I was scared,” he shared.
“For 10 months overseas, I had to hide my identity. But here, I learned the value of safe spaces—where you don’t have to constantly monitor how you speak or act. When you’re free to be yourself, you shine.”
Randy Estrellado, Chief Operating Officer of Maynilad Water Services Inc., followed with a powerful keynote, “The Legacy of Queer Excellence.”
Reflecting on his journey, Estrellado said, “Growing up, I had no LGBTQ+ role models. People left the country, and when they came back, they kept their truth hidden. I realized that being open made me more empathetic—and a better leader. Our struggles shape us, but they also equip us to lead with clarity and strength.”
Their messages were clear: Being iconic isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about anchoring yourself in purpose, lifting others up, and redefining what success looks like.
Fostering Advocacy and Amplifying Voices
At the heart of Leader Lab Live were the dynamic conversations that took place during panel discussions and breakout sessions—spaces where lived experiences met practical strategies.
In “Breaking Out and Breaking Through: Profiling LGBTQ+ Excellence in the Workplace,”Ramon “Yong” Sarza of ING Hubs Philippines led a vibrant discussion with July Tañola (JPMorgan Chase), Bem Uychinco (Nestlé Philippines), Vinci Mendoza (AIA), and Andrea Catte (EY GDS). Their stories of resilience and leadership served as a powerful testament to the impact of inclusive workplaces.
Meanwhile, in “The Balancing Act: How to Succeed at Work as an Advocate,” a second panel explored the challenge of thriving in one’s career while being a vocal advocate. Moderated by life coach and LGBTQ+ ERG lead Sandy Noche, the panel featured Venus Ancheta, Lot Servidad, Russel Patina, and Arjhay Fronteras Puod—each sharing insights on striking the balance between visibility and ambition.
These discussions didn’t just highlight professional achievement—they redefined advocacy as a form of leadership in itself.
Workshops That Inspired and Empowered
Beyond conversation, Leader Lab Live offered practical learning and personal growth.
John Baluyot, CEO of Positive Workplaces, led an introspective session titled “The Iconic You: Discovering Your Purpose and Leadership Brand.” It guided participants to uncover their unique leadership style and voice.
This was followed by Anne Lainez and Eric Mendoza, who delivered “Design Thinking in Action,” arming attendees with tools to creatively address challenges in their organizations.
And to round off the workshops with joy and spontaneity, SPIT Manila’s Gabe Mercado led a playful improvisation session that reinforced trust, collaboration, and creative thinking—reminding everyone that leadership, too, can be fun.
Answering the Call for Braver Leadership
The most moving moment came when Bataan First District Rep. Geraldine Roman, the first transgender lawmaker in Philippine history, took the stage. Her words carried the weight of history and the promise of change.
“In a world that’s often shaped by destruction, one thing remains constant: the need for leadership rooted in empathy and authenticity,” she said.
“Queer leaders are uniquely equipped to rise to this challenge. We know what it means to be underestimated—but we’ve always risen. Let’s not wait for tomorrow to create spaces for queer excellence. The time is now. Be brilliant. Be brave. Be unapologetically you.”
A Call to Lead with Heart
As the event came to a close, PFIP Trustee Drew Fernandez delivered a final message that lingered in the hearts of attendees.
“Leadership is not just about performance—it’s about presence,” he said. “If you’ve ever had to work harder to be heard, lead with empathy. If you’ve ever been dismissed or overlooked, lead with care. Excellence today means showing up for yourself and helping others rise. Let us be the leaders who change not only companies—but culture.”
As the curtain fell on the 2025 PFIP Leader Lab Live, something larger than an event had been born: a movement of bold, brilliant leaders ready to transform workplaces and communities with authenticity and pride.
It was not just about being excellent. It was about being ICONIC—together.
