Auspicious beginnings marked by virtual CNY party
‘We hope the year of the Ox creates new beginnings and carries over good fortune from previous years, bringing forth good health, wealth and good relationships.’ — Graham Fitzgerald, HSBC president and CEO
Guests of HSBC Philippines’ recent Year of the Ox celebration entered a digital link that led them to various “rooms,” from a reception area to a photo booth, different lounges and finally to the main lounge where everyone enjoyed a world-class show.
An air of optimism filled the “hall” as HSBC Philippines celebrated the coming of the Lunar New Year with an interactive virtual event together with its Premier customers and media.
Guests were welcomed into a digital journey that they enjoyed where they were at that moment — a glimpse of a banking future where needs continue to be served anywhere one may be.
While waiting for the main hall doors to open, guests had the opportunity to manifest their wishes through a digital wishing tree, capture moments in a digital photo booth with Year of Ox-themed photo frames and stickers, and do catchup chit-chats with HSBC representatives in virtual lounges.
Upon entering the main hall, host Issa Litton greeted guests and set the mood with videos of a traditional lion dance and how HSBC colleagues and their families around the world are preparing for Chinese New Year and share their wishes for the New Year.
HSBC Philippines president and CEO Graham FitzGerald said, “Lunar New Year or Spring festival in China, in many ways, follows the international trade routes of China, with celebrations happening in other countries such as the Tet in Vietnam, or Seollal in South Korea. As one of the largest international banks in the world, it is equally important to us. We hope the year of the Ox creates new beginnings and carries over good fortune from previous years, bringing forth good health, wealth and good relationships.”
Highlight of the evening was a performance from the country’s first Tony Award winner, Lawrence Olivier awardee for Best Actress in a Musical and a true global icon, Lea Salonga — who rendered songs of hope and inspiration such as: “I Dreamed A Dream,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “One Voice.”
Guests were ushered into a digital journey through an interactive virtual platform.
While enjoying the show, guests enjoyed a set of auspicious Chinese dishes, earlier delivered to their homes and specially curated for HSBC by Canton Road’s Executive Chinese Chef Wang Wei Qing and ShangriLa at the Fort Executive Chef Joris Rycken.
The celebration of the Lunar New Year is just the start of the many events and campaigns HSBC Philippines has in store for its customers for 2021. HSBC Philippines head of Wealth and Personal Banking Peter Faulhaber said during the ceremonial toast, “We, at HSBC, will be your partner while you achieve success, by living a life that builds lives beaming with opportunities, possibilities and dreams to fulfill. May the year of the Ox open the window of good fortune for everyone.”