On May 16th, the Harvard Business School Club of the Philippines (HBSCP) and the Harvard Club of the Philippines Global (HCPG) hosted an unforgettable evening for HBS FIELD Global Capstone students—Halo-Halo Nights: A Cultural Feast.
Set against the backdrop of Manila Bay, at the historic Admiral Hotel, the evening was a true immersion into Filipino heritage, bringing together business leaders, alumni, and students for a night of connection, trust-building, and cultural celebration.
Why Halo-Halo Nights?
The HBS FIELD Global Capstone isn’t just about solving business challenges—it’s about understanding leadership through relationships, ethics, and global collaboration. But these lessons can’t always be learned in a classroom—they need to be experienced.
HBSCP and HCPG created Halo-Halo Nights to offer that experience—to welcome students into a thriving network, where trust and leadership come to life.
- A chance for students to experience Filipino hospitality firsthand
- An opportunity to build deeper connections with Harvard alumni and industry leaders
- A reminder that trusts and leadership go beyond business strategy—they’re rooted in culture and relationships
A Night of Music, Dance, and Culinary Delights
From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Philippines.
- The Manila Symphony Orchestra String Quartet set the tone with Filipino folk melodies.
- Jonathan Badon, the Philippines’ Prince of Pop-Opera, mesmerized the audience with his powerhouse performance.
- Folklorico Filipino Dance Company showcased traditional dances—from the graceful Singkil to the energetic Tinikling.
- An endless spread of Filipino dishes, served in traditional nipa huts, allowed guests to savor the country’s culinary richness.
The event captured the essence of the Philippines—vibrant, diverse, and welcoming.
And just when everyone thought the night was winding down, the students took over the dance floor, closing the evening with an epic Macarena dance finale—a moment of pure joy that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of connection.
What the Students Had to Say
The night left a lasting impression. Students walked away not just entertained but genuinely inspired.
“WOW! What an incredible night. Can’t stop thinking about the performances, the welcome, and the largest spread of food I’ve ever seen.”
“I never expected to be dancing the Macarena in Manila with classmates and alumni—but here we are! Such a fun night.”
“The alumni were so generous with their time and wisdom. I hope to pay it forward in the future.”
“Yesterday cemented Manila as the top FIELD Capstone location. The Harvard Club’s hospitality was unmatched.”
Even the infamous balut made an appearance—some students were brave enough to try it (and may have even liked it… jury’s still out).
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
This unforgettable evening wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Maharlika Sponsors: FPH (First Philippine Holdings), HSBC, BPI (Next by BPI Preferred), SGV, Waltermart
Maginoo Sponsors: iCare, KPMG (R.G. Manabat & Co.), MetroDental, RCBC
Their commitment to cultural exchange, leadership, and community-building played a vital role in creating an experience that left a lasting impact on the students.
Inspiring Words from Harvard Leaders
Angela Crispi, Executive Dean for Administration at Harvard Business School, and Dr. Jill Avery, Senior Lecturer in Business Administration, both delivered inspiring messages on the importance of cultural immersion and global collaboration in shaping future leaders.
Alicia Morales, Trustee and Treasurer at HCPG, closed the program by emphasizing the long-term value of building bridges between Harvard students and Filipino industry leaders.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Leadership
The Harvard Clubs of the Philippines hope that Halo-Halo Nights was more than just a one-night event, but the beginning of lifelong connections between HBS students, Filipino industry leaders, and Harvard alumni.
As HCPG Co-President and John Clements Consultants Inc. President and CEO, Carol Dominguez shared during her welcome speech, the Philippines was once the last choice for FIELD Global Capstone destinations. Today, it stands out as one of the most anticipated, thanks to the depth of experiences and bonds formed here. And as she concluded her remarks, she left the students with three meaningful messages:
- To HBS: Keep choosing the Philippines. Beyond the warm hospitality, you’ll find innovation, resilience, and a thriving business community ready to collaborate and grow with global leaders.
- To the students: Don’t just visit—stay connected. Consider the Philippines not just as a project site, but as a place to return to, invest in, and help shape as future leaders.
- To the alumni and hosts: Keep building bridges. Your mentorship, time, and openness create a life-changing impact. This is how we grow trust and shape global leadership—one meaningful connection at a time.
Acknowledgment of the John Clements Team
A big thank you goes to the John Clements team, who kept things running smoothly—from managing guest check-ins to making sure the night didn’t miss a beat. They stayed sharp, handled the details, and yes, even made room for a few dance steps. Their behind-the-scenes coordination helped everything run smoothly, minus the chaos and last-minute scrambles we all pretend don’t happen.
And with full hearts, empty plates, and the Macarena still echoing in everyone’s memory, Halo-Halo Nights reminded us that when culture, connection, and great planning come together—magic (and maybe a little dancing) happens.
Mabuhay ang HBS! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
