In full bloom: Watsons honors the best in health, wellness and beauty at HWB Awards 2026

Philstar.com

May 19, 2026 | 9:00am

for Watsons

MANILA, Philippines — Watsons Philippines once again convened the most distinguished leaders and innovators in health, wellness and beauty for its highly anticipated annual partners' night, Watsons HWB Awards 2026, held at Shangri-La The Fort last May 15. The event served as a premier gathering of the industry’s leading names, celebrating excellence and partnership.

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,” says Jeff Go, Watsons Philippines chief operating officer, during his opening remarks.

A highlight of the night was a spectacular commemorative segment honoring Watsons’ 185th anniversary. Featuring 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.

More than just a celebration, the milestone event offered valuable strategic insights. This segment was highlighted with a commitment from commercial leaders, Kim Reyes, beauty business unit director; Cecille Uy, health business director; and Lovenna Cadano, online business and CRM director. 

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.”

“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," Uy emphasized.

Finally, 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.”

And the most anticipated part of the program came, the presentation of awards for their partners. Excitement peaked as the winners were finally announced for each category. Dominating the winner’s circle across various categories, namely:

• International Partner of the Year: Unilever Philippines Inc. (Beauty), Boehringer Ingelheim Inc. (Health) 
   
• 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 Award for Beauty (Fragrances): Rustan Marketing Corporation, Genson Distribution Inc.
   
• Special Awards For Beauty (Sanitary Protection): UL Skin Sciences Inc., Kimberly-Clark Philippines Inc. 
   
• Special Awards For Beauty (Men’s Grooming): Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc. 
   
• Special Awards For Beauty (Bath, Deo, Talc): Unilever Philippines Inc., Galderma Philippines Inc. 
   
• Special Awards For Beauty (Oral Care): Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Philippines Inc., Kenvue Philippines Inc. 
   
• Special Awards For Beauty (Skin Care): Galderma Philippines Inc., Healthy Innovation Distribution Inc., Genson Distribution Inc., Intelligent Skin Care Inc., Unilever Philippines Inc., Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc.
   
• Special Awards For Beauty (Hair Care): Cambert (Pilipinas) Inc., Unilever Philippines Inc., Splash Corporation, L'Oréal Philippines Inc. 
   
• Special Awards For Electricals: Asia Pacific Cosmetics Philippines Corporation
   
• Special Awards For Cosmetics: Chic Centre Corporation, Allure Asia Inc., L'Oréal Philippines Inc., IFACE Inc., PH FIMEDIA Network Trade Corporation
   
• Special Awards: Fine Today Philippine Corporation, Face Party Inc., Descorp Inc., Unilever Philippines Inc., Genson Distribution Inc., Future Glow Philippines Corporation, Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc.
   
• Special Awards For Health: Bayer Philippines Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc., Unilab Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Cathay Drug Inc., Collins International Trading Corporation, Procter & Gamble Health, Opella Healthcare Philippines Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (Philippines) Inc., Healthy Innovation Distribution, Wyeth Philippines Inc., Galderma Philippines Inc., Haleon Philippines Inc., UL Skin Sciences, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Inc., Torrent Philippines Inc., Mosbeau Philippines Inc., Pascual Consumer Healthcare Corp., IMDS - DKT Health Inc. 
   
• Member’s Choice Award For Beauty: L'Oréal Philippines Inc. (Cosmetics), Genson Distribution Inc., (Skin Care and Fragrance), Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc.(Body Care), Unilever Philippines Inc. (Hair Care), Beiersdorf Philippines Inc., (Men’s Care), Colgate-Palmolive Philippines Inc., (Oral Care), Galderma Philippines Inc., (Best Baby Care)
   
• Member’s Choice Award For Health: North Summit Trading Inc., (Immune Health), IVI RYO Corporation (Skin Health), Unilab Inc. (Cough & Colds)
   
• Key Accounts Manager Beauty: Rustan Marketing Corporation (Fragrances), L'Oréal Philippines, Inc. (Cosmetics and Prestige Brands), Kenvue Inc. (Oral and Baby Care), Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc. (Men’s Grooming), Bevi Beauty Elements Ventures Inc.(Bath, Deo & Talc), Unilever Philippines Inc. (Skin and Hair Care)
   
• Key Accounts Manager Health: Viatris Inc. (Ethical Category), Unilab Inc., (OTC), Betabrands Corp. (VDS)

The Watsons HWB Awards has become the most prestigious and respected event in the industry, recognized as a celebration of excellence across the health, beauty and retail sectors.

“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.,” Danilo Chiong, Watsons Philippines managing director, expressed this 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.

Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by Watsons. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.