AppleOne Group has officially marked a transformative breakthrough in its corporate history by welcoming a distinguished panel of independent directors to its Board.
For over 15 years, AppleOne Group has been defined by the vision and grit of its founders, Ray G. Manigsaca and his wife, Engr. Venus H. Manigsaca. Since its foundation, the Manigsaca couple has guided the company’s strategic direction.
“AppleOne was built through struggle, sacrifice and hard work. We did not build this overnight,” Ray said in his opening remarks as Chairman of the Board during the Board’s most recent meeting last December 5, 2025 at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort.
“Venus and I started this company with very limited resources, relying on determination and grit. Those beginnings shared who we are today,” he added.
As the company prepares to pursue major milestones, the Manigsacas recognize that the next phase of growth requires more robust leadership. This realization has prompted the company’s transition from a “founder-driven organization to one that is structured, transparent, and disciplined,” preparing the company for larger responsibilities and long-term sustainability.
A New Chapter in Governance
The newly established board is a strategic expansion of the company’s leadership. The board now adds two executive directors and three independent directors, evolving from its original founder-centric foundation. This development ensures that the company is guided by a collective leadership that is accountable to its long-term institutional goals.
In his address to the board, Ray framed the transition as an essential step towards growing the company into a true institution.
“Our vision is to build an institution that will last for generations,” Ray said. “A company strengthened by an empowered and independent board, guided by governance and accountability.”
“Part of this transformation is ensuring that AppleOne stands independent from our other businesses, with clear structures and a disciplined balance sheet that can support its own growth,” he added.
A Powerhouse Board of Directors
The three newly appointed independent directors are among the most respected figures in the Philippine financial landscape, each bringing a specialized discipline to the AppleOne Group boardroom.
Rene J. Buenaventura is a veteran with deep roots in the banking sector. He is the Vice Chairman of Equicom Manila Holdings and an independent director for various major corporations including GT Capital Holdings, Inc., Lorenzo Shipping Corporation, UBS Investments Philippines Inc., and DDMP REIT, Inc. His background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and former bank CEO provides the board with rigorous oversight of internal controls and financial discipline.
Michael S. Chua is a senior banking executive with over 30 years of experience in financial services. He previously served as Chief Country Officer of Deutsche Bank Philippines, following a career in senior leadership roles across treasury, foreign exchange, fixed income, transaction banking, and corporate banking. He has also been active in industry associations, including the Bankers Association of the Philippines, where he chaired subcommittees on derivatives, foreign exchange, and treasury certification. Michael graduated magna cum laude from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Management Engineering and holds an MBA from the Asian Institute of Management. His role is pivotal in ensuring the company maintains the “disciplined balance sheet” that the company envisions as the foundation for future self-sustained growth.
Stephen CuUnjieng is a distinguished investment banker and senior advisor with over 40 years of experience in investment banking in the Asia-Pacific Region on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and capital market transactions. He has held leadership roles at Evercore Asia, Macquarie, and Merrill Lynch, among other investment banks. He also served on the board of directors of prominent Philippine companies, including First Philippine Holdings, Century Pacific Food, and Aboitiz Equity Ventures, among others. His global perspective on capital markets gives AppleOne Group a sophisticated edge in its expansion ventures.
Several executives from AppleOne Group have also joined the Board. Leif P. Bajarias, Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations, was appointed as Executive Director, alongside Ma. Charina M. Fuentes, Senior Vice President for Strategic Finance. In addition to her role as Executive Director, Fuentes will serve as the AppleOne Group’s Treasurer.
Furthermore, Atty. Theresa Marie P. Dela Peña, Director for Corporate Compliance, was named Corporate Secretary and Compliance Officer, while Atty. Camille D. Recalde, External Counsel, was designated as Assistant Corporate Secretary.
A Foundation for the Future
Ray expressed profound gratitude for the new directors, noting that their presence brings a vital sense of balance, objectivity, and discipline.
“AppleOne has the assets, the people, and the values to succeed,” Ray said. “With discipline, consistency, and collective leadership, I am confident we will reach our goals.”
As the company moves forward, this new governance structure serves as a promise to stakeholders: AppleOne Group will become a stronger, more sustainable, and world-class institution that future generations can be proud of.
