Remotely Philippines’ CEO Earns Two Consecutive Years Recognition at Asia CEO Awards 2026

Remotely Philippines - October 19, 2026

Remotely Philippines’ CEO, Eduard T. Ortega. Earns Second Consecutive Circle of Excellence Recognition at Asia CEO Awards 2026


LIPA City, Philippines - Remotely Philippines celebrates another milestone in its entrepreneurial journey as its Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Eduard T. Ortega, CPA, CMA, was recognized among the Entrepreneur of the Year – Circle of Excellence honorees at the Asia CEO Awards 2026, held on October 13, 2026, at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom. The recognition marks Ortega's second consecutive distinction at the prestigious business awards program, following his inclusion in the Young Leader of the Year – Circle of Excellence in 2025.

 

Now in its 17th year, the Asia CEO Awards is widely regarded as one of the Philippines' most prominent business recognition programs and is described by its organizers as the largest business awards event in Southeast Asia. The annual program brings together leading entrepreneurs, executives, and organizations to recognize achievements in business leadership, innovation, organizational excellence, and contributions to the country's economic development.

 

The 2026 awards featured 15 categories recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations across various industries. With more than 700 nominations received across the program, the awards highlight the achievements of business leaders and enterprises helping strengthen the Philippines' position as a competitive destination for investment, innovation, and global business.

 

For Ortega, being recognized among the country's distinguished entrepreneurs carries particular significance as Remotely Philippines celebrates its fifth year of operations, marking a journey that began with a shared dream and has grown into an organization creating meaningful opportunities for more than 50 Filipino professionals.

Recognizing Entrepreneurial Excellence and Nation-Building


The Entrepreneur of the Year category recognizes individuals who have established enterprises from the ground up and successfully developed them into growing organizations that introduce valuable services or products, generate employment opportunities for Filipinos, and contribute to business expansion. Beyond commercial growth, the award places importance on entrepreneurship that demonstrates innovation, measurable achievements, and contributions to the country's broader economic and social development.

A defining distinction of the Asia CEO Awards is its Circle of Excellence, which recognizes outstanding candidates selected through a competitive evaluation process. Nominations undergo scrutiny by PwC, the program's Official Knowledge Partner, before being considered by the Asia CEO Awards Board of Judges. 


From the nominations received, a select group of individuals and organizations is chosen for the Circle of Excellence in each category, with Grand Winners subsequently recognized during the annual awards ceremony. Circle of Excellence honorees receive formal recognition for their accomplishments and contributions, making the distinction a significant achievement.


Ortega's inclusion in the Entrepreneur of the Year – Circle of Excellence places him among business founders recognized for their entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to the Philippine business community.


His recognition also builds on his 2025 distinction, when he was named among the Young Leader of the Year – Circle of Excellence honorees, a category that recognizes emerging leaders whose accomplishments advance the nation's economic capabilities and standing.


Together, the two recognitions represent meaningful milestones in Ortega's continuing development as an entrepreneur and business leader.

From a Leap of Faith to a Growing Organization


Five years ago, Ortega made the decision to leave the security of employment to pursue an entrepreneurial vision alongside his wife and fellow Co-Founder, Ednalyn Atienza-Ortega, CPA. What began as a leap of faith in 2021 eventually became Remotely Philippines, an outsourcing company providing accounting, finance, audit support, and other professional services to businesses across international markets.

 

The early years of building the organization were marked by uncertainty, difficult decisions, personal sacrifices, and the responsibility of transforming an ambitious idea into a sustainable business. With no established roadmap or guarantee of success, the founders relied on their professional experience, determination, and shared commitment to creating an organization that could deliver meaningful value to clients while providing opportunities for Filipino professionals.

 

Reflecting on the journey, Ortega shared:


“Five years ago, I took a leap of faith, leaving the comfort of employment to pursue a dream without knowing where it would lead. There was no perfect roadmap, only a vision, determination, and the courage to keep moving forward.”
Award stage with a group of people holding trophies under colorful lights, “Entrepreneur of the Year” backdrop

The company's subsequent growth reflects the perseverance required to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while building the foundations of a developing organization. From its beginnings with two founders, Remotely Philippines has grown into a team of more than 50 professionals, providing services to businesses while creating opportunities for Filipinos to apply and develop their professional expertise in international business environments.


