When a woman devotes her entire career to elevating creative excellence, building platforms that connect talents, and standing as a champion of the Philippine advertising industry, it’s only right that the industry stands to honor her in return. And so, on a night charged with deep admiration and gratitude, Angel Guerrero—the heart, soul, and founding editor of adobo magazine—was bestowed with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the 4As Philippines and the Creative Guild.
This is not merely an award. It is a collective love letter from an industry that has been moved, shaped, and inspired by her vision.
For over two decades, Angel has been more than just a publisher. She has been a passionate advocate, a relentless connector, and an unwavering believer in the power of Filipino creativity. adobo magazine, both in its print and digital forms, is a living testament to her vision—a platform that not only tells stories, but amplifies voices and gives Philippine creativity the global spotlight it has long deserved.
Through her presence at countless global and regional shows—from Cannes Lions to Spikes Asia, ADFEST, and beyond—Angel has been our ambassador to the world. A force of nature who didn’t just report on creativity, but nurtured it. Encouraged it. Celebrated it.
And the night of her Lifetime Achievement Award was a reflection of that same celebration—except this time, it was the community’s turn to advocate for her. The industry’s finest gathered to honor her: the likes of Emily Abrera, Susan Credle, Andrew Robertson, Melvin Mangada, Merlee Jayme, JM Sokholov, Jeano Cruz, Margot Torres, and of course, her family—siblings Tia and Fred, her children Kimi and Leon—came together to pay tribute to a woman whose life’s work has inspired generations.
As one of the voiceovers in the video tribute proudly said, “She is someone who gives so much to our industry, and it’s great to see the community showing her the recognition she so truly deserves.” And we couldn’t agree more.
In her acceptance, Angel expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“Thank you to the 4As Philippines for this once-in-a-lifetime honor. The 4As Creative Guild would like to officially honor you with this year’s LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. This is in recognition of your valuable contribution to the advertising and marketing industry through your tireless work and passion for creativity. Very few can lay claim to having been a tenacious and effective ambassador of Philippine Advertising Creativity like you can, having consistently and proactively pushed for our presence in the international scene. You have also continued to go beyond encouraging creative excellence, standing up for the interests, development and welfare of the creative community—even going as far as to leading the thrust for the Creative Economy in the country. The Philippine advertising community owes you its gratitude for all these, and more.”
Angel’s message perfectly encapsulates her journey—not only as a publisher and leader—but as a trailblazer for the creative economy and a woman of unwavering conviction.
The accolades didn’t stop there. In 2025, Angel once again made waves on the global stage by receiving honors at the Asia Stevie Awards—further solidifying her reputation as one of the most respected women in the region’s creative and media industries. It was a win not just for Angel, but for every Filipino creative she has ever believed in, mentored, or published.
This recognition echoed the sentiment of so many of us in the industry. Apple Esplana-Manansala of TNC, herself an industry leader, credited Angel for inspiring her to push boundaries and champion creative empowerment. The same holds true for many of us—yours truly included. Angel’s work ethic, sense of excellence, and deep love for the craft are infectious. She doesn’t just lead; she inspires. And when you’re around her, you feel compelled to raise the bar—not just for yourself, but for the entire community.
The thing about working with or being mentored by someone like Angel is that the lessons stay with you. They shape how you lead, how you create, and how you care. As her peers and protégés, we carry with us the responsibility to extend the mission she started. It’s no longer just her vision—it has become our collective promise.
A promise to nurture younger talent, to give space to new voices, and to always advocate for a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered creative community.
Perhaps what sets Angel apart is her incredible ability to connect—not just people, but purpose. Her conversations always lead to action. Her ideas spark movements. And her gatherings—whether an intimate industry dinner or a bustling adobo Festival of Ideas—are always filled with electric energy and boundless inspiration.
She is the rare kind of leader who never makes it about herself. But tonight—and every time the industry honors her—we make it about her. Because behind the stories, the festivals, the magazine pages, and the global connections—is a woman who simply wanted the world to see what she saw: that Filipino creativity is world-class, and always worth fighting for.
So here’s to the woman of a lifetime. For all you’ve done, all you’ve started, and all the fires you’ve lit in us. This tribute, this award, this moment—they’re not just about recognizing your past. They’re about celebrating your continuing impact.
From all of us in the industry—ad agency writers, creatives, marketers, artists, publishers, and dreamers—we say with full hearts: We thank you, Angel, for all you do and for who you are. May your legacy continue to be our call to action.
This story came out at https://highlights.thenewchannel.com/. For more similar Profiles, check out https://highlights.thenewchannel.com/category/tnc-stories/tnc-profiles/ or follow TNC on all social media platforms.
Words by: Jeoff Solas