Cover Experts from finance, hospitality, food, media and venture capital share insights on risks, opportunities and innovation shaping the Philippines in 2026
Experts from finance, hospitality, food, media and venture capital share insights on risks, opportunities and innovation shaping the Philippines in 2026
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From banking and venture capital to food, hospitality and media, Tatler House Dialogues gathered industry experts to unpack what 2026 demands: clarity, confidence and long-term conviction
On January 15, 2026, Tatler House Dialogues convened some of the country’s most influential voices at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, for an intimate and wide-ranging discussion on what lies ahead for the Philippines. Moderated by Anne Gauthier, the conversation brought together leaders from finance, food, hospitality, real estate, venture capital, retail and media—each offering a distinct yet intersecting perspective on opportunity, risk and responsibility in the year ahead.
Setting the tone was Irene Martel Francisco, managing director of Tatler Philippines, who framed the session as a space for clarity rather than prediction. The goal: to connect the dots across industries, navigating global volatility, rapid technological change and shifting consumer expectations.
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Irene Martel Francisco, managing director of Tatler Philippines
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From a financial standpoint, Sandeep Uppal, CEO of HSBC Philippines, described 2025 as a “roller coaster” year globally, with the Philippines increasingly moving from spectator to active participant in the world economy. Currency depreciation and geopolitical uncertainty remain real risks, he noted, but they have also made the country more attractive to foreign investors and international travellers. Confidence—both consumer and corporate—emerged as a recurring theme, particularly as multinational firms continue to view the Philippines as a long-term growth story.
That confidence is echoed on the ground. Amit Oberoi, general manager of Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, observed steady corporate spending and business travel despite global headwinds. With the Philippines set to host the ASEAN Summits in 2026, the hospitality sector anticipates a meaningful influx of visitors, underscoring the importance of operational efficiency, location and, above all, guest experience. “Accolades matter less than genuine engagement,” Oberoi noted, cautioning against an industry-wide fixation on recognition at the expense of service.
In food, chef and restaurateur Josh Boutwood spoke candidly about the pressures of maintaining quality amid rising ingredient costs. Michelin recognition has drawn more foreign diners, particularly balikbayans, to his restaurants, but sustainability remains central to his approach. Supporting local agriculture, he stressed, is not just a values-driven choice but a practical one, improving ingredient quality while reducing carbon footprint and exposure to currency fluctuations.
Above Top left to right: Amit Oberoi, Sandeep Uppal, Irene Martel Francisco, Mike Jugo, Franco Varona, Josh Boutwood; Bottom left to right: Anne Gauthier, Isabel Francisco, Marleen Go-Uyecio
Top left to right: Amit Oberoi, Sandeep Uppal, Irene Martel Francisco, Mike Jugo, Franco Varona, Josh Boutwood; Bottom left to right: Anne Gauthier, Isabel Francisco, Marleen Go-Uyecio
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Above The questions and topics for discussion at the Tatler House Dialogues 2026 Outlook
Above The Tatler House Dialogues 2026 were accompanied by scrumptious food prepared by Shangri-La The Fort, Manila
The questions and topics for discussion at the Tatler House Dialogues 2026 Outlook
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Real estate and retail are similarly recalibrating. Mike Jugo, head of Ayala Land’s premium residential business group, highlighted a shift from brand-led consumption to product and service value. Today’s discerning buyers are looking for rarity, quality and integrated living experiences. For high-end retail, Marleen Go-Uyecio, owner and creative director of Kuysen, reinforced the renewed importance of craftsmanship, provenance and long-term brand value in a more cautious consumer climate.
Technology and capital, meanwhile, continue to shape every sector. Franco Varona, managing partner at Foxmont Capital, pointed to strong tailwinds for Philippine startups, even as investors become more selective. The focus, he said, has shifted from headline-grabbing fundraises to responsibility: managing capital well, building durable businesses and solving real problems. Digitisation, particularly in lending and financial services, remains a key opportunity, with AI poised to drive efficiency rather than replace human judgement.
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AI surfaced repeatedly throughout the discussion—as tool, disruption and test of values. In publishing, Irene Francisco acknowledged its role in improving efficiency, while underscoring the need to preserve the human touch in storytelling.
Complementing this, Isabel Francisco, deputy content director of Tatler Philippines and editor of Tatler Dining, spoke to the evolving role of content creators as interpreters of culture rather than mere reviewers, highlighting how thoughtful storytelling can deepen appreciation for craft, hospitality and local ecosystems, particularly in food and travel.
Corporate social responsibility was not treated as a side note but as a baseline. From paying taxes and supporting communities to environmental stewardship and ethical sourcing, panellists agreed that businesses in 2026 will be judged as much by how they operate as by what they sell.
As the conversation turned to advice for the next generation, a shared refrain emerged: attitude over accolades, curiosity over certainty, patience over haste. Whether in banking, media, kitchens or capital, passion and continuous learning were cited as non-negotiables in industries evolving faster than ever.
Credits
Photography: Kryss Rubio and Jon Hipe
Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
