In celebration of the Lunar New Year, EastWest Priority hosted a remarkable series of events titled “Pathways to Prosperity in the Year of the Snake: Economic Outlook and Feng Shui Talk.” These exclusive gatherings gave EastWest’s most valued clients insights on economic trends and guidance through the lens of Feng Shui to help them navigate 2025 with confidence and purpose.
The series began with two well-attended events in Metro Manila and continued in Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga as part of the bank’s hyperlocal efforts to connect with clients in their own communities.
Expert Guidance and Timely Insights
The Davao leg featured two esteemed speakers who brought both expertise and actionable insights to the table, each representing the “East” and “West” of EastWest—Patrick Lim Fernandez drawing from Eastern traditions of Feng Shui and Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas offering insights about the “Philippine Economy Under the BBM Administration.” This pairing of East and West highlights EastWest’s vision of bridging diverse perspectives for a well-rounded approach to growth and success.
Dr. Bernardo Villegas, a distinguished economist and University of Asia and the Pacific professor, shared his expertise on the Philippine economy’s prospects in 2025 and beyond. Known as one of the country’s most respected economic minds, Dr. Villegas emphasized the Philippines’ resilience amid global economic challenges. He highlighted the country’s consistent GDP growth, fueled by robust domestic consumption, strong remittance inflows, and increasing investments in infrastructure and technology.
In his presentation, Dr. Villegas projected a positive economic outlook, emphasizing the country’s demographic dividend as a key driver for sustained growth. He cited the young, dynamic, and English-speaking population as a major asset, positioning the Philippines as a hub for innovation and skilled labor in the Asia-Pacific region.
Additionally, he pointed to regional growth opportunities outside Metro Manila, with particular emphasis on the Visayas and Mindanao regions, aligning perfectly with EastWest Priority’s hyperlocal strategy. Dr. Villegas also discussed long-term opportunities, such as the “Build, Build, Build” program and policy reforms aimed at attracting foreign direct investments.
“With the right policies and continued focus on education, innovation, and regional development, the Philippines is poised to achieve upper-middle-income status in the near future,” Dr. Villegas remarked. His insights offered a roadmap for clients to navigate the challenges of 2025 while seizing opportunities in fast-growing sectors such as food and agribusiness, logistics, and health and wellness.
Adding a unique perspective, Patrick Lim Fernandez, a trusted Feng Shui expert and long-time partner of EastWest, shared insights rooted in time-honored traditions. His guidance helped attendees align their goals and actions with the energies of the Year of the Snake. Fernandez remarked, “Feng Shui provides a lens to understand the flow of opportunities in the year ahead. It’s about creating harmony between your plans and the environment to open doors to success and prosperity.”
Expounding on this, Fernandez discussed how the Year of the Wood Snake encourages patience, strategic networking, and adaptability. Attendees learned about auspicious sectors in their homes and offices to activate for prosperity, such as the Southeast and North areas, which align with the year’s favorable energies. Practical tips included decluttering spaces, incorporating water elements for flow and harmony, and using colors like green and blue to enhance growth and stability. The integration of these Feng Shui principles was aimed at helping clients achieve not only financial success but also balance and well-being in 2025.
Enriching the Client Experience
These events reflect EastWest Priority’s ongoing commitment to offering more than just financial solutions. As a trusted partner in their clients’ journeys, EastWest blends expert financial guidance with meaningful and culturally enriching experiences, continuously showcasing its holistic approach to client support.
This dedication has earned EastWest Priority significant accolades, including recognition for providing the Best Priority Experience by International Finance Magazine, highlighting the bank’s dedicated services and expanded footprint across the Philippines. EastWest Priority was also named Best Private Bank by Global Finance, International Investor Awards, and Global Financial Market Review for its comprehensive and personalized private banking solutions. Additionally, The Asset honored EastWest Priority and its Trust and Asset Management Group as Best Wealth Manager for its robust wealth management offerings, which are designed to empower clients with tailored financial solutions and expert guidance, fostering long-term growth, security, and peace of mind.
These honors highlight EastWest’s dedication to personalized service and robust financial solutions, reflecting the bank’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Commitment to Excellence
“As we welcomed the Lunar New Year, we reaffirmed our role as a trusted partner in our clients’ financial journeys,” said Raffy Algarra, SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management. “Through events like these, we not only address financial goals but also strive to connect with our clients on a deeper, more meaningful level.”
With “Pathways to Prosperity in the Year of the Snake,” EastWest Priority continued to set the bar for excellence, equipping clients with the tools, insights, and inspiration they needed to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
