Watsons Philippines once again gathered the most distinguished leaders and innovators in health, wellness, and beauty for its highly anticipated annual partners' night, the Watsons HWB Awards 2026. The event was held at Shangri-La The Fort on May 15, 2026, serving as a premier gathering of the industry’s leading names to celebrate excellence and partnership.
Excellence in Full Bloom
This year’s theme, “Excellence in Full Bloom,” honored Watsons’ 185 years of trusted global expertise in beauty and wellness. It underscored the brand’s leadership in the Asian market and its commitment to shaping the future of retail through cutting-edge O+O strategies and stronger collaboration with its partners.
“This evening, we celebrate the partners behind our success, the brands and suppliers who have helped make Watsons the country’s most loved health and beauty O+O retailer. Your collaboration, innovation, and shared passion have touched millions of Filipino lives, and that’s something we are deeply proud of. Tonight also marks a meaningful milestone as we are celebrating 185 years of AS Watson,” said Mr. Jeff Go, Watsons Philippines Chief Operating Officer, during his opening remarks.
Key Growth Strategies
Watsons' commercial leaders—Kim Reyes, Beauty Business Unit Director; Lovenna Cadano, Online Business and CRM Director; and Cecille Uy, Health Business Director—shared key growth strategies and future-focused insights at the event. They highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation, customer experience, seamless O+O retail, and stronger partnerships.
A highlight of the night was a spectacular commemorative segment honoring Watsons’ 185th anniversary. It featured captivating immersive performances by Jayda Avanzado, Arabelle Dela Cruz, and Mr. Pure Energy, Gary V. The production masterfully traced the brand's 'GROW AS ONE' journey, a testament to nearly two centuries of enduring partnerships and collective success. It chronicled the remarkable evolution of Watsons—from its humble origins in 1841 to its ascent as Asia’s most-loved health and beauty retailer. The showcase further highlighted Watsons’ strategic expansion into European markets, driven by its powerhouse network of brand partners and visionary market strategies.
Strategic Insights from Leaders
More than just a celebration, the milestone event offered valuable strategic insights. Kim Reyes reiterated, “The future of Beauty is no longer just about products. It is about inspiration, discovery, and experiences that customers choose to come back to. And together with you, we will continue pushing boundaries, driving innovation, and shaping what Beauty looks like for the next generation of customers.”
Cecille Uy emphasized, “Health today is no longer just about curing illness. It is about empowering people to live better every day through prevention, wellness, and trusted support they can count on. That is why Watsons continues to make healthcare more accessible, more connected, and closer to the communities we serve through expert care, meaningful wellness solutions, and stronger customer engagement.”
Lovenna Cadano shared, “For O+O and CRM, our commitment is simple: to create one connected experience for every customer, a seamless, personal, and meaningful one wherever they choose to engage with us. Because the future of retail is no longer online or offline. It is about how we grow together around the customer.”
Awards and Recognitions
Unilever Philippines, Inc. was recognized as the International Partner of the Year for Beauty, while Boehringer Ingelheim Inc. received the International Partner of the Year award for Health. Other major winners included:
- Local Partner of the Year: Genson Distribution Inc. (Beauty), Unilab, Inc. (Health)
- Consignor of the Year: IFace Inc. (Beauty)
- Major Awards for Beauty: Unilever Philippines, Inc., L’Oréal Philippines, Inc., Beiersdorf Philippines Inc., Haleon Philippines, Inc., PH FIMEDIA Network Trade Corporation, Lifestrong Marketing Inc., Galderma Philippines Inc., Beauty Refinery Inc., MCKENZIE Distribution Co. Inc.
- Major Awards for Health: Haleon Philippines Inc, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (Philippines), Inc., Vida Nutriscience Inc., Pure Form Ventures Inc., Glaxosmithkline Philippines Inc., Abbott EPD, Reckitt Benckiser (Philippines), Inc., Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc., Mosbeau Philippines Inc., Roche Philippines Inc., Abbott Nutrition International
Special awards were given for various categories including Fragrances, Sanitary Protection, Men’s Grooming, Bath/Deo/Talc, Oral Care, Skin Care, Hair Care, Electricals, Cosmetics, and Health. Member’s Choice Awards and Key Accounts Manager awards were also presented.
Closing Remarks
“Tonight, we don’t just close the HWB Awards 2026; we mark a moment of shared progress. Because what we celebrated this evening is bigger than awards. It’s a reflection of what we have built together and what we continue to nurture,” Mr. Danilo S. Chiong, Watsons Philippines Managing Director, expressed in his closing remarks.
This year’s Watsons HWB Awards raised the bar in celebrating excellence and innovation across the industry, and next year promises to be even more transformative, inspiring, and unforgettable.
