China Bank marks 90th year in nine ways

CEBU, Philippines – China Bank, the country’s first privately-owned commercial bank is celebrating its ninth decade of successful operations today, August 16. Fittingly, nine promotions and activities mark the momentous event.

To kick-off the anniversary festivities, China Bank dropped the interest rate for HomePlus Loan to a low 7.5% p.a. for the first year. Aside from the special first year fixed rate, the bank is also offering other low rates fixed for two to up to twenty years. All applications received from July 12 to September 30, 2010 and subsequently approved are entitled to avail of the promo rates. All approved loans within the promo period must be availed on or before December 30, 2010. A radio campaign was launched to promote the special anniversary loan rate.

At China Bank’s main branch in Makati, there is a photo and memorabilia exhibit from August to 31. Archival materials such as antique banking and communication equipment as well as photographs that capture the glory of bygone eras are showcased. The exhibit is open to the public during banking hours.

The bank also staged a family weekend celebration at McKinley Hill, The Fort, Taguig City yesterday, August 15. Dubbed “China Bank FunFest” the event featured a number of exciting activities for China Bank employees and their families, as well as China Bank clients. The event was highlighted with a series of 900M, 3K, 5K and 9K fun-run races which started as early as 5:00 a.m.

Each race level had a first, second and third place winners. Altogether, there were nine awardees. For those who just wanted to run for the fun of it, they participated in the non-competitive 900-meter fun run.

“Our 90th anniversary FunFest was a fun and engaging way to foster camaraderie among China Bank employees. We ran to stay fit; we had fun and got to know each other; we ran for a cause; but best of all, we ran and had fun in celebration of our 90 years of partnership and success,” said Mary Ann Ducanes, head of Marketing Services Department.

 Those who did not run, had fun trying out the large inflatables, having their picture taken at the photo booth, or playing a round of “shoot the ball” game in China Bank Savings’ Booth. Some simply went around the venue, sampling the offers of the different product booths. China Bank provided free breakfast for all the FunFest participants. There was also a raffle for China Bank employees wherein free trips to Boracay, Bohol and Palawan, plus cellphone units were given away.

The China Bank FunFest was supported by Century Pacific Group, the makers of Century Tuna and by Manulife-China Bank Life Assurance Corporation (MCBLife). Minor sponsors include Limkaco Industries, Great Times, San Miguel Corporation, Krispy Kreme, SM Supermarket, Golden Oats, PLDT, Toby’s Sports, Fit ‘n Right, Exemed Pharma, and Red Bull.

True to its commitment of being more than a banker, but the right partner – not just to its customers but also to the communities it serves – China Bank is handing out cash gifts to its various service personnel (janitors, messengers, and guards) and is reviving its housing development project with Gawad Kalinga Foundation. The announcement was made during the FunFest.

Today, China Bank started its day with a special thanksgiving mass. It is also paying tribute to its loyal employees and celebrating with clients nationwide. A total of 304 men and women will be honored at the China Bank Head Office Penthouse for their 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service. Each of the service awardees will be recognized in a fitting ceremony not only for their loyalty and dedication but also for their contributions to the Bank’s growth over the years.

“China Bank is one of the best-performing banks in the country because of the commitment and determination of our employees,” said China Bank president, Peter S. Dee. “It is our employees who continue to give so much to this bank and have shaped it into the strong and reputable institution that it is now. Without them, we could not continue to grow our relationship with our clients.”

or move ahead with our big plans for the future,” added Dee, referring to China Bank’s goal of becoming the best bank for its customers and expanding its branch network to 400 by 2011.

Continuing the tradition of celebrating the Bank’s anniversary with clients nationwide, two 90th anniversary promotions will be simultaneously conducted by China Bank branches nationwide.

Customers who are also celebrating their birthdays today will get a special birthday gift from China Bank. All they have to do is visit their branch of account, present at least one ID as proof of their date of birth and claim the prize.

There will also be a pick-a-prize promo wherein customers who transact that day have a chance to win a 90th anniversary treat. There will be 90 winners per branch.

We are truly grateful to our customers. Their trust and loyalty inspire us to scale greater heights and we have been doing everything we can to be the right banking partner for them. That’s why on our anniversary, we thought of ways to make it as fun and exciting for them too,” said SVP Samuel L. Chiong, deputy head of Branch Banking Group.

Aside from the in-branch promotions, the branches will also be serving snacks and refreshments and will be putting up festive decorations.

To conclude, China Bank’s 90th anniversary celebration, a commemorative book that chronicles the bank’s nine decades of banking success, will be released by December 2010.

“We value our heritage and we are inspired by it,” said Alexander C. Escucha, China Bank’s investor relations officer and head of corporate planning. “The Bank’s commemorative book is more than a historical reference. It’s a compelling story of our founding fathers’ actions in the past and our actions now, which will have a profound effect on China Bank’s future.”

Incorporated in 1920, China Bank has been consistently providing quality banking products and services. Ever mindful of the changing banking landscape, the bank continuously develops new product offerings to meet its clients’ financial needs and exceed their risking expectations. Now, 90 years and over 250 branches and more than 400 ATMs later, China Bank remains deeply committed to making its clients success its business. (FREEMAN)