A night of storytelling: AXA Philippines’ 25-year legacy of purpose

This year marks a significant milestone for AXA Philippines as it celebrates 25 years of empowering Filipinos to achieve their goals and secure their future. To commemorate this journey, AXA hosted an unforgettable evening of storytelling, artistry, and purpose at the Marquis Event Space in Bonifacio Global City. The event brought together a distinguished gathering of industry leaders, valued stakeholders, and partners who have played pivotal roles in AXA’s success.

Gathering visionaries and partners

The event was graced by an esteemed guest list, including AXA’s global and local executives such as AXA Group Deputy CEO Frédéric de Courtois, AXA International Markets CEO Hassan El-Shabrawishi, AXA CEO of Southeast Asia and Korea Sally O’Hara, AXA Philippines CEO Ayman Kandil, and AXA Philippines Chairman Solomon Cua. Also in attendance were Metrobank Chairman Arthur Ty and his family, along with key representatives from GT Capital, Metrobank, PSBank, and other GT companies. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit and shared purpose that have defined AXA’s journey in the Philippines over the past quarter-century.

“We come together not just to mark a milestone, but to showcase the heart of AXA Philippines. What does it mean to protect what matters to Filipinos? We could speak of numbers—the millions of lives we’ve touched or the billions of pesos generated in shareholder value and customer claims. But tonight, we want to share something more meaningful: real human stories,” said Ayman Kandil, CEO of AXA Philippines, in opening the night with an inspiring message.

A legacy built on a vision and purpose

The celebration paid tribute to AXA Philippines’ legacy—a story of resilience, innovation, and purpose. From pioneering bancassurance to addressing Filipinos’ evolving financial wellness needs, AXA has remained steadfast in fulfilling its purpose for human progress by protecting what matters.

At the heart of this legacy is the late George S.K. Ty, founder of GT Capital and Metrobank, whose visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit paved the way for AXA’s journey in the Philippines. Mr. Ty’s remarkable contributions were honored at the event, with a deeply moving tribute led by AXA Group Deputy CEO Frédéric de Courtois. “Mr. Ty’s vision and values laid the foundation for AXA Philippines. Tonight, we honor his memory, his leadership, and the enduring partnerships he nurtured—partnerships that continue to inspire us to serve the Filipino people with unwavering dedication,” said de Courtois.

As a symbol of gratitude and remembrance, a special video took the audience on a journey through time, chronicling how George Ty’s dream extended beyond mere business expansion. It was a vision to bring global expertise to the Philippines, addressing the critical need for financial protection and empowerment among Filipinos. The video highlighted the pivotal moments that transformed his vision into meaningful service and impact, forever changing the banking and insurance landscape in the country.

Adding to the emotional resonance of the tribute was a special token presented to the Ty family—a personally curated mosaic of George S.K. Ty composed of over 700 photos of AXA Philippines employees through the years. This mosaic symbolizes the unity and collective journey of the thousands of individuals who have shared the same passion and continued to make Mr. Ty’s vision a reality.

Through its partnership with Metrobank, AXA Philippines has become a trusted partner for Filipino families, offering comprehensive solutions covering life, health, retirement, investments, and general insurance. As a one-stop shop for financial security and growth, AXA’s commitment to protecting lives continues to define its purpose.

The special tribute was not just a reflection of AXA Philippines’ achievements but also a powerful reminder of the values and vision that will guide its future—one that is inspired by George S.K. Ty and his dedication to serving generations of Filipinos.

A theatrical recognition of empowering Filipinos

Guests were encouraged to wear modern Filipino attire, a thoughtful nod to one of the symbols of Filipino national identity. This dress code symbolized AXA’s respect for local culture and its journey. The attire's fusion of tradition and modernity echoed AXA’s innovative yet grounded approach to serving its customers.

A creative masterpiece in the form of a musical play reflected AXA Philippines’ two-and-a-half decades of unwavering purpose and service. The play’s script was built around authentic testimonial stories from customers, employees, and partners—an artistic interpretation of real-life narratives showcasing how AXA has made a difference in people’s lives.

“We are here to honor a journey defined by purpose—a commitment to truly listen, understand, and protect what matters to our customers,” expressed Solomon Cua, chairman of AXA Philippines. “For 25 years, this purpose has guided us, inspiring innovation and ensuring that we stay ahead of our customers’ evolving needs.”

The night also recognized the dedication of AXA Philippines’ employees and distributors, whose contributions have been integral to the company’s success. “More than pride, this milestone is about gratitude—to the many people who have made AXA Philippines what it is today,” said Hassan El-Shabrawishi, CEO of AXA International Markets. “Together, we’ve touched lives, enabled dreams, and built brighter tomorrows.”

Adding to the evening’s touching spectacle was a live performance of AXA Philippines’ anthem, “Know You Can,” by renowned artist Bituin Escalante. The song captured the company’s mission to inspire confidence and empower Filipinos to turn their dreams into reality.

Moving forward with confidence

The evening concluded with a celebratory toast led by Sally O’Hara, CEO of AXA Southeast Asia and Korea. “With 25 years as our foundation, we look forward to the future. Guided by our purpose, we remain committed and inspire dreams to soar. Here’s to the next chapter of our journey where we can all remain hopeful about the future and pursue the best in life—proving to all that with AXA, know you can.”