Flight of the Crane: BPI celebrates unity and longevity at the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025

The Bank of the Philippine Islands celebrated enduring partnerships and shared prosperity through its Institutional Banking Mid-Autumn Festival 2025, held on Oct. 7 at Shangri-La The Fort. Under the theme ”Flight of the Crane,” the event brought together clients, partners, and friends of the Bank for an evening that highlighted heritage, harmony, and the strength of long-standing relationships.

The crane, a timeless symbol of peace, love, and longevity, served as a graceful metaphor for BPI’s enduring relationships with the Chinese-Filipino community. The night unfolded as a tribute to connections that continue to soar higher with time, built on trust, guided by purpose, and strengthened by unity.

Guests were welcomed with vibrant activities that captured both playfulness and prosperity: Prosperity Stack, a knowledge-driven challenge; Unity Build, a lively puzzle race; and Fortune Trail, a game of intuition and luck. Laughter and friendly competition filled the foyer as guests tried their hand at each activity before proceeding to the grand hall, where the evening’s festivities awaited.

As the lights dimmed, the Daloy Dance Company opened the program with an evocative performance that set the tone for reflection and renewal. Host Mary Grace Khu then took the stage, inviting everyone to share in a night of gratitude and togetherness.

In his opening remarks, BPI Institutional Banking Head Louie Cruz spoke about the shared strength between BPI and the Chinese-Filipino community, one grounded in heritage and built to endure. He highlighted how BPI’s 174-year journey has been deeply intertwined with the community’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

“In many ways, tonight’s celebration reflects the same vision—that progress is not only about moving ahead, but about moving together,” he said, underscoring the night’s theme of unity and shared growth.

Ayala Corporation president and CEO and BPI Vice Chairman Cezar Consing followed, reflecting on how the celebration highlighted the Bank’s deep appreciation for the Chinese-Filipino community’s role in shaping the nation’s growth and resilience. He also emphasized BPI’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible progress.

“Because progress, if it is to endure, must also be responsible,” he said, reaffirming BPI and the Ayala Group’s shared commitment to building a future that empowers generations to come.

BPI president and CEO TG Limcaoco then took the stage to highlight the Bank’s continued focus on innovation and meaningful partnerships. He spoke of how BPI’s long history of trust and transformation has always been about progress shared with its clients.

“May this remind us that with confidence in the future, with innovation as our guide, and with partnership as our foundation, there is no limit to how far we can all go together,” he said, inspiring guests to look forward with optimism and unity.

As the leaders raised their glasses in a ceremonial toast, the hall glowed in a soft golden hue, a visual reminder that progress, like flight, is most beautiful when shared.

Guests were then treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner, complemented by a captivating performance from artist Randy Santiago, whose energy kept the crowd lively well into the evening.

The celebration continued with the much-anticipated raffle draws, filling the room with excitement as names were called one after another. Lucky winners took home prizes such as P5,000 Shangri-La dining vouchers, Apple products, Marshall Speaker, and an overnight stay for two at Seda BGC.

Before the evening drew to a close, BPI Commercial Banking Group Head Noel Marcos reminded everyone that while technology continues to transform the way people connect, the foundation of meaningful relationships remains rooted in trust and shared purpose.

“Because tonight, under the same bright moon, we are reminded that we rise higher when we rise together,” he said, closing the night with a reflection on resilience and unity.

As the final notes of music played and the moonlight lingered through the ballroom windows, guests were reminded of what the Mid-Autumn Festival truly represents: a celebration of togetherness, gratitude, and the promise of new beginnings.

And like the crane that soars with grace and strength, BPI continues to take flight alongside its partners and clients—guided by light, sustained by legacy, and uplifted by unity.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by BPI.