SUN LIFE FINANCIAL - It's time! Awards

It is definitely time, and thankfully I was there to witness such meaningful event. The day was Saturday at the Traders Hotel. Sun Life, saluted their first 'It's Time' Awardees! The search for model Filipinos embodying the value of financial preparedness and those who successfully attained financial freedom lasted over two months. After the search Sun Life Financial Philippines has finally chosen and honored the winners of the very first “It’s Time!”

The ‘It’s Time!’ awards is a project of the Sun Life Foundation meant to continue its noble mission of empowering every Filipino to take action in their journey towards financial freedom. The winners, selected from a roster of deserving nominees from across sectors of society, have proven their ability to beat the odds and succeed in providing a secure and stable future for their loved ones.

Selection was made on the basis of the criteria set for each of the four categories in the nationwide search - - first, as a Family Icon who has effectively shown the financial lesson of income protection by immortalizing their love for the most important people in their lives; second, as an Investment Savvy