SQL*Wizard MD is 1 of 10 Outstanding Filipino Entrepreneurs of 2007

by Dee Tumlos

SQL*Wizard’s very own Managing Director, Dina Salonga, was proclaimed as one of the top ten Entrepreneurs of 2007 by Entrepreneur Philippines Magazine. 

Every year for the last 5 years, Entrepreneur Magazine has been handing out awards to 10 Outstanding Entrepreneurs who are either owners, founders/co- founders of SMEs. Winners are chosen based on the company's financial performance for the last 3 years prior to the award year, sustainability of the business, employee relations and corporate social responsibility. In addition, the nominees are interviewed about their dreams and visions for the company and are evaluated based on their thoughts on leadership and entrepreneurship.

Through the selections, Entrepreneur Philippines seeks not only to recognize excellence in entrepreneurship but also to motivate existing entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs alike to step out of their comfort zones and blaze new trails in business. (Entrepreneur November 2007)

Upon her acceptance of the award at a formal ceremony held at the Manila Peninsula, Dina Salonga shared her thoughts.  "When I got the email notifying me that I have been nominated for this award, I was pleasantly surprised. Surprised that someone had nominated me and that my achievements are being recognized outside of the IT industry. Then I felt apprehensive. Have I done enough to earn the award? Then I thought that is not for me to decide. So I went ahead and submitted the requirements. When I was subsequently informed that I was chosen as one of the ten awardees, I was so happy and honored, I almost declared an office holiday. This is great! Then I read the success stories of my co-awardees and I felt humbled. Humbled to be in the company of such great achievers in their own fields.  I accept this award with gratitude and pride."  She also shared the award with the other SQL*Wizard founders, management, staff, clients and partners and her family and friends.

The other awardees are Boots Alcantara of Casa San Pablo, Butch Albarracin of Center for Pop Music Phils.,  Derrick Chiongbian of Blue Kettle Corp., Kenneth Cobonpue of Interior Crafts of the Islands, Inc., Jose Miguel Geronimo of GG Productions Inc., Josie Go of Karimadon, Edmund Liu of Basic Graphics Inc., Catherine Lopez-Uy of Asian Books Inc., and Albert Yu of Asya Design Partner.