HSBC hosted one of the liveliest parties of the season when its president and CEO Wick Veloso came to town for a customer appreciation event. It was a great occasion for Cebu’s crème de la crème to meet the genial Veloso. He made it a point to chat and exchange pleasantries with everyone who attended.
Debbie Marie Dy Realiza, senior vice president and Cebu branch head for retail banking and wealth management, gave the welcome remarks. She cited that Veloso is the first Filipino to be HSBC president in the 137 years the bank has been in the Philippines.
Veloso was officially introduced by Gigi Pio de Roda, senior vice president as well as head of retail banking and wealth management of HSBC Manila. He has 26 years of capital markets experience of which 18 have been with HSBC.
“I am delighted to be here and to meet our valued Cebuano customers and partners,” Veloso said. Everyone listened attentively as he eloquently presented the upbeat conditions of the Philippine economy.
Mayen Tan and Honey Loop asked for a copy of his speech. They were told he had not prepared any. He’d be happy, though, to tell them more. On that note, the party progressed at the main area of the popular Italian restaurant La Tavolata Trattoria de Abaca housed in the Design Center building.
There was a wide selection of Italian specialties, the best of which were the varied flavored pizzas made with bread dough. Excellent red and white wine was served, personally chosen by Veloso.
From HSBC Manila had come Mimi Concha, senior VP and head of commercial banking; Odie Bautista, senior VP and head of corporate sales, global markets; DC de la Cruz, senior VP; and Jessica Blas, VP for media relations.
From the Cebu end, aside from Debbie Realiza, were Martin Ledesma, VP for commercial banking; Richard Avergonzado, manager; Ruan Aliño, VP for premier banking; and VP Christine Wong.
More Cebu staff: Raquel Duroy, assistant VP and in charge of taking the photos of the event; AVPs May Mancelita and Matty Suson; Karen Maslog and Elaine Tupaz.
Amparito Llamas Lhuillier arrived when the party was about to peak, prompting someone to say the program would soon start as Veloso welcomed her. Not far were Carlo Cordaro, Jay Aldeguer, Dondi Joseph and Kenneth Cobonpue.
Rodrigo and Julie Gandionco came with their children Joseph and Cora Gandionco. Likewise, Dr. Potenciano Larrazabal Jr. with wife Zeny and their brood—Michael and Betty Veloso, Dr. Yong Larrazabal, Neil and Mia Carcel and Philip Larrazabal.
Julius and Nelia Neri gravitated toward dear friends Vince and Lucille Colina. Mary Ann Aboitiz Arculli was near cousin Mariano Osmeña, Sonny Kokseng, Earl and Jocelyn Kokseng.
In a happy group were Eddie and Marilou Bernardo with her sis Joy Enriquez, cousin Margot Larrañaga, and Lolly Du Diez who joined them with Dino Diez.
Glimpsed about: Jose Mari and Chichi Martinez who have moved to their new home in scenic Amara, a project of Ayala Land; Ramon and Thelma Dakay; Iker Aboitiz, Pocholo Bernad and Steve Paradies of Aboitiz and Co.; Erwin and Jennifer Go; Pierre Dakay and his pretty sister Meme Dakay.
More glimpses: Charry and Pinky Sy, Frank Gaisano, Eric Ng Mendoza, Charlie Liu, Genevieve Lim, Tiffany Chua, Angel Llaban, Carla Selma and many more.
