Priority banking treatment for Cebuanos

Is your bank giving you the priority treatment you deserve? This often-asked query and lots, lots more were recently addressed when Standard Chartered Bank Philippines chief executive officer Annemarie Durbin and wealth department global product head Warren Rangan led a high-powered delegation, composed of Manila headquarters officials, and visited Cebu recently for the inauguration of the Priority Banking Center in the bank’s city branch.

The blessing of the Center was officiated by Fr. Ernesto Javier S.J. and the principal sponsors for the affair were former Cebu governor and PROMDI founder Emilio Osmeña, Margaret Ang of the Gaisano chain of department stores, Roysten and Lisa Bruce, owners of the Fossil Stone Jewelry Shop, furniture exporter Eduardo Alegrado, Jean Sy of Tokyu Hardware and entrepreneurs Quintin and Encarnacion Calagos.

A cocktail reception at the grand ballroom of the Cebu City Marriott Hotel followed.

On hand to welcome the guests were vice president and head of Cebu branch Michael Go, customer relations officer Joana Castro and personal financial assistant Pat Rodriguez.

Durbin states, "We are proud to launch the Priority Banking Center in Cebu as proof of our confidence in the dynamic market in the southern Philippines and in the staunch support and loyalty of our customers."

She further stressed that "it is also a concrete proof of confidence and continued investment in the Philippines by Standard Chartered Bank. We are working ceaselessly to maintain our position as the number one bank of choice in the emerging markets. Customer relations manager Jane Gocuan, who has been trained to render sound financial advice, will make certain that investment needs of successful individuals, who are busy with work and family, are met," she continued.

Wealth Management general manager Tony Robles, senior manager for product and distribution Tonette de los Reyes, general manager for cards and personal loans Ajay Kanwal and area branch manager Leslie Cham flew in for the occasion and assisted in the presentation.

Preferred clients who were in attendance included Suga Sotto Yuvienco, who came with daughter fashion plate Minnie, Rep. Raul del Mar, developer Antonio Lozada with charming wife Grace, Lucy Franco Garcia, Maximo Go, Marcelina Yap, Filemon Suarez, prime mover of the Suarez Brothers Metal Arts, and restaurateur Oly Dychangco.

Priority Banking, first introduced in Bangkok in April 1991, has expanded through the years and has more than 50 Priority Banking Centers in 23 countries worldwide. Cebu joins the global network and adds to the Philippines chain in Makati, Ortigas and Alabang.