China Bank Chairman Hans T. Sy (left) and President William C. Whang switching on the LED lighted 100th anniversary logo at the bank's headquarters in Makati to signal the start of the centennial celebration.
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
With the theme “Celebrating the Past. Embracing the Future”, China Banking Corporation (China Bank) marked its 100th anniversary with a commitment to preserve its legacy while moving forward to better serve its stakeholders.
“We have been able to reach this milestone that few companies do, thanks to the strong foundation and timeless values laid by our founders, the continuing trust and patronage of our customers and shareholders, and the hard work and dedication of China Bankers — from the pioneering staff to our over 10,000 employees today,” said Mr. William C. Whang, China Bank president.
The festivities kicked off on January 24 with a Lion Dance at the Bank’s original head office in Binondo, Manila, which is currently being restored to its original architectural design by German Architect Arthur Julius Niclaus Gambrel Gumbert, and retrofitted with modern technologies to make it more resilient.
The restoration of the 1920s building is the centerpiece of the bank’s centennial celebration and a major component of Binondo’s renewal. The project will be completed in August and will be marked as a heritage site, coinciding with launch of the China Bank Museum — both the physical museum inside the building and the mobile based app.
At the Makati head office, China Bank Chairman Hans T. Sy, and president, William C. Whang, switched on the LED lighted logo of the Bank’s 100th anniversary mounted on the upper floor façade, facing Paseo de Roxas.
As a Chinese New Year treat, customers who open an account with at least ₱30,000 at any China Bank branch from January 24 to 31, get a free China Bank pouch. The bank also has a year-long promo dubbed “Get the Miles, enjoy the SM-iles” that rewards customers with air travel (Mabuhay Miles or Get Go points) and shopping (SM Gift Pass) for their deposits from January 1 to December 31, 2020. See print ads or visit www.chinabank.ph for the promo mechanics.
Other activities are lined up for the bank’s year-long 100th anniversary celebration.
China Bank opened for business on August 16, 1920 in Binondo, Manila. Since then, the bank’s leaders have built a reputation for uncompromising integrity, service excellence, and commitment to clients’ financial success — from its incorporators and original board of directors led by Mr. Dee C. Chuan and Mr. Albino Z. SyCip and the first general managers Mr. J.W. McFarren and Mr. Eugene E. Wing; to Mr. Gilbert U. Dee, Mr. Peter S. Dee, and Mr. Ricardo R. Chua; to Mr. Hans T. Sy and Mr. William C. Whang. Over the years, China Bank has helped businesses succeed and families prosper, while doing its part for the country, society, and the environment.
“We have a rich history of enduring relationships of mutual trust and respect — with our customers, investors, and each other; of creating value for society; of making a better tomorrow for the next generation. As we adapted to a fast-changing world, we modernized without losing our core values and without changing China Bank’s distinct character, while continuing to serve with warmth and personal touch,” said Whang.