HSBC Philippines welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse

HSBC Philippines president and CEO Sandeep Uppal says the bank is looking forward to a ‘year of growth.’

Spectacular showcase of tradition and talent in a cultural dance

HSBC Philippines ushered in the Year of the Fire Horse with a grand banquet entitled “Dynasty of Radiance.” Guests gathered to celebrate traditions and new beginnings with hopes for abundance, harmony, and success in the new lunar new year.

Shangri-La The Fort’s Grand Ballroom was adorned with gold. The evening began with an array of immersive experiences, including a virtual Chinese astrologer, a Prosperity Bar, and a creative photo booth where guests captured keepsakes for the occasion as they enjoyed canapés.

A musician plays a two-stringed Chinese violin.

With the sound of the ceremonial gong, the ballroom doors slowly opened, marking the start of the main celebration. Guests viewed a never-before-seen immersive projection of the dragon dance, woven with imagery of the Year of the Horse.

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid serenades attendees with her all-time popular hits and well-loved ballads.

The highlight of the evening was a four-course menu prepared by the hotel’s renowned executive Chinese chef, Chef Wang Wei Qing. Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid serenaded attendees with her popular hits and well-loved ballads.

In his welcome message, HSBC Philippines CEO and head of banking Sandeep Uppal said, “In Eastern culture, the horse represents action, freedom, speed, and breakthrough. With this year being the year of the Fire Horse, a rare 60-year cycle, energy and dynamism are clearly in the air, and this just makes the coming year exciting, especially in terms of growth.”

HSBC has been in the Philippines for over 150 years, and remains committed to becoming the most trusted international bank in the country. The institution recently refreshed its Premier Banking proposition to cover the four pillars that matter to its clients: Wealth, Health, International, and Travel. The bank has a network of six branches in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, and a Global Service Centre servicing local and international HSBC markets.

“We view this year as the year of growth for HSBC Philippines,” Uppal concluded. “We are even more energized to be your banking partner as we continue to bridge you to a world of opportunity. When you prosper, so will we. So, let’s take on the opportunities the Year of the Fire Horse will present, and grow together.”