Let me begin with gratitude,” Ayala Corp. chairman emeritus Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala said at a star-studded show celebrating Ayala’s 190th year and his own 90th birthday at the Samsung Theater of the Performing Arts at The Circuit in Makati City last week.
Don Jaime was also nostalgic.
“I remember my first years in Ayala, when I joined the company at the age of 24. I was fresh out of college, and eager to begin a career. As a learner. An apprentice,” he said in a speech aired on giant screens onstage as he watched from the sidelines with his family. His children, including Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto and Ayala Foundation chairman Fernando, were also in the audience.
“At the time, Ayala was already an old company,” Don Jaime continued. “But it was full of fresh young minds and a youthful, innovative spirit.”
The Ayala patriarch pointed out that though he has seen how much Ayala has changed and diversified over the past decades and how it has grown into what it is today, “its values and principles have remained the same.”
“Looking back, it is my hope that I have also inspired others, throughout our lives and career,” he said.
He expressed gratitude and pride “to stand with you on our 190th year.”
The musicale, aptly titled “Authentically Ayala,” assembled the country’s leading artists in music, dance and art. It began with a speech by Cezar Consing, president and CEO of Ayala Corp.
“That Don Jaime’s 90th birthday falls on our company’s 190th year is particularly meaningful to all of us in the Ayala group. If Ayala is special, and we think it is, it is because of the steward leadership provided by Don Jaime, his forebears, and his family,” Conzing said.
“Tonight’s show features many of the country’s brightest stars,” he said. “It’s but fitting, given that all of you have chosen to spend your evening with us. The show was conceived by the late Floy Quintos, who is represented this evening by his family, and put together by Chris Mohnani,” Conzing added.
The show was described by Ayala as a “once-in-a-lifetime gathering, a gift.”
Conceptualized by Quintos and Mohnani with Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Sofia Zobel Elizalde, it boasted National Artist Ryan Cayabyab as musical director and conductor.
The show kicked off with a stunning ensemble, including Rachelle Gerodias, Bituin Escalante, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jim Paredes, Boboy Garrovillo, Celeste Legaspi and Mitch Valdes, singing Authentically We Stride composed by Cayabyab with lyrics by Quintos.
There was also a tribute to JZA, which culminated in Basil Valdez singing Corner of the Sky with the Steps Dance Project.
Kuh Ledesma and Regine Velasquez then gave flaming renditions of Dito Ba, and Sino ang Baliw?
The penultimate number with the “Concert King” Martin Nievera and “Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano was ushered in by twin speeches by Jaime Augusto and Fernando Zobel.
The finale was a constellation of stars too numerous to fit in this space — but they were there, dazzling and shimmering.
It was indeed a celebration, a milestone, expressed in art in all forms to celebrate the hard work of 190 years.
Since 1834, Ayala has built businesses that are not just profitable, but are those that will help the community thrive. For 190 years, Ayala has gone from agriculture to banking, manufacturing, real estate, communications, technology, energy and education, among others.
“I admire Don Jaime for his creativity, passion and sense of humor,” says Catherine Bengzon, Ayala Corp. head of Brand and Reputation Management, Public Affairs Group.
I also asked Rowena Tomeldan, who worked closely with JZA when she was head of the Ayala Malls group, what she admired most in him.
“His kindness, his compassion, his genuine concern for people. He always made the people he works with feel special. He is appreciative! He is thoughtful. Of course, I love his works of art!” she said.
Looking sharp and alert and thoroughly enjoying the show, Don Jaime also said in his speech, “Today I look at the future through your eyes. And I celebrate it proudly with you. As someone who is always part of our journey. As a leader. As a father and family man. As a Filipino.”
“Hanggang dito na lamang at maraming pong salamat.”
You may e-mail me at joanneraeramirez@yahoo.com. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.