HSBC Philippines welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse
Published Feb 17, 2026 01:53 pm
HSBC Philippines ushered in the Year of the Fire Horse with a grand banquet titled “Dynasty of Radiance,” celebrating traditions and new beginnings with the hope of welcoming a cycle of abundance and harmony. The event, which took place on Feb. 12, 2026, kicked off with the ceremonial gong as the doors opened for guests, following a dragon dance on the stage and the grand banquet prepared by renowned executive Chinese chef Wang Wei Qing. The much-awaited performance by Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, was the highlight of the night.
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, HSBC Philippines President and CEO Sandeep Uppal, and singer Regine Velasquez-Alcasid
“In Eastern culture, the horse represents action, freedom, speed, and breakthrough. With this year being the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare 60-year cycle, energy and dynamism are clearly in the air, and this makes the coming year exciting, especially in terms of growth,” said Sandeep Uppal, HSBC Philippines CEO and head of Banking.
Corrie Purisima, Sandeep Uppal, and Nini Icban
Joanne Veloso, Jo Ann Camacho, Anya Katigbak-Cajucom, Marita Beddow, and Catherine Nelson
JJ Moreno, Sandeep Uppal, and Francis Lim
(Seated, from left) Jo Ann Camacho, Ria Domingo, Debbie Cuyegken, (standing) Angelica Gana, and Anya Katigbak-Cajucom
Michelle Tan, Corrie Purisima, Tony Tan Caktiong, and Kristine Ou
Debbie Cuyegkeng, Ria Domingo, Anya Katigbak-Cajucom, Arlene Magtira, and Mike Miranda
Kristine Ou, Joy Manzano, Sandeep Uppal, and Ian Tansiongco
Katsuma Tokitsu, Geryll Pangilinan, Irene Francisco, Anya Katigbak-Cajucom, Kevin Tsang, and Mike Yutuc
Jo Ann Camacho, Mike Miranda, Ben Diokno, and Arlene Magtira
Set in the grand ballroom of Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig, the event offered a myriad of immersive experiences, starting with a virtual Chinese astrologer, where guests could input their birthday and receive a printed forecast within minutes. There was also the Prosperity Bar serving drinks and a creative photo booth to document the festive evening.
Along with a celebratory toast, Sandeep shared in his speech how he views this year as a year of growth for HSBC Philippines.
“With the bank having been here for more than a century and a half, we are even more energized to be your banking partner as we continue to bridge you to a world of opportunity,” he said. “When you prosper, so will we. So, let’s take on the opportunities the Year of the Fire Horse will present and grow together.”