Cover Dr Randy Francisco, Dr Gap Legaspi, Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, Jacques Christophe Branellec, Isabel Francisco
Dr Randy Francisco, Dr Gap Legaspi, Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, Jacques Christophe Branellec, Isabel Francisco
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As Tatler Philippines celebrates its 25th anniversary, three individuals are recognised for turning influence into meaningful impact across business, humanity and innovation
A person’s influence is often easiest to see in what they have accomplished. The more difficult measure is what they have made possible for others. It is this distinction that lies at the heart of the Tatler Impact Awards, presented at this year’s Tatler Ball, where more than 300 guests gathered at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, to celebrate Tatler Philippines’ 25th anniversary.
Three individuals from the 2026 Tatler Most Influential Philippines list take this year’s honours, each representing a different expression of leadership. From building a business with an environmental conscience to widening access to education and advancing public healthcare, their work speaks to a particular kind of achievement: one that does not end with the success of oneself.
Tatler Philippines editor-in-chief Anton San Diego is joined by actress, TV host and “Concert Queen” Pops Fernandez in hosting this year’s awards. The honours were presented by Dr Ramon S Francisco, a member of the board of directors of Tatler Philippines, and Isabel Martel Francisco, deputy editorial director and dining and travel editor of Tatler Philippines.
Read more: Lasting impact: how the Tatler Ball became a celebration of giving
Above Tatler Impact Awardees 2026: Dr Gap Legaspi, Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, Jacques Christophe Branellec
Tatler Impact Awardees 2026: Dr Gap Legaspi, Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, Jacques Christophe Branellec
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The Tatler Impact Award for Business was presented to Jacques Christophe Branellec, chief executive officer of Jewelmer, the Filipino luxury house known for its golden South Sea pearls. Under his leadership, the company has brought Philippine craftsmanship to an international audience, working with local pearl farmers and artisans while making marine conservation central to its business. Through the Save Palawan Seas Foundation, Branellec also supports efforts to protect the waters on which pearl cultivation depends.
Beyond Jewelmer, he serves as vice-president of the Pearl Commission at CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation and became chapter chairman of the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) this year. He is also a member of the board of directors of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines and holds the rank of Commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.
In 2026, Jewelmer launched Pearls of the Archipelago, collaborating with Filipino restaurants Hapag and Celera to introduce the golden South Sea pearl through new cultural experiences. Across these endeavours, Branellec continues to champion Filipino craftsmanship while protecting the natural resources and expertise that make the industry possible.
Read more: Tatler Most Influential Philippines 2026: the Filipinos making an impact across industries
Above Beyond his work in pearl cultivation, Branellec supports marine conservation through the Save Palawan Seas Foundation and holds the rank of Commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (Photo: Paolo Pineda)
Beyond his work in pearl cultivation, Branellec supports marine conservation through the Save Palawan Seas Foundation and holds the rank of Commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (Photo: Paolo Pineda)
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The Tatler Impact Award for Humanity was presented to Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine, whose work spans education, medical research and the preservation of Filipino heritage. As president and CEO of Khan Academy Philippines, she is expanding access to quality education through technology and responsible artificial intelligence. The organisation now reaches 3.2 million Filipino learners across more than 3,600 schools in all 18 regions of the country.
Her work to improve lives is also personal. Inspired by her family’s experience with X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism, a rare neurological condition that predominantly affects Filipinos, she founded the Sunshine Care Foundation and the Massachusetts General Hospital Collaborative Centre for X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism to advance research and care for patients.
Beyond education and healthcare, she established the Philippine Living Heritage Initiative to preserve Filipino cultural traditions and reconnect younger generations, particularly those in the diaspora, with their roots. She was also the first Filipino elected to Harvard University’s Board of Overseers, where she served as vice-chair. Across these endeavours, Acuña-Sunshine has made expanding opportunity and improving lives the common thread of her work.
Above Inspired by her family’s experience with X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP), Acuña-Sunshine founded the Sunshine Care Foundation and the Massachusetts General Hospital Collaborative Centre for XDP
Inspired by her family’s experience with X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP), Acuña-Sunshine founded the Sunshine Care Foundation and the Massachusetts General Hospital Collaborative Centre for XDP
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The Tatler Impact Award for Innovation was presented to Dr Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi, a pioneering Filipino neurosurgeon and medical director of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). Over the course of his career, he has helped advance the practice of neurosurgery in the Philippines, introducing awake craniotomies that allow surgeons to monitor and protect a patient’s speech and movement during brain tumour operations.
In 2007, he became the first surgeon in Southeast Asia to implant an auditory brainstem implant. Having performed hundreds of operations related to aneurysms, Legaspi has also built extensive expertise in treating complex conditions affecting the brain and spine.
As head of the country’s largest public referral hospital, now in his fourth term, he has also led UP-PGH through significant modernisation efforts and the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. His work reflects the importance of advancing medical practice while strengthening the institutions that provide care to Filipinos.
Read more: Heal, thrive, become: why the Child Protection Network is the heart of Tatler Ball 2026
Above In 2021, Dr Legaspi made history as the first Filipino to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, taking that first step at a time of great uncertainty for the country (Photo: courtesy of PCOO)
In 2021, Dr Legaspi made history as the first Filipino to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, taking that first step at a time of great uncertainty for the country (Photo: courtesy of PCOO)
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Previous recipients of the Tatler Impact Awards include Olympic champion Carlos Yulo, GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon, agri-entrepreneur Cherrie Atilano and epidemiologist Dr Mahar Lagmay, each recognised for their contributions in their respective fields.
Read more: Meet the 2025 Tatler Impact awardees: EJ Obiena, Mahar Lagmay, Nanette Medved-Po
Their work may take different forms, but each has found a way to make a difference beyond their immediate field. Whether through business, healthcare or education, their contributions have reached communities, opened up opportunities and strengthened the institutions around them.
As Tatler Philippines marks its 25th anniversary, the 2026 Tatler Impact Awards recognise three individuals whose work reflects the kind of leadership the magazine has long sought to highlight. Their achievements are worth celebrating not only for what they have accomplished, but also for the people and communities who continue to benefit from their work.
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Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
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