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Filinvest at 70: A unified celebration of people, purpose, and progress

Published Dec 18, 2025 8:30 am

It began not just with a gathering, but with a glow—lanterns crafted by teams from across the conglomerate, each carrying the stories, hopes, and shared journeys of the Filinvest family. As the lights illuminated the celebration, employees paused to reflect on more than seven decades of Moving Dreams Forward. 

What unfolded was a nationwide reunion—one where creativity connected generations, smiles bridged islands, and the entire Filinvest community came together in a moment that felt both warm and deeply meaningful.

Filinvest Group leaders share a thumbs up as they express their appreciation to employees during the Grand Filinvest Day. In the photo (from left) are Francis Gotianun, FSVP of Filinvest Hospitality Corp. (FHC); Jonathan Gotianun, Chairman, Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC); Josephine Gotianun Yap, Vice Chairperson of FDC; Isabelle Gotianun Yap, VP Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of East West Banking Corp. (EWB); Ysmael V. Baysa, COO of FDC; Rhoda Huang, President and CEO of FDC; Michael Gotianun, Director of FDC; Jacqueline Fernandez, President of EWB; Tristan Las Marias, President and CEO of Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI); Ana Venus Mejia, COO and CFO of FLI; Catherine A. Ilagan, President and CEO of Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI); Maricel B. Lirio, President and CEO of Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT); Juan Eugenio L. Roxas, President and CEO of FDC Utilities, Inc. (FDCUI); Ma. Carmen Rosal, President and CEO of Pro-Excel Property Managers, Inc. (PPMI); and James Montenegro, Country Manager, Chroma Hospitality, Inc. (CHI).

As the Filinvest Group marked 70 years of Moving Dreams Forward, employees across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao came together for the first-ever nationwide Grand Filinvest Day—a celebration of unity, gratitude, and shared purpose across the conglomerate’s diverse businesses.

This milestone gathering strengthened and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to its people, recognizing the employees whose passion and service have shaped Filinvest’s seven-decade journey in real estate, banking, hospitality, power, sugar, and infrastructure.

A nationwide celebration of the Filinvest family

Grand Filinvest Day unfolded across three key locations: Filinvest City, Alabang (Manila) on Nov. 15; Davao City on Nov. 22; and Cebu City on November 29.

Leaders of the Filinvest Group including (clockwise from top left) Jonathan Gotianun, Chairman of FDC; Josephine Gotianun Yap, Vice Chairperson of FDC; Isabelle Gotianun Yap, VP Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of EWB; Rhoda A. Huang, President and CEO of FDC; and Francis Gotianun, FSVP of FHC, join employees during the Grand Filinvest Day celebrations. 

Executives and leaders of the Filinvest Group joined the celebrations in all regions, underscoring the belief that major milestones are best experienced together—no matter where employees are across the country.

“These celebrations reflect the heart of Filinvest—our people,” said Rhoda A. Huang, president and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation. “For 70 years, our shared dream and collective purpose have moved us forward, and it is only fitting that we honor this milestone with every member of our Filinvest family across the Philippines.”

Creativity, camaraderie, and shared purpose

Each celebration featured highlights that showcased the talents and spirit of employees from across the group’s business units.

Employees from across Filinvest Group display colorful lanterns using sustainable materials as part of a festive celebration, showcasing creativity and community spirit. 

In Manila, employees presented lanterns crafted from sustainable materials, inspired by the anniversary theme “Filinvest at 70: Moving Dreams Forward.” Each group introduced its lantern through song and dance performances.

Out of nine groups across the conglomerate, three were awarded top honors, recognizing creativity, collaboration, and thoughtful interpretation of the theme. The lantern presentations served as symbolic reminders of the company’s ongoing commitment to bring light, hope, and progress to the communities it serves.

In Cebu and Davao, employees took part in a series of activities and performances that fostered a festive spirit of camaraderie and togetherness, echoing the warmth and unity that define the Filinvest culture.

A celebration rooted in giving back

True to Filinvest’s tradition of solidarity and compassion, Grand Filinvest Day also highlighted communities affected by recent typhoons nationwide. Acts of giving formed part of the celebrations, reinforcing the group’s purpose of uplifting lives and helping rebuild hope, especially for those who need it most.

“As we celebrate 70 years, we remain guided by our mission to contribute to nation building,” Huang said. “We are committed to making a meaningful impact beyond our offices, relying on our organization’s agility and dedication to support the communities we serve.”

A milestone year, united

As Filinvest closes its 70th anniversary year, Grand Filinvest Day stands as a tribute to the group’s enduring values—the courage to dream, the heart to serve, and the strength of moving forward together as one Filinvest family.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Filinvest Group.