MANILA – Hanabishi kicked off its 40th anniversary celebration this 2026 by honoring the people who have helped shape its success over the years. Last April, the company rewarded approximately 90 of its long-tenured employees to a four-day all-expenses paid trip to Hong Kong as a reward for their years of dedication.
“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,” said Jasper Ong, President of Hanabishi.
“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.
Celebrating the Unseen Heroes Behind the Company’s Success
The special anniversary treat gave Hanabishi employees from different departments the chance to celebrate and bond. Organized by Golden World Travel & Tours Inc., the four-day trip had them experiencing the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland and seeing the breathtaking views of Victoria Peak. They also had the opportunity to explore the shopping and cultural district of Mong Kok, and enjoy a scenic night cruise. They were also given had a free day to explore Hong Kong at their own pace.
One of the employees who enjoyed the anniversary treat was Leonides Villanueva, a W7 Supervisor who has been with Hanabishi since 2003. He said that he is proud to witness the company’s growth as it expanded its product range for Filipino families.
“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.
Ian Pluma, who works in the service parts department and has been with the company since 2013, shared that he would always see the Hanabishi commercial playing on TV when he was young, not knowing that he would eventually work and stay for 13 years in the company.
“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 about Hanabishi’s growth.
Quality Control Engineer Kathleen Grace Ariola echoed Pluma’s statement. She has been with Hanabishi since 2016, joining the company immediately after graduating from college.
“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.
One Big Hanabishi Family
For many employees, Hanabishi’s family-oriented culture makes them feel valued, and considers it as one of the reasons they have remained loyal to the company.
Jessica Tayupon, for example, has been with Hanabishi for 20 years. “Family vibes lang. ’Yung tipong nagwo-work ka pero di ka papasok na may kaba or takot kasi sobrang babait ng boss mo. Dito parang nasa second home ka lang (It’s just a family vibe. The kind were you’re working , but you don’t come in feeling nervous or afraid because the bosses are really kind. Here, it feels like you’re in your second home),” she shared.
For Sales Staff Irene Villanueva, who has been with Hanabishi for 18 years now, it’s the company’s care for its employees that makes working at Hanabishi especially meaningful. “Mayroon silang malasakit at pagmamahal, na kahit nahihirapan ka sa task willing silang magturo at magpaliwanag (They have care and compassion that when you’re having difficulty with a task, they are willing to teach and explain),” she shared.
To sustain Hanabishi’s close-knit, family-oriented culture, Ong said that they need to preserve Hanabishi’s core values. “We can do this by maintaining approachable leadership and ensuring that each team member feels valued and rewarded,” he stressed.
Building the Next 40 Years Together
As Hanabishi celebrates four decades of success and growth, Ong said that they will remain committed to creating opportunities for their employees.
“Employees stay at a company when they feel respected, safe, and truly valued for their contributions. They also need to see a clear future for themselves, with opportunities to learn and grow. When this supportive environment is combined with fair pay, employees feel both satisfied and secure. Ultimately, creating a workplace that feels like a caring community is what inspires people to stay for the long-term,” Ong stressed.
He added, “As new industry challenges emerge, we will focus and invest on training our loyal employees so they have the skills needed to lead us into the future. It is also vital to keep the workplace safe for new ideas, where people feel comfortable experimenting, adapting, and learning from mistakes. In the end, treating our history as a source of strength rather than a rule book is exactly how Hanabishi will continue to grow without losing its heart.”
