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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider Have an abundant year ahead!

Have an abundant year ahead!

Published Jan 29, 2022 07:30 am

Celebrating the Chinese New Year online with HSBC

LUCKY PACKAGE HSBC CNY 2022 Abundance box, a beautiful and reusable red container

Little by little, the world is restarting. Despite the relentless coronavirus, people are becoming more hopeful. We have found ways to live with the disease and are now seeing a semblance of normalcy prior to the health crisis. For one, movie theaters have reopened, hotels are starting to accept leisure stays, and restaurants are receiving more customers. The danger is far from over, of course, and we must still observe great caution. The bottom line is that there is hope and we see signs we can win this fight.

In a few days, we will celebrate the Chinese New Year (CNY). This means another opportunity to move forward, improve, and grow. As an Asian country with a rich history with China, the Philippines, in particular the Filipinos with Chinese blood or the “Chinoys,” celebrate the Lunar New Year.

This year, I was able to participate in a CNY party hosted by HSBC Philippines. The multinational investment bank invited some of its patrons to an online festivity that showcased traditional Chinese customs and traditions. Held on Jan. 27, “Abundance” was a night full of prosperity, learnings, and food.

At every CNY event, what I look forward to the most is the food. Kudos to the team of HSBC Philippines who never fails to make clients and media practitioners happy, sending over a specially curated food box by Shangri-La at the Fort.

BENGAL MEN Peter Faulhaber, head of Wealth and Personal Banking; and feng shui expert Melvin Sua

In the reusable red box were jellyfish salad with aged black vinegar and chili oil, roasted duck with plum sauce, crispy barramundi fish fillet in sweet and chili sauce, wok-fried Iberico pork neck with eringe mushroom in black bean sauce, canton road signature fried rice with shrimp and US scallop, E-fu noodle with vegetable and mixed mushrooms, bok choy with flower mushroom in oyster sauce, mango pudding, Hong Kong baked flaky organic egg tart, a bag of cashew nuts, and a bottle of fresh rose wine from southwest France. The dishes were not only abundant but also delicious.

‘The Year of the Water Tiger, which starts from Feb. 1, 2022 and ends on Jan. 21, 2023, represents strength and bravery, traits that everyone should exhibit as we face the year head-on.’

Kicking off the program was a lion dance performance to usher in good fortune for the coming year. “The Lunar New Year is China’s biggest holiday for families and friends to get together for the festivities. May this evening bring us together in welcoming the year with great possibilities and infinite opportunities,” said Peter Faulhaber, HSBC Philippines head of Wealth and Personal Banking, in his opening remarks. “We remain committed to growing and staying in the Philippines to be of service to the Filipinos, as we continue to manage your wealth by connecting you to opportunities not just locally but globally. We look forward to continuing nurturing our relationship and being your partner in this life’s journey.”

LUCKY CONFECTION 'Binondo,' tiger shaped chocolates

Among the highlights of the affair was the CNY forecast of feng shui master Melvin Sua. He shared insights to help guests navigate the peaks and avoid pitfalls that lie ahead, as well as how to attract more luck in life and business. The Year of the Water Tiger, which starts from Feb. 1, 2022 and ends on Jan. 21, 2023, represents strength and bravery, traits that everyone should exhibit as we face the year head-on.

Other things I could recall from the feng shui talk were that those born under the year of the Rat, Dragon, and Tiger should “pray more,” meaning that the year would be hard for them. Monkey, Horse, Goat, Rooster, Ox, and Dog people should “party and pray” with their neutral luck. While Snake, Rabbit, and Pig are allowed to “party more,” or have favorable fortune.

FANGS FOR EVERYTHING Regine Velasquez-Alcasid; and Sandeep Uppal, HSBC Philippines president and CEO.

For entertainment, “Asia’s Songbird” Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, performed classic tunes from the ’70s, Ryan Cayabyab favorites, and her rendition of other popular international favorites.

The meal was capped off by tiger-shaped chocolates called “Binondo,” named after the oldest Chinatown in the world. It is a blend of three Chinese spices, red tea, and Philippine milk chocolate. Apart from how good the sweet treat looked, it was also luscious!

The celebration culminated with a traditional toast led by Faulhaber joined by recently-appointed Sandeep Uppal, HSBC Philippines president and CEO.

Related Tags

hsbc Regine Velasquez-Alcasid Chinese New year Year of the Water Tiger Peter Faulhaber Sandeep Uppal Melvin Sua
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