On October 30, 2024, at The Orchard in Bara-as, Tubod, the Iligan Business Awards celebrated the city’s most innovative entrepreneurs and businesses. Among the distinguished honorees was Rene Leandro Padilla, founder of PinoySEO, who received the prestigious Outstanding Digital Freelancer of the Year award in the ICTC Category.
Though unable to attend the event in person, his mother, Renefe Padilla, and his brother, Coach Karl Padilla, proudly accepted the award on his behalf.
In a heartfelt message, Coach Leandro expressed his deep gratitude:
“Thank you to the City of Iligan and the Iligan Business Awards 2024 organization for recognizing me as the Outstanding Digital Freelancer of the Year! This is an immense honor. I’m deeply thankful for the support of my loving family, especially my wife Kathy Padilla and our children, my parents, siblings, and in-laws. I also want to thank the PinoySEO team, our students, and partners who believed in our mission. Special thanks to my mom and brother for receiving the award on my behalf. To God, my Lord Jesus, be all the glory! Let’s keep pushing forward! Magpadayon ta!”
Coach Leandro’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Coach Leandro’s rise in the digital world began in 2018 when he founded MalachiSoft, a web design and SEO agency. Through this venture, he launched Promote Iligan, a project aimed at helping local businesses enhance their online presence and thrive in the digital landscape.
In August 2022, Rene launched PinoySEO, an educational platform offering free SEO training videos, which quickly gained traction. Later that year, he introduced the 4-Week Online SEO Bootcamp, a paid course designed to provide hands-on training in SEO.
Coach Leandro’s commitment to digital education took another leap in July 2024, when he co-founded SOVA (School of Virtual Assistance) together with his wife, Katherine Padilla. Based in Cebu, SOVA is a training center that equips aspiring virtual assistants with the skills needed to succeed in the competitive virtual workspace.
A Vision Beyond Digital Ventures
Coach Leandro’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the digital world. Since 2021, Coach Leandro and Ms.Katherine have been managing Pipie Co, a cake, bread, and pastry shop in Iligan. This successful venture has not only contributed to the local business landscape but has also highlighted the couple’s dedication to both their community and their craft.
Recognizing a Digital Pioneer
Rene Leandro Padilla’s diverse contributions to both the digital and local business sectors have made him a respected figure in Iligan’s community. From launching digital platforms that promote local businesses to offering accessible SEO education, Coach Leandro’s work has helped bridge the gap between traditional businesses and the ever-evolving digital world.
His recognition at the Iligan Business Awards 2024 is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for uplifting others through digital innovation. As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital space, Coach Leandro’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
Let’s keep moving forward! Magpadayon ta!