Pathways to Prosperity: Economic Trends & Feng Shui Insights for the Year of the Wood Snake

EastWest Priority held an amazing series of events in honor of the Lunar New Year called "Pathways to Prosperity in the Year of the Snake: Economic Outlook and Feng Shui Talk." These invitation-only events provided EastWest's most esteemed clients with information on economic trends and Feng Shui-based advice to help them navigate 2025 with purpose and confidence.

As part of the bank's hyperlocal initiatives to engage with customers in their local areas, the series started with two enthusiastically attended events in Metro Manila and proceeded to Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga.

Expert Guidance and Timely Insights

The Davao leg included two distinguished speakers who represented the “East” and “West” of EastWest, respectively—Patrick Lim Fernandez, who drew from Eastern Feng Shui traditions, and Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas, who provided insights regarding the “Philippine Economy Under the BBM Administration.” This East-West pairing emphasizes EastWest’s goal of bridging diverse perspectives for a well-rounded approach to growth and success.

Renowned economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas, a professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific, offered his insights on the outlook for the Philippine economy in 2025 and beyond. Dr. Villegas, one of the nation's most esteemed economists, highlighted the Philippines' ability to bounce back from international economic setbacks. He emphasized the nation's steady GDP development, which is supported by substantial remittance inflows, solid domestic consumption, and rising infrastructure and technology investments.

Dr. Villegas expressed optimism about the nation's economic future in his presentation, highlighting the demographic dividend as a major factor in long-term prosperity. He highlighted the Philippines' youthful, vibrant, and English-speaking populace as a significant strength, establishing the country as a center for skilled labor and innovation in the Asia-Pacific area.

In keeping with EastWest Priority's hyperlocal strategy, he also highlighted regional growth prospects outside of Metro Manila, focusing specifically on the Visayas and Mindanao areas. In addition, Dr. Villegas talked about long-term prospects including the "Build, Build, Build" initiative and legislative changes meant to draw in foreign direct investment.

"With the right policies and continued focus on education, innovation, and regional development, the Philippines is poised to achieve upper-middle-income status in the near future," Dr. Villegas remarked. His insights offered a roadmap for clients to navigate the challenges of 2025 while seizing opportunities in fast-growing sectors such as food and agribusiness, logistics, and health and wellness.

Patrick Lim Fernandez, a reputable Feng Shui specialist and longtime EastWest collaborator, contributed a distinct viewpoint by sharing ideas based on ancient customs. His advice enabled participants to match the energy of the Year of the Snake with their objectives and course of action. "Feng Shui offers a lens to understand the flow of opportunities in the year ahead," Fernandez said. To open doors to success and prosperity, you must balance your plans with the environment.

Fernandez elaborated on this by talking about how the Year of the Wood Snake promotes tolerance, clever networking, and flexibility. The Southeast and North regions, which correspond with the year's positive energies, are two examples of auspicious sectors that attendees learnt to activate for prosperity in their homes and workplaces. Decluttering areas, adding water features for harmony and movement, and utilizing hues like blue and green to promote stability and growth were all useful suggestions. The goal of incorporating these Feng Shui concepts was to assist clients in achieving harmony, well-being, and financial success in 2025.

Enriching the Client Experience

EastWest Priority's continuous dedication to provide more than simply financial solutions is demonstrated by these events. EastWest consistently demonstrates its comprehensive approach to client care by combining professional financial advice with significant and culturally enriching experiences as a valued partner in their clients' travels.

Due to this commitment, EastWest Priority has received numerous honors, such as International Finance Magazine's Best Priority Experience award, which highlights the bank's committed offerings and growing presence throughout the Philippines. For its extensive and individualized private banking solutions, EastWest Priority was also recognized as the Best Private Bank by Global Finance, International Investor Awards, and Global Financial Market Review. EastWest Priority and its Trust and Asset Management Group were also recognized by The Asset as Best Wealth Manager for their extensive wealth management services, which are intended to empower customers with specialized financial solutions and knowledgeable advice, promoting long-term growth, security, and peace of mind.

These accolades demonstrate EastWest's commitment to providing strong financial solutions and individualized service, which reflects the bank's unwavering quest for excellence.

A Commitment to Excellence

“As we welcomed the Lunar New Year, we reaffirmed our role as a trusted partner in our clients’ financial journeys,” said Raffy Algarra, SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management. “Through events like these, we not only address financial goals but also strive to connect with our clients on a deeper, more meaningful level.”

EastWest Priority raised the standard for excellence with "Pathways to Prosperity in the Year of the Snake," giving them the resources, knowledge, and motivation they required to succeed in 2025 and beyond.

You can open an EastWest Priority account by calling the Priority Banking hotline at (632) 8888-1788 or by going to your local EastWest Store and speaking with a Relationship Manager. For additional information, go to priority.eastwestbanker.com. Maintaining a minimum deposit or investment amount is one of the eligibility conditions; your relationship manager may assist in determining and discussing this based on your financial objectives and needs.