Cover HSBC Philippines president and CEO Sandeep Uppal with his wife Minal Uppal at HSBC’s 150-year celebration in the Philippines
HSBC Philippines president and CEO Sandeep Uppal with his wife Minal Uppal at HSBC’s 150-year celebration in the Philippines
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Explore how HSBC Philippines welcomed the Year of the Wooden Snake and marked its 150th anniversary with a grand celebration that blended tradition with world-class performances
The Lunar New Year is a time of renewal and reflection. It celebrates life’s lessons while anticipating the gifts of the coming year. The Year of the Wooden Snake imbues 2025 with the promise of wisdom, intuition and strategic growth. This auspicious year charts a course for transformation and bounty for all.
In harmony with the spirit of prosperity, HSBC celebrated its upcoming 150th year in the Philippines with the spectacular Lunar New Year celebration ‘Fortunes Unfolding’. Held on January 22 at the prestigious Shangri-La Makati, the evening was a feast for the senses that blended rich tradition with world-class entertainment.
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A dramatic dragon and lion dance at HSBC's 150-year celebration in the Philippines
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The festivities began with guests savouring delectable treats before partaking in the Lo Hei Yee Sang ceremony. Tossing vibrant raw fish salad high, attendees symbolised the collective hope for abundance and good fortune in the year ahead. The evening’s energy soared higher as a dramatic dragon and lion dance filled the room with rhythmic power, embodying the strength and wisdom needed to explore what 2025 offers.
Above Sandeep Uppal with Irene Martel Francisco and Frannie Jacinto at HSBC's 150-year celebration in the Philippines
Sandeep Uppal with Irene Martel Francisco and Frannie Jacinto at HSBC's 150-year celebration in the Philippines
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HSBC Philippines President and CEO Sandeep Uppal set an inspiring tone for the evening: “We are optimistic for 2025, as we are celebrating our 150th year in the Philippines in November. This year will be filled with opportunities for growth and expansion. We look forward to strengthened partnerships among our stakeholders, bridging our customers to a world of opportunities. We are also solidifying our commitment to the country by continuously supporting the Philippines’ nationbuilding efforts.”
Some of the delectable treats served at HSBC's 150-year celebration in the Philippines
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Guests were treated to an opulent four-course dinner crafted by the culinary masters of Shangri-La Makati. From appetisers of suckling pig and roast duck to a main course of fragrant baked cod in XO Sauce, the meal included a jasmine and white chocolate mousse dessert.
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Above Gary Valenciano and Kiana Valenciano's performance at HSBC's 150-year celebration in the Philippines
Above The Voice USA 2024 Champion Sofronio Vasquez III's performance at HSBC's 150-year celebration in the Philippines
Gary Valenciano and Kiana Valenciano's performance at HSBC's 150-year celebration in the Philippines
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Above Regine Velasquez's performance at HSBC's 150-year celebration in the Philippines
Regine Velasquez's performance at HSBC's 150-year celebration in the Philippines
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While the guests enjoyed their sumptuous meals, each bite was complemented by a stellar musical performance. The night’s highlight was a dazzling showcase of Filipino talent that mesmerised everyone. Featuring The Voice USA 2024 Champion Sofronio Vasquez III, the ever energetic Gary Valenciano with his children Gab and Kiana, and Regine “Asia’s Song Bird” Velasquez, each breathtaking performance captured the legacy of Filipino artistry passed from one generation to the next.
Michie Melendres, Jenny Tienzo, Mads Caballero, Joy Cuaso, Anya Katigbak-Cajucom, Angelica Gana, Michelle Tan and Nina Almiranez
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Heralding the Year of the Wooden Snake, HSBC proved once again that heritage and modernity can harmoniously create an experience deeply rooted in cultural legacies while looking towards a bright future for all. Above all, the Lunar New Year festivities highlighted HSBC’s capacity for building connections between people, which has been the backbone of their success over the past 150 years in the Philippines. The evening’s seamless fusion of time-honoured rituals, exquisite gastronomy and world-class entertainment has undoubtedly paved the way for HSBC’s continued growth in the coming years.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
