SPARKLING with pride and honor, Du-Baladad and Associates (BDB Law) recently wrapped up its crystal anniversary with an eventful day of discussion and celebration, ultimately honoring key individuals, who have contributed to its 15-year journey.

Sharing its expertise in taxation, BDB Law hosted a tax forum, "Taxation beyond borders," on its anniversary celebration at Shangri-La The Fort last July 8, 2024. In the evening, BDB Law brought together its clients, colleagues, partners, family and friends in a cocktail event to show appreciation for all those who have supported and stood by the firm over the past 15 years.

In his welcoming remarks,, Managing Partner Fulvio "Fulvs" Dawilan proudly laid out the achievements and progress that BDB Law has attained in the past decade.

Dawilan mentioned how crystal was an apt representation of the firm's strong network that enabled it to turn challenges into valuable opportunities, and allowed it to shine and spread its light throughout the industry.

The firm's managing partner expressed that all the clients, associates, partners, employees and individuals, who have played a part in building the practice, were "brilliant components" that helped BDB Law reach the level where it is today.

"Even when we were all challenged by the pandemic in the past few years, we continued to be present in the journey and have grown stronger in the process," he said.

In its remarkable run of 15 years, BDB Law has supported multiple industries locally and internationally by providing expert assistance in order that its clients could leverage their potential growth opportunities.

Over the years, BDB Law's reputation as a taxation expert has been solidified by numerous awards and recognitions from prestigious international organizations, namely Chambers and Partners, International Tax Review, AsiaLaw Profiles, Legal 500 and Asian Legal Business.

Dawilan noted, "These acknowledgments represent our hard work, and are a testament to our unwavering commitment to pursue excellence in our space."

Recognized for being an experienced and highly regarded firm even for the most complex legal cases, BDB Law attributed its growth to its philosophy of prioritizing clients and efficiency in the delivery of services through its total client care approach.

Reflection of the past, present and future

In her speech, Benedicta Du-Baladad, founding partner, chairman and chief executive officer of BDB Law, looked back at the firm's humble beginnings, starting with only a three-person team in a small office and with a lot of uncertainties.

"Fast forward to 5,479 days later, and here we are today, a bigger, stronger and better BDB Law, built by expertise that was fortified by the trust we are privileged to have received from you," said Du-Baladad.

The founder revealed that the firm was her passion project that gave her a chance to build a career without sacrificing her duties as a wife and mother.

While reminiscing about the past, Du-Baladad also took the opportunity to acknowledge Wilfredo Talastas, former head of the Trust Department of Security Bank and the first client, who placed his trust on BDB Law.

BDB Law grew and kept in step with the times with essential tools and technologies. As it moved forward, Du-Baladad said the firm's mantra remained the same: to deliver a service beyond clients' expectations.

In envisioning what's next for BDB Law, Dawilan expressed: "As we set our eyes, our sights to the years yet to come, I am confident that we had adequately prepared the firm to always be in the most capable hands as we continue to grow and nurture our community to stand among the best and the brightest."

He also reassured the partners and clients present at the event, stating, "The future might be unpredictable, but we assure you that BDB law will always be a constant, steadfast partner you can trust."

For a greater purpose

Even though the joint hard work of the team at BDB Law has earned its much-deserved recognition and elevated its metrics through time, Du-Baladad affirmed that the true measurement of the firm's success and impact would be its significance to the society.

The success and growth of its clients, stakeholders and its own has been the core goal of BDB Law, deeply caring on how the firm would positively influence the lives of the communities it would serve.

To bring deeper meaning to its service, the law firm established the BDB Law Foundation in March 2015 to serve as an arm that would carry out its corporate social responsibilities and share the fruits of its people's collective hard work through social development programs.

"Significance is what makes us persistently engaged in advocacies that can articulate our common aspiration for national development," said Du-Baladad.

Among its initiatives, the BDB Law Foundation's Build a School program has supported numerous students that were able to receive the education vital for their future through the firm's provision of scholarships and facilities that were safe and conducive for learning.

Du-Baladad said: "We are humbled that our work and contribution are recognized by international ranking bodies, by peer recognition, and best of all, by the reciprocal loyalty and commitment of our staff, by the many scholars, who benefited from our educational programs, and by thousands of pupils, who are now using the classrooms we helped build in marginalized areas."

For the BDB Law founder, these things were enough reasons to make her go to work every day.

She said: "It affords me the blessing of serving and dedicating all the efforts to the people and initiatives I hold closest to my heart, and I am gratified that the partners and the rest of our firm share this passion to make a difference in whatever way we can."

Celebrating partners

One of the event highlights was the recognition of Mabel Buted and Jomel Manaig for their contributions and promotion as official partners of the firm.

"This promotion humbles us to work harder, but at the same time, it scares us a lot because it carries with it a greater responsibility. But we are ready, and we will just continue serving," said Buted, who has been with the firm for 6 years and has been leading the tax compliance and corporate services units of BDB Law.

"Being able to stand side-by-side with the best in the field all the more makes this occasion much more meaningful," said Manaig, who has been assisting BDB Law Senior Partner Irwin Nidea Jr. in spearheading the litigation and transfer pricing units of the firm.

The evening celebration was made even more special with the performances of Princess Christine Ybañez, solo classical fusion violinist; Manila String Machine, a quartet; and singers Renz Fernando and Allison Gonzales.

Du-Baladad left a heartfelt message to all attendees during the celebration: "Let us continue to grow together, and to fall in love over and over again with our passion in whatever form that may be, to dream for a better life for those whose paths intersect with ours and to wake up every morning eager to make this a reality."

Welcoming its 15th year, BDB Law pledged to break down barriers in taxation while upholding its guiding principle of exceeding expectations — just like it did in the previous decade and more.