Insider Spotlight
- Around 90 longtime employees enjoyed an all-expenses-paid Hong Kong trip
- The getaway marked Hanabishi’s 40th anniversary celebration
- Loyalty—not job title—earned employees a seat on the plane
For most companies, a milestone anniversary means a gala dinner or a commemorative giveaway. Hanabishi took a different route—boarding a plane.
The Filipino appliance brand celebrated its 40th anniversary by treating around 90 longtime employees to a four-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Hong Kong, recognizing team members who have stayed with the company for at least five years, regardless of rank.
The getaway
The itinerary blended sightseeing with team bonding, giving employees the chance to visit Hong Kong Disneyland, Victoria Peak, Mong Kok, enjoy a scenic night cruise, and spend a free day exploring the city. Golden World Travel & Tours Inc. organized the trip, Hanabishi said in a company release.
“On the occasion of our 40th founding anniversary this year, our company decided to make the celebration more memorable by bringing all employees who have been with the company for at least five years, regardless of rank and file, on a 4-day-3-night all-expenses-paid trip to Hong Kong,” Hanabishi president Jasper Ong said in a statement.
“Our longevity is built on people’s time, dedication, and loyalty, and we value these contributions equally, regardless of one’s position at the table. Our universal tenure trip reflects our company’s inclusivity and demonstrates that there is no “us versus them” culture in our workplace. We are one big family with approachable leadership,” Ong said.
More than a vacation
Beyond the passport stamps, employees said the trip was also a reminder of how far the company has come.
Warehouse supervisor Leonides Villanueva, who joined Hanabishi in 2003, said he has watched the company expand its products and operations through the years.
“Ang hangad at hiling ko sa Diyos ay lalo pang pagpalain ang Hanabishi para marami pa silang matulungan (My hope and prayer to God is to bless Hanabishi so that they can help more people),” Villanueva expressed.
Service parts employee Ian Pluma, who has been with Hanabishi since 2013, recalled seeing Hanabishi commercials on television as a child before eventually building his own career with the brand.
“Nasaksihan ko kung paano dumami ang ating mga produkto at parts. Naalala ko pa dati na nangungupahan pa tayo ng warehouse. Ngayon, may sarili na tayong warehouse (I have witnessed how our parts and products grew over the years. I can still remember when we used to rent a warehouse. Now we have our own warehouse),” Pluma shared.
Looking ahead
Quality control engineer Kathleen Grace Ariola, who joined the company after graduating from college in 2016, said Hanabishi’s product lineup has evolved alongside the changing needs of Filipino households.
“Since almost all new product models pass through our department for testing, I can clearly see the company’s progress and development. From products that meet basic household needs to those that cater to the modern lifestyle of Filipino families, Hanabishi now offers a wide range of appliances that serve almost every need,” she said.
Looking beyond its first 40 years, Ong said Hanabishi plans to continue investing in employee development while preserving the people-first culture it credits for its longevity. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
