Rosemarie Rafael, Chairperson and Founder of Airspeed, was recognized for her visionary leadership at the inaugural Mansmith Awards held on January 21, 2026. The ceremony, hosted at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, celebrated Filipino trailblazers who have successfully blended business innovation with nation-building.
The Mansmith Awards were established to honor purpose-driven leaders who transform insights into impactful realities. Rafael received the Mansmith Entrepreneur Award, a distinction reserved for those who lead with integrity, nurture talent, and build enterprises that uplift local communities.
For Rafael, this award serves as a testament to a career defined by resilience and malasakit (compassionate care). Under her guidance, Airspeed has evolved from a traditional freight forwarder into a comprehensive logistics powerhouse, driven by the core brand promise: “We Make It Happen.”
“This award is not just a personal milestone, but a shared victory with the many teams, partners, and communities we work with every day,” said Rosemarie P. Rafael. “True entrepreneurship is about making things happen—not just for business success, but for lives, livelihoods, and the country we serve.”
The Mansmith Awards highlight the intersection of heart and discipline in the corporate world. Rafael’s recognition underscores Airspeed’s role as more than just a supply chain partner; it is an enabler of possibilities for Filipino businesses.
Key pillars of Rafael’s leadership at Airspeed include:
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Operational Excellence: Maintaining a gold standard in logistics and supply chain management.
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Ethical Leadership: Fostering a culture of integrity and deep responsibility toward employees and stakeholders.
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Community Empowerment: Creating opportunities that allow small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to scale and thrive.
As the Mansmith Awards begin a new tradition of honoring excellence, Rafael’s achievement stands as a powerful reminder that value-based entrepreneurship is a vital engine for the Philippines’ dynamic and inclusive future.
