HSBC Philippines celebrates its 150th anniversary with grand gala
HSBC Philippines grandly wrapped up its year-long anniversary celebration with a musical showcase entitled “When Dreams Unfold,” a night of history and music, celebrating the Bank’s 150-year legacy in the country.
Held at the Grand Ballroom at Shangri-La the Fort, guests were taken back to 1875 when HSBC Philippines started its operations in Binondo, Manila through a timeline of milestones stories unfolding through the decades, showcasing stories of trust, resilience, and shared aspiration.
President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. together with Finance Acting Secretary Frederick Go were special guests, among 600 other dignitaries, Philippine business leaders, customers, partners and media attended the grand gala.
The event was graced by HSBC Group Chairman Brendan Nelson, who welcomed guests saying, “Throughout our 150-year history in the Philippines we have always sought to build and maintain long-term relationships with our stakeholders, which has allowed us to move forward together. Our confidence in, and commitment to, the Philippines and to our valued partners here remain as strong as ever.”
The musical presentation that celebrated HSBC’s 150-year journey in the Philippines featured special performances from the country’s best artists: The Manila Symphony Orchestra conducted by the Philippines’ National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. Original Pilipino Music (OPM) luminaries Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Bituin Escalante, Lara Maigue and Ryan Cayabyab singers performed classic Filipino songs on stage. Theatre royalties Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Williams served as host and narrator respectively.
As the evening was a commemoration and reaffirmation of HSBC’s vision: to open up a world of opportunity for its clients, HSBC Philippines President and CEO Sandeep Uppal led the toast together with HSBC Chairman Brendan Nelson, and HSBC Co-CEO of Asia and Middle East Surendra Rosha, and British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton, OBE.
During the toast Uppal said, “Looking into the future, we wish to uphold this rich legacy of supporting the Philippines in bridging you with opportunities within the country and across the globe. Here’s to our long-standing relationship and wishing growth and prosperity for the Philippines, for another century and beyond!”
The gala is the culminating activity of HSBC Philippines’ broader 150th anniversary celebration, which pays tribute to the Bank’s heritage while embracing a future of inclusive, innovative, and globally connected banking.
