From L-R: Mikko David, Christopher Kho, Bess Zamora, Bam Olivares, and Ferman Lao

The Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the Philippine’s automotive awards giving body composed of motoring journalists, elected a new set of officers and Board Members during their first general meeting and annual elections on 26 January 2013.

Showing confidence in the leadership of CAGI, members re-elected Ferman Lao (Kotse.com, Top Gear Philippines), Bam Olivares (Daily Tribune), Bess Zamora (AQ Magazine), and Christopher Kho (Kotse.com) as board members. Mikko David (TopGear Philippines) is the sole newcomer to the group.

“The last few years have come with numerous challenges, but with such a solid and respected group of motoring journalists with us, CAGI forges ahead to determine the best cars in the country.” said CAGI President Ferman Lao, who continues his post after a unanimous vote.
Olivarez, Zamora, and Kho retain their posts as Vice President - Internal, Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, while David assumes the position of Vice President - External.

After the leadership posts were filled, the CAGI Board established and chose amongst members the chairpersons for the different aspects of CAGI's operations from tests, awards nights, communications and more.

Inigo S. Roces (PowerWheels, Manila Bulletin) assumes the post as Chairperson for Test Fests while Ronald Delos Reyes (AutoReview) now heads the Awards Night committee. Vince Pornelos (AutoIndustriya.com, PowerWheels) and Mika Fernandez-David (Gadgets Magazine) share the duties as co-Chairs of CAGI's Communications and PR committee, while Board member Bess Zamora (AQ Magazine) is the Chairperson for the Ways & Means committee. Ronnie Trinidad (Sprocket.ph) takes up the post as the Lead for Membership while Neil Pagulayan (TV5) along with Vince Pornelos both assume posts as co-Chairpersons for Special Projects.

“We are very excited and look forward to working with our new team, each individual bringing unique strengths to the table for CAGI,” commented Lao. “With a growing and dedicated membership base, CAGI will truly reach new heights in the coming years.”

Composed of highly experienced and respected automotive journalists from various media outfits, CAGI conducts annual testing, both qualitative and instrumented, to determine the Philippines' Car of the Year (PCOTY).

CAGI recently concluded the series of qualitative tests and is now preparing for the quantitative instrumented testing to be conducted at the Clark International Speedway. The 2012-2013 Car of the Year Philippines Awards Night will be held at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show.

The 2012 - 2013 Car Of The Year Philippines awards is presented by the Manila International Auto Show and is supported by the Clark International Speedway, Caltex with Techron, Eton Centris Walk, Standard Insurance, BOSCH, RCBC Savings Auto Loans, Victoria Court, Dole Juice Drinks, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts & Coffee, MG Madrid & Co., Red Rock Travel, Winner Graphics, Automobile Association Philippines and SpeedLab.