It’s the holiday season. A time for sharing and giving. Shopping and hunting for the gift that suits loved ones. Nothing compares to the joy, smile and cheers that go with the unwrapping.
There’s a present not only for Christmas. An all-occasion, lifetime gift that keeps on giving, one that expresses love more strongly and secures the future for those who depend on you: a “Plan B” from BDO Life.
“If you are the family’s breadwinner, your most valuable asset is your ability to earn. You are the family’s Plan A. You are their source of security and stability,” says Renato Vergel De Dios, President and CEO of BDO Life. “But because we never know what tomorrow brings, your family has to have a financial net, a back-up—a Plan B.”
“And the only instrument that can protect that asset is life insurance. For many hardworking Filipinos, insurance is what keeps the family going when income unexpectedly stops. “here are three things that life insurance does best for you—it liquidates your debt, creates a fund for final expenses, and leaves behind continuing family income,” he said.
Life insurance isn’t for the breadwinner purchasing it—it’s for those who will be left behind. “Ang pamilya mo ang nangangailangan ng Plan B,” he says, a conviction shaped by his own journey as a parent. It was also his personal experience of loss that deepened his understanding of how insurance can sustain a family through life’s most difficult moments.
Pure life insurance protection doesn’t have to be costly. What makes it expensive are additional features that pay out cash benefits to the insured while he is still alive. Ultimately, what matters most is having the peace of mind that whatever happens in the future, his loved ones can continue enjoying the lifestyle that he has accustomed them to enjoy.
BDO Life has one mission: to help Filipino families achieve financial security through life insurance, or Plan B. One would think that in that span, life insurance would already be part of every Filipino’s financial portfolio. Yet many breadwinners remain without coverage, leaving their families vulnerable to financial ruin.
In a market study conducted by BDO Life, having a tight budget, prioritizing more pressing needs, and the belief that insurance is expensive are the main reasons many breadwinners are reluctant to get a Plan B.
In his many decades of experience, Vergel De Dios has also observed that many families avoid talking about illness, death, or financial hardship—often waiting until it’s too late. More than the lack of enough income, that hesitation, he says, is the real barrier to financial security.
It is related to a widely held notion that insurance is only for the wealthy. “That’s a myth,” he says. “Insurance has never been primarily for the rich. It’s for those who need to go to work every day to provide for their families: the employees, the professionals, the hands on small business owners.”
“A Plan B matters. “It is the most selfless purchase a man can make for his loved ones. It’s a gift that keeps on giving,” said Vergel De Dios.
Ready to give your loved ones the gift of financial security? Visit the BDO branch nearest you and talk to a BDO Life Financial Advisor. BDO Life also has a Get a Quote page on its website that can help you find life insurance plans best aligned with your financial priorities and budget. Visit www.bdo.com.ph/bdo-life/get-a-quote to learn more. (JTD/SunStar Pampanga)
SKIP THE STRESS & LOVE THE SHOPPING!
For some, the holiday season could be stressful and overwhelming with the endless gift shopping.
But for many, Christmas time is magical with all the office parties, family reunions, and all forms of catch-ups and gatherings that bring tons of joy, fun, laughter and cheer.
There’s a way to shoo away the stress, hassles and worries of holiday shopping and it’s no Santa’s secret and a gift unwrapped and unboxed: BDO Pay!
With the BDO Pay app, payments are easier and simpler. Say goodbye to cash-ins, long lines, and juggling multiple wallets. With one secure app that connects directly to your BDO accounts and cards, you can just scan, send, and pay cash-free.
Festive shopping made easy
Skip the stress of pulling out your wallet in crowded malls, bazaars and grocery stores. With BDO Pay, you can shop safely and pay instantly from your BDO deposit or credit card account— no need to bring cash or top up a separate digital wallet.
As a special treat, you can also earn an exclusive P500 cashback when you reach a cumulative spend of P50,000 using BDO Pay from October 15, 2025 to January 15, 2026.
Celebrate and dine with ease
The heart of Filipino Christmas is gathering around food. From spontaneous café meetups to noche buena feasts, BDO Pay makes settling bills effortless with QR payments. Splitting the tab with loved ones is so much easier. No more scrambling for cash or computing everyone’s share.
Send love (and gifts) instantly
Not seeing all your inaanaks this year? BDO Pay lets you send money instantly to any BDO account with zero fees. It’s perfect for e-gifts and surprise treats for kids and Gen Zs with just a few taps. You can even send a QR code through the app, so your recipient—BDO account holder or not—can easily withdraw your pamasko at any QR-enabled BDO ATM.
Hit the road without the hassle
If you're planning a family road trip, simply reload your RFID or toll accounts directly through BDO Pay. You can enjoy smooth travels without the long lines and extra fees.
This Yuletide Season is the perfect time to simplify your payment routine, love the shopping and kick-away the stress.
With BDO Pay, you can breeze through your shopping and travel checklist and enjoy the season hassle-free. Sign up on the BDO Pay app, or if you already have BDO Online, sign in with your existing username and password and become a smart holiday spender today!
Not a user yet? Download BDO Pay from the App Store, Google Play, or AppGallery. (JTD/SunStar Pampanga)