This social function highlights that the essence of the Chinese New Year is about spending time with the people who matter most in our lives—those we treat as family
The Chinese New Year is commemorated in hopes of attracting prosperity, closer family ties, and peace. As a top banking and financial organization that treats its clients as family, it was important for HSBC Philippines to observe the occasion face to face after years of having it online and even canceling the celebration altogether in the past because of the pandemic.
HSBC’s Shanghai Luxe, held on Jan. 19, brought the executive members of the banking group with its loyal clients in a flamboyant social function to usher in the Lunar New Year at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La the Fort Manila.
The party began at six in the evening with cocktails by the entrance of the ballroom. Participants were transported into the vibrant, cosmopolitan flair of ’30s Shanghai, with a theme of east meets west, fitting HSBC’s roots as a British Hong Kong corporation.
The halls were filled with jovial chattering and laughter. Past 7 p.m., a gong was struck. Its resonant and echoing sound signaled the start of the program, inviting guests to enter the ballroom.
“It is a privilege that we celebrate the Year of the Rabbit together, and we hope it brings you fortune, health, and boundless possibilities,” says HSBC Philippines CEO Sandeep Uppal in his opening remarks. “As one of the luckiest animals in the 12 Zodiac signs, the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity. It is also believed to provide a sense of calm. Considering what the world had gone through in recent years with the pandemic, all of us could do with a level of calmness.”
‘As one of the luckiest animals in the 12 Zodiac signs, the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity. It is also believed to provide a sense of calm.’
The gathering was aimed at growing the relationship between the bank and its partners. “I will also take the opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the Philippines where we have been since 1975 or for 114 years,” explains Sandeep. “We opened and have been in Binondo for a hundred years, and we hope we will be there 100 years later.”
At the end of his speech, Sandeep along with personal banking head Peter Faulhaber, corporate banking head Mimi Concha, private head banking Ailene Manzano-Litonjua, and markets and security services head Corrie Purisima, led the traditional eye-dotting ritual.
In Chinese culture, the eyes reflect the spirit, hence, eye-dotting is an essential ceremony to awaken the lions empowering them to fulfil their duty of harboring good luck, health, success, and protection.
After the lion dance, a four-course meal of auspicious dishes was served. The starter was called the Lunar New Year Trilogy. It consisted of torched scallop with X.O. sauce, seaweed salad, suckling pig, foie gras mousse on profiterole, poached yellow chicken ginger scallion sauce, cucumber, and coriander.
Next was an herbal poultry consommé, a plate of juliennes of Peking duck with cordyceps and goji berries. The broth, while light and simple, was extremely hearty.
The main dish is slow braised beef short rib chu hou. The meat, butter-like in texture, was incredibly juicy and tender. Garnished with radish, carrot, and bok choy, the beef went well with the small cup of steamed Jasmine rice on the side.
Last was a dessert called Chinese New Year Delight—Raspberry mousse with coconut genoise, and oolong tea, whipped with ganache. The final course was exceptionally appetizing. It looked really good and tasted even better. The mousse was sweet without being overbearing. Coupled with the fruits, the plate was refreshing as it was satisfying.
A memorable conclusion to the affair was Lani Misalucha, accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, serenading the audience with eastern and western music. Asia’s Nightingale performed Grace Chang’s “Wo Yao Ni De Ai,” the Visayan folk song “Balut,” an operatic song, and more.