BALI, Indonesia — Filipino-American leaders were among those recognized at the inaugural Global Impact Summit & Awards, held February 24 to 25, 2026 at the Harper Hotel in Kuta. The two-day gathering brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, and advocates from across sectors for a forum on leadership and purpose-driven enterprise.
Organized by Entrepreneurs’ Diaries Magazine, the summit convened participants from business, media, technology, philanthropy, and the creative industries. The program featured keynote sessions, panel discussions, and an awards ceremony honoring individuals whose work reflects both professional achievement and community impact.
Filipino-American leaders recognized
Several Filipino-American honorees were cited for contributions spanning media, entrepreneurship, aesthetics, recruitment, and film.
Among them were Mic Diaz, founder and CEO of Mic Diaz Presents, recognized for work in multichannel media and cultural storytelling; Celeste Friedman, entrepreneur and executive producer of the film Love and Karma, honored for leadership across real estate, fashion, film, and coaching; Marlou “MC” Colina, founder of MC Aesthetics, cited for contributions in medical aesthetics, education, and philanthropy; and Jethro Lim Tseng, also known as Limson, CEO of HireFox LLC, recognized for building an international recruitment platform focused on ethical teacher placement.
Also in attendance was Zac Tolentino, Miss Philippines USA 2024, who participated as a brand ambassador.
Dialogue on purpose-driven leadership
Beyond recognition, the summit centered on how leaders are adapting to a more interconnected and purpose-driven global economy.
Panel discussions moderated by Diaz explored themes including aligning business growth with social impact and navigating cultural and geographic barriers in scaling organizations internationally. Speakers from the United States, India, Kenya, and Malaysia shared perspectives on collaboration, innovation, and the evolving responsibilities of leadership in shaping communities.
Creative expression across disciplines
The program also highlighted the intersection of business and the arts.
A fashion showcase featured the Bontika Collection by Friedman, designs from Bali-based label Shima, and wardrobe pieces from Love and Karma. The presentation underscored how fashion and film can function as platforms for cultural storytelling.
The evening continued with a musical performance by the film’s music supervisor, James Golding, followed by a trailer presentation introducing audiences to the project’s creative direction.
Extending impact beyond the summit
Participants also engaged with local communities during their stay in Bali.
Friedman, Golding, and Diaz conducted a lecture at Primakara University, where they discussed filmmaking, marketing, and creative entrepreneurship with students. The session focused on translating personal and cultural narratives into meaningful creative work.
Separately, Friedman and Diaz joined a medical outreach initiative in Amed, Bali, supporting volunteer efforts to provide healthcare services in underserved areas.
A global perspective on leadership
As the summit concluded, discussions emphasized a common theme among participants: leadership is increasingly defined by collaboration across borders and disciplines.
Organizers and attendees pointed to the growing role of diaspora communities, including Filipino-Americans, in shaping global conversations on innovation, culture, and social impact.
