Carlo Delantar, born and raised in Cebu, Philippines, grew up with the notion that business could be a genuine tool for the good of humanity. Currently, he works as Partner and Head of Sustainability at Gobi Partners, a Pan-Asian venture capital firm. Carlo also serves as Chairman of Waves for Water Philippines, where the project has reached over two million Filipinos. A workaholic by nature, he has learned to be intentional about the distractions that pull him away from a screen—freediving, mountaineering, and traveling to places that remind him why the work matters in the first place.

Carlo Delantar recently represented the Philippines @worldeconomicforum Young Global Leaders of 2026

What is it that you love about your work?

I love that it is never purely theoretical. Every decision carries real consequences for communities, ecosystems, and the next generation of businesses being built across Asia. I grew up wanting to make business a social tool for the good of the populace, and I ended up in a role where that is literally the job. The fact that I still feel that way is what I am most grateful for.

Are you inspired by any writer or creatives that you like to sink into?

I am not a book reader by nature, but I have always kept myself learning through conversations with people across the creative, outdoor, tech, and sports industries. The one book that I return to without hesitation is Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard. It confirmed everything I believed about business being a force larger than profit. Beyond books, spaces like Wonderfruit and events like Plus63 are where I find the creative energy that keeps me curious and honest.

Yvon Chouinard,founder of Patagonia ,an outdoor apparel also pioneered in the climbing world

What is your soundtrack like?

My music playlist moves across ’90s rock, hip-hop, and R&B to lo-fi jazz hip-hop of Nujabes. Lately, I have been deep into Anderson .Paak and Mac Miller—two artists that understand that music can be joyful and searching at the same time. Music is constant in every environment that I’m in.

Brandon Paak Anderson, better known as Anderson.Paak, is mostly heard in a duet with Bruno Mars-Leave the Door Open

What was the last piece of art that caught your attention?

Recently, there was a charity auction called Waves for Hope to establish the JCI Manila Foundation, with proceeds going to Waves for Water Philippines, and two artists made a lasting impression through that experience: Quiccs and Bernardo Pacquing. Seeing art carry a real social purpose in that kind of context is exactly the kind of convergence I live for.

Bernardo Pacqiung -Pink Painting ,oil on canvas

What film or television series are you currently hooked on?

Mad Men, Silicon Valley, Billions, Beef, and Modern Family. That range says everything about me. I go from studying systems and power to needing something that makes me laugh out loud.

Beef, a dark comedy anthology series created by Lee Sung Jin about a couple living parallel lives under different circumstances

Do you have a piece of jewellery or watch that you cannot part with?

A Cartier Tank watch, gifted by my wife Angela on our wedding day, never leaves my wrist. I also keep a Seiko Metronome close by—an ode to music lovers and a small reminder that rhythm matters in everything you do.

The Tank watch designed by Louis Cartier is defined by flat vertical brancards and a blue sapphire cabochon

What is your favorite travel destination?

I recently came back from Bhutan, and it genuinely stopped me in my tracks. Sixty percent of its forests are constitutionally protected, and the new plans for economic zones powered entirely by renewable energy showed me how a country is architecting its future with real intention. That combination of ecological discipline and economic ambition is rare and deeply aligned with everything I think about in my work.

Bhutan, nestled between China and India in the Eastern hemisphere of the Himalayas provides a unique political system worth probing into.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A perfect home with a sustainable, organic farm close to the ocean and mountains. No signal. Good food grown on the ground nearby. The people that I love within reach. That is enough.

Ethan Andre H. Gomez, 20 years old and a second-year student in Business Management at De La Salle University Taft, wanted to be a model since he was 15 years old. He felt that he was so unattractive that his ultimate goal in life was modeling—because in his mind, no one thought it was even possible. Contrary to Andre’s misconception of himself, he is now currently a model under Avenir Management in Manila, Philippines, proof of a reversal of fortune.

Styling by Yumi Aileena, photography by Chris Santos

What is it that you love about your work?
The artistic expression—turning the human body, a creation of Mother Nature, into a canvas through clothing, makeup, and expression. With every pose and expression, I reach into my mind for an emotion to bring out for the aesthetics of the photographic team.

