The Lunar New Year—called Spring Festival in China, as it marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter, heralds the Year of the Wooden Snake, a year that represents good wisdom, intuition, and strategic growth.
2025 also marks HSBC Philippines’ 150th anniversary in the country by presenting Fortunes Unfolding, a grand feast for the senses at Shangri-La Makati last January 22. To start the celebration, the guests participated in the Lo Hei Yee Sang ceremony, the toss of colorful raw fish salad in the air to symbolize abundance, good fortune and prosperity.
Soon after, doors opened for guests to enjoy an evening of culinary and music festivities. The program began with a dragon and lion dance, symbolizing power, dignity and wisdom.

HSBC Lunar New Year 2025 Lo Hei Yee Sang Ceremony

HSBC Philippines president and CEO Sandeep Uppal and wife Minal Uppal
The Lunar New Year gala was opened by HSBC Philippines president and CEO Sandeep Uppal. In his remarks, he said, “We are much 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 Republic of the Philippines in its nation-building efforts. We thank everyone celebrating with us this evening, for regarding HSBC as your valued banking partner and helping us achieve our ambition to become not only one of the leading international banks in the Philippines, but most importantly, one that’s respected by our clients, partners, and peers.”

Appetizers of suckling pig, roast duck, jellyfish, crispy prawn with salted egg
The first course celebrates the power of digital innovation as HSBC heeds the beat of the future, providing simpler, faster, and smarter banking services.

Main course of baked cod fish, XO sauce, broccoli, fluffy egg white and crispy leeks and ginger
The main course underpins the true value of wealth thru HSBC Premier, providing opportunities to benefit generations to come.

Dessert: Jasmin and white chocolate mousse, vanilla, honey, calamansi and bergamot
A sweet final course is a nod to HSBC Philippines’ vision for building future growth potential through its people, the backbone of its success since 1875.
Guests were treated to a specially curated four-course dinner, as top artists performed.

Regine Velasquez

Gary Valenciano
Performing were The Voice USA 2024 champion Sofronio Vasquez III, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano with his children Gab Valenciano and Kiana Valenciano, and Asia’s Song Bird Regine Velasquez.
- Sofia Zobel-Elizalde with HSBC Philippines president and CEO Sandeep Uppal
- HSBC Philippines customer and marketing head Anya Katigbak-and HSBC Philippines head of communications Nini Icban
- Liza Chan-Parpan and TJ Parpan
- HSBC Philippines head of Markets and Securities Services Corrie Purisima, Cayenne and Wick Veloso, HSBC Philippines director GM Institutional Sales Minuch Anson
- Philippine Airlines AVP Go-to-Market Kit Javier LT Group Inc External Advisor Ria Domingo, Jo Ann Camacho, Monetary Board Member, BSP Ben Diokno
- Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, Minal Uppal, Bubu Andres