Over the years, the company has continued to strengthen its service delivery capabilities, expand its professional workforce, and develop the organizational structures necessary to support sustainable growth. For Ortega, these achievements represent more than the expansion of a business. They reflect the gradual realization of the purpose that inspired its establishment.


An Achievement Shared with the People Behind Remotely Philippines


While the Asia CEO Awards recognized Ortega individually, he emphasized that the distinction is equally a reflection of the collective efforts of the people who have contributed to Remotely Philippines' journey. Central to that journey is his wife, Ednalyn Atienza-Ortega, who serves as the company's Chief Operating Officer and has played a vital role in building its operations, organizational culture, and people-centered approach to growth.

As partners in both life and business, the Ortegas have worked together to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, establish the company's foundations, and transform their shared vision into a growing professional organization. 


Ortega acknowledged his wife as the heart of Remotely Philippines, recognizing her unwavering support, dedication, and sacrifices throughout their entrepreneurial journey.


He likewise extended his appreciation to the Remotely Philippines team, whose commitment, professionalism, and contributions have helped the organization overcome challenges and reach important milestones. 


Their collective efforts have enabled the company to strengthen its capabilities, build client relationships, and create an environment where professionals can develop their skills, advance their careers, and assume greater responsibilities.


Ortega also expressed his gratitude to the company's clients, business partners, family, friends, and supporters whose confidence and continued trust have contributed to its development. 


For him, the recognition reinforces an important principle that has shaped his approach to entrepreneurship: meaningful success is not achieved alone, but through the collective commitment of people working toward a shared purpose.

A Milestone That Reflects a Greater Purpose


Although Ortega was not named the Grand Winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year category, his inclusion in the Circle of Excellence represents a meaningful distinction and recognition of his entrepreneurial journey. Being recognized alongside accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders provides an opportunity to reflect on how far Remotely Philippines has come and the impact the organization continues to create.

The recognition holds additional significance as it coincides with the company's fifth anniversary, celebrated under the theme 


“Rise as One: Five Years Strong, One Future Together.”


For Ortega, the greatest reward of entrepreneurship is not necessarily the recognition that accompanies business success, but the opportunities that a growing organization can create for others.


In reflecting on this milestone, he shared:


“Five years ago, I was simply hoping that our dream would work. Today, I'm grateful that our dream has become an opportunity for others to pursue their own.”


The sentiment captures the broader purpose that continues to guide Remotely Philippines: creating meaningful professional opportunities for Filipinos while delivering reliable and high-quality services to its clients.


It also reflects the company's belief that organizational progress should translate into opportunities for employees to develop their capabilities, take on new challenges, and build rewarding careers.

Building on Recognition, Looking Toward the Future

 

As Remotely Philippines enters its next chapter, Ortega's recognition at the Asia CEO Awards serves as both a celebration of the company's entrepreneurial foundations and an encouragement to continue pursuing its long-term vision. Following its fifth anniversary, the organization remains focused on strengthening its leadership capabilities, developing its people, enhancing its systems and processes, and expanding its capacity to support businesses across international markets.


The company's continuing investments in professional development, organizational improvement, and leadership opportunities reflect its commitment to building an institution capable of sustaining growth while creating lasting value for its stakeholders.


For Remotely Philippines, the recognition also carries broader significance within the Philippine outsourcing industry, where homegrown enterprises have opportunities to demonstrate Filipino professional expertise and contribute to the country's growing participation in the global services economy.

Award ceremony stage with large screen reading “Entrepreneur of the Year” and Eduard Ortega accepting the award

Ortega's journey illustrates how an entrepreneurial vision, supported by perseverance and a committed team, can develop into an organization that contributes to both business growth and professional opportunity. His second consecutive Circle of Excellence recognition reinforces the progress achieved over the past five years while providing further inspiration for the journey ahead.

 

As Ortega expressed in reflecting on the distinction, the experience has left him grateful for the journey, humbled by the recognition, and inspired by the opportunities that remain. For Remotely Philippines, the achievement represents another chapter in a continuing story of determination, collaboration, and shared success.

 

Five years after taking a leap of faith, Eduard T. Ortega's entrepreneurial journey continues to embody the vision behind Remotely Philippines: building a business with purpose, creating opportunities for Filipino professionals, and pursuing growth that benefits not only the organization but also the people who make its success possible.

 

Rise as One. Five Years Strong. One Future Together.