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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Banking & Finance devider BPI unveils first 'phygital' flagship branch in Makati

BPI unveils first 'phygital' flagship branch in Makati

Published Nov 28, 2025 12:09 pm
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has reopened its Buendia Center branch, transforming the facility into the finance giant’s first full “phygital” flagship that integrates digital convenience with personalized in-branch service.
BPI Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and President and CEO TG Limcaoco join the blessing of the newly opened wellness studio at BPI Buendia Center, a space designed to promote employee wellness.
BPI Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and President and CEO TG Limcaoco join the blessing of the newly opened wellness studio at BPI Buendia Center, a space designed to promote employee wellness.
BPI leaders (L–R) Tina Sy, Division Head for Southern Metro Manila; Maria Cristina
BPI leaders (L–R) Tina Sy, Division Head for Southern Metro Manila; Maria Cristina "Ginbee" Go, Consumer Banking Head; Jenny Lacerna, Mass Retail Head; Eric Luchangco, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer; and Gina Eala, Chief Human Resources Officer, lead the ribbon-cutting for the Bank’s newest branch.
BPI’s newly renovated branch provides a bright, spacious setting for convenient and personalized banking.
BPI’s newly renovated branch provides a bright, spacious setting for convenient and personalized banking.
The BPI Buendia Center branch offers modern, comfortable spaces designed for clients.
The BPI Buendia Center branch offers modern, comfortable spaces designed for clients.

Located in the BPI Buendia Center corporate building, formerly known as the Far East Bank Building in Makati City, the branch has been redesigned to deliver a modern, customer-centric, and sustainable banking experience.
A phygital branch combines the ease of digital banking with the personalized service of physical locations to create an enhanced and seamless customer experience.
The BPI Buendia Center branch features modern, comfortable spaces designed to offer clients a hybrid banking approach. Customers can benefit from personalized advisory sessions in private meeting pods, concierge services, and quick-transact assistance for smoother digital transactions.
Key architectural changes include a fluid, open layout and a lobby café kiosk. An outdoor business garden provides a refreshing setting for small private meetings, and five automated teller machines (ATMs) are positioned at both entrances for convenient access.
The new configuration also incorporates an HR Recruitment area, providing a professional space for applicant interviews and guidance.
“This is our first open branch layout, designed specifically to remove barriers,” Maria Cristina Go, BPI Consumer Banking Head said.
“We want everyone who steps through our doors... to experience that genuine hospitalitym,” she added.
The branch incorporates multiple sustainability features aimed at reducing environmental impact, including maximizing natural daylight, using energy-efficient lighting, integrating low-volatile organic compound (VOC) materials, and selecting durable certified products.
This commitment is supported by the BPI Buendia Center corporate building itself, which is powered by renewable energy through the government's Green Option Program (GEOP).
The GEOP enables end-users with a monthly average peak demand of at least 100 kW to source electricity exclusively from renewable sources.
The corporate building, which houses hundreds of employees, also features a dedicated dance studio, reinforcing BPI’s focus on employee wellness and internal engagement programs.

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Bank of the Philippine Islands Maria Cristina Go
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