HSBC Philippines celebrates 150 years with a grand gala

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December 10, 2025 | 12:00am

HSBC Philippines capped its year-long 150th anniversary celebration with a spectacular gala titled “When Dreams Unfold,” an evening that honored the bank’s remarkable legacy through music and storytelling. Held at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La The Fort, the celebration transported over 600 guests back to 1875, when HSBC first began operations in Binondo — tracing a rich timeline of milestones that highlighted trust, resilience, and shared aspirations.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Finance Acting Secretary Frederick Go led the distinguished guest list, joined by industry leaders, partners, clients and media. HSBC Group chairman Brendan Nelson welcomed everyone, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to nurturing long-term partnerships in the Philippines.

HSBC Philippines president and CEO Sandeep Uppal led a ceremonial toast celebrating the bank’s enduring role: “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 night’s musical journey featured the Manila Symphony Orchestra under National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, alongside celebrated OPM icons Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Bituin Escalante, and Lara Maigue, with theater luminaries Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Michael Williams as hosts.

The gala served as a fitting finale to HSBC’s milestone year — honoring its heritage while looking boldly toward a future of inclusive and globally connected banking.

Ballet Philippines’ magical Wonderland

Ballet Philippines invited audiences into a boundless world of imagination with its spectacular new production of Alice in Wonderland, part of the company’s 56th Season. Choreographed by artistic director Mikhail Martynyuk, this fresh adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic blended striking choreography with playful theatricality.

Staged at Solaire, the performance delighted ballet aficionados with its vibrant, transformative storytelling.