From left to right: Dusit Hotel’s Mr. Tomas Lorenzo, Davao Food and Wine Festival’s Ms. Carmina del Rosario, Chef Piya Suthasin, Sommelier Mr. Butch Montiadora, and EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo, together celebrate the fusion of flavors at the “East Meets West” event.As EastWest celebrates its 30th anniversary, it joined hands with the Davao Food and Wine Festival to co-present a unique culinary event, “Fusion of East Meets West.” Held at the Dusit Thani Davao last October 24, 2024, the event showcased an exquisite eight-course meal that brought together the finest flavors from the East and West, celebrating both local and global ingredients.
Loving Local by Exploring New Flavors
The Davao Food and Wine Festival, now in its second year, aims to spotlight Davao’s vibrant food scene and position the city as a premier culinary destination. Under the leadership of Chairperson Carmina Del Rosario, the festival highlights the diversity and innovation within Davao’s culinary landscape. EastWest’s involvement in this event highlights its focus on strengthening local connections, supporting communities nationwide, and delivering distinctive experiences to its clients.
A Fusion of East Meets West
The evening opened with cocktails and live jazz, creating the perfect setup for a memorable culinary experience. The guest list featured EastWest’s esteemed clients and fresh faces, reflecting the bank’s focus on nurturing relationships with both loyal patrons and new partnerships.
Rafael Algarra, EastWest’s SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, opened the evening with remarks celebrating the bank’s 30-year journey. He emphasized how Eastern collaboration and Western innovation are the guiding principles that have defined EastWest’s path to success.
“At EastWest, we believe in the power of combining local heritage with global perspectives, much like the fusion we’re celebrating tonight. As we mark 30 years, we are reminded that our journey is about more than just banking; it’s about building meaningful connections, supporting our communities, and embracing the rich diversity of our culture. We’re thrilled to be a part of the Davao Food and Wine Festival as it reflects our commitment to helping Filipinos savor not only financial success but also the richness of experiences that make life fulfilling.”
Following his address, EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo led a toast, marking the purpose and significance of the occasion. “Our participation in the Davao Food and Wine Festival reflects EastWest’s dedication to building connections that extend beyond financial services. Just as we blend East and West in our banking approach, we support events that celebrate cultural fusion and the distinctive flavors that bring vibrancy to our communities. As we continue to serve Filipinos nationwide, we stay focused on creating memorable experiences that align with our mission to go further for our clients and communities.”
Looking ahead, EastWest plans to continue its hyperlocal initiatives, bringing more events to Davao and other regions outside of Metro Manila, further cementing its commitment to supporting local communities.