Are you glued to anything on television currently?
I’ve been binge-watching all of Bridgerton with my mom on Netflix recently.

Bridgerton is an alternative history regency romance created by Chris Van Dusen for Netflix

What is your soundtrack like?
Industrial, grunge, and rock. Also a lot of looksmaxxing edits. The community can be toxic, but the music slaps.

looksmaxxing edits refer to fast paced video montages on trending music

Is there a line from a novel or song that plays in your mind?
The entire chorus of “Snarky” by Quannic.

Quannic, one of the most exciting singer-songwriter-producers to emerge in indie rock of late

What scent do you wear?
Golden Rum by Scentsmith or a coffee-scented body oil. I don’t like traditional men’s fragrances; I find that the alcohol content is too strong for my nose.

Scentsmith is a Filipino fragrance house known for its artisans approach

What is your favorite travel destination?
Hmm, I would say Hong Kong. It has layers of neon lights against the mountains, tradition beside glass towers. Hong Kong feels like walking through a film set that’s constantly evolving. I find that very inspiring.

Hong Kong is a dynamic, densely populated metropolis often described as Asia’s World City. Photography by Chris Santos

What restaurant do you frequent?
Chicken HaHa. It’s pretty unhealthy, but I combine it with salads—a lot. Abroad, I try to make sure I don’t try the same place twice. It’s always good to discover.

Chicken HaHa is known for its crispy and moist chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce.

Are you inspired by any visual artist?
In terms of appearance (hair, clothes), I get inspired by Kole from Tokyo Sims.

Kole from Tokyo Sims is a controversial street interviewer on YouTube and Instagram.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A purpose now, good food, and great friends—all while being at peace and away from useless stress.

Ludy Vilma Demecillo has spent 21 years in the insurance industry as a manager for Manulife Insurance Company and also as a sales and marketing consultant. Recently, her interest has expanded into media and community development work. Currently, Ms. Demecillo is a talk show host and is an influencer running her own blog and vlog as a content creator in the online media space, Journeyscapes with Ludy.

Ludy Vilma Demecillo raises self-awareness in her vlogs in an online media space.

What do you love about your work?

It’s the opportunity to meet people. Every conversation is a chance to learn something new, and every experience can be shared with others. I enjoy connecting with people and passing along insight that might help in someone else’s life journey.

Are there any writers, spiritual thinkers, or creatives who have helped shape the way you think?

I have followed a number of life coaches who have influenced me, like Dr. Shefali Tsabary, David Ghyam, and Matthew Hussey. I deeply honor my personal life coach, Paraluman Patalinghug Datta, a Cebuana now based in India. That guidance truly changed my life.

David Ghiyam is a globally recognized Kaballah teacher

What’s your soundtrack like?

One artist I hope to see live someday is Adele, but at heart I’m an old soul. I love the timeless music of Frank Sinatra. Two years ago, when I travelled to Nashville, I made sure to visit a Sinatra bar and lounge that featured live performances of his repertoire. Sitting there and listening to those classics being sung by other artists was absolute heaven!

American singer and actor Frank Sinatra is regarded as one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century.

Is there a line from literature or a podcast that often plays in your mind?

When you change your internal beliefs and thoughts, your external reality begins to shift as well. This idea resonated while I was listening to LoveAgainJen, whose core message is, “learn to love yourself.”

Is there a piece of jewellery or accessory that you cannot leave the house with?

I love designer bags. I admit it proudly — I’m very much a Prada and Louis Vuitton kind of girl. A good bag completes the outfit and gives me the confidence to take on the day.

Prada Saffiano Black Handbag

Do you have a favourite restaurant in Cebu?

Recently, one of my favorite dining spots is Pukot Kitchen in Banilad. The ambiance is relaxed, almost family-style, and the food is really good.

Pukot is a Cebuano term meaning to catch fish through a netting.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness is about gratitude in the present moment. Happiness itself can be fleeting because it’s often tied to circumstances; however, if you cultivate contentment, meaning, and gratitude, these moments transform into genuine joy. I find joy in spending time with my children, in being able to find blessings through life coaching, mentoring, and sharing my personal journey.