A dual celebration of Jaime Zobel de Ayala’s 90th and a company milestone commemorating 190 years of serving communities through positive impact spanning real estate, banking, digital solutions, renewable energy sectors, and beyond.
It was a double celebration for the Zobel family and Ayala Corporation, as they paid tribute to their Chairman Emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala who turned 90 while honoring the company’s 190th anniversary.
At the heart of Ayala Corporation is empowering communities and people through the businesses they have built over the last 190 years. Behind the company’s accomplishments are leaders forging the way for one of the country’s most venerable conglomerates. One such leader who has impacted the success of Ayala Corporation is Jaime Zobel de Ayala, having served as chairman for more than 20 years from 1984 to 2006. Zobel’s 90th birthday this 2024 is a meaningful milestone alongside the company’s 190 years of creating positive impact.
artists
Authentically Ayala
A strong advocate of the arts and culture as well as a multi-awarded photographer, Zobel was honored by his family and company through “Authentically Ayala,” a musical show directed by the late playwright Floy Quintos. Held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati on July 18 and 19, “Authentically Ayala” was produced by the theater’s managing director Christopher Mohnani with guidance from Fernando Zobel de Ayala, member of the board of Ayala Corporation, and Sofia Zobel Elizalde.
Puga, Cristina Zobel, Member of the Board of Ayala Corporation Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Kit Zobel,
Sofia Zobel Elizalde, and Francisco Elizalde
Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Kuh Ledesma, Basil Valdez, Celeste Legaspi, Mitch Valdes, Menchu Lauchengco, Bituin Escalante, Buboy Garovillo and Jim Paredes of Apo Hiking Society, and Bayang Barrios were some of the leading artists who performed. The Manila Symphony Orchestra also delivered a memorable performance under the baton of National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. The Zobel family attended the July 18 show together with Ayala group leaders, local government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, national artists, as well as some of the company’s partners and friends.
Compelling Messages
Speeches by Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and Ayala Land Senior Vice President of Leasing and Hospitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala were delivered, highlighting how Ayala’s core values have served the organization as their guiding light over the last 190 years.
In a recorded speech shown during the program, Zobel shared, “During my time, Ayala was already endowed with the most gifted individuals in the country. Leaders, professionals, creative and passionate minds who became my personal and professional inspiration. Today, I am deeply grateful and proud to stand with you on our 190th year. Today, I look at the future through your eyes. And I celebrate it proudly with you.”
Fernando Zobel said, “The years, decades, and perhaps a century more ahead can only be meaningful if we embark on this road together.”
Jaime Augusto Zobel added, “We work for a vision that will outlive us, that will go beyond our lives, beyond our children’s lives, moving through generations–a lasting change that is born from what we continue today.”
From top, first row, L-R: Charge d’affaires ad interim Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines Frederic Grillet (left) with Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; Lizzie Zobel, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez; United States Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Carlson / Second row: Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Lance Gokongwei, and Lizzie Zobel; Ignacio Suarez de Puga, Cristina Zobel, National Artist Ben Cabrera, Antonio Garcia, and Annie Sarthou; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines Miguel Utray and Ayala Corporation President and CEO Cezar Consing
and Bea Zobel, Jr.
190 Years And Beyond
After nearly 200 years, Ayala Corporation’s meaningful presence now spans the industries of real estate, banking, digital solutions, and renewable energy sectors. Their presence is likewise growing in healthcare, logistics, mobility, industrial technologies, education, and technology ventures. The company maintains its commitment to fostering positive change within the communities they are present in today and well into the next two centuries and beyond.
Photos courtesy of Ayala Corporation.
