As it turns 35, Megaworld celebrates its past, future

A TOAST TO MORE MILESTONES Kevin Tan, CEO of Megaworld’s parent company, Alliance Global Group, is joined onstage by first lady Louise Araneta-Marcos; Megaworld founder and chair Dr. Andrew Tan and his wife, Megaworld director Katherine Tan; and Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, the new company president, at Wednesday’s 35th anniversary bash. —contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — It was a momentous and meaningful celebration of Megaworld Corp.’s remarkable growth over the last three and half decades.

With its theme “A Lasting Vision,” the property giant celebrated on Wednesday its 35th anniversary with a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment—highlighting its journey to becoming one of the leading developers in the country today, while also honoring its longstanding partners who have been instrumental to its success story.

“Through the past three and a half decades, we have gone through a lot as a company, grown in our success, and even conquered many challenges. But through the years, we have experienced the tremendous support of many of our partners from various developments across the country. Thank you very much to all of you,” Kevin Tan, CEO of Megaworld’s parent company Alliance Global Group, said in his speech.

READ: Andrew Tan steps down as Megaworld CEO; Alfonso takes over

“To the men and women of Megaworld, thank you for all your contributions, for your hard work and dedication in bringing our company to where it is today. You, together with all our partners who are with us here, are part of the continuing fulfillment of our lasting vision—to uplift lives, impact society, and help shape the nation,” he added.

Tan said Megaworld will continue to support the government’s programs and build more townships in the provinces to help generate more jobs for Filipinos.

A-listers

“May all of you, our dear partners, still continue to be part of this wonderful journey of helping build our country to greatness,” he said.

First lady Louise Araneta-Marcos graced this milestone event held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City in Pasay, together with A-listers and some of the biggest names in Philippine business—including Tessie Sy-Coson, vice chair of mall and banking giant SM Investments Corp., Pagcor Chair Alejandro Tengco, Philippine Stock Exchange chair Jose Pardo, Araneta Group CEO Jorge Araneta, and Inquirer Group of Companies CEO Sandy Prieto-Romualdez.

They were joined by tycoon Dr. Andrew Tan, Megaworld founder; newly appointed Megaworld president Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso; and longtime office and retail tenants as well as executives and employees of the company.

Great food, music

One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of Megaworld’s premier partners in office and retail, each of whom was given a “Lasting Vision” sculpture made by artist Jinggoy Buensuceso.

This artwork resembles the iris of an eye, with its green central window, blue framing and metal surface that has a topographical linear design representing life’s peaks and valleys—symbolic of Megaworld’s journey in the last 35 years.

Throughout the evening, guests indulged in an exceptional gastronomic journey curated by top chefs from Megaworld’s flagship hotel properties. The Megaworld Gastronomic Experience presented a lavish five-course dinner paired with fine wines and Fundador Supremo rum.

It was an impressive showcase of culinary innovations and impeccable service—from the Ceviche with Palapa by Hilton Manila executive chef Lord Bayaban, Sopa de Fabada Asturiana by Casa Buenas’ chef Mateo Ragonjan, the Manila Bay Sunset Bisque with Japanese Seafood by Hotel Okura Manila’s chef Keiichiro Fujino, Land and Sea (steak and scallops) by Marriott Manila executive chef Meik Brammer, to the Sampaguita-inspired dessert created by Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ executive chefs Angelo Timban and Ariel Castañeda.

Capping the night was an electrifying performance by Filipino music icon Gary Valenciano, whose songs had no less than the first lady herself dancing with infectious energy, setting the stage for a memorable finale to Megaworld’s 35th anniversary celebration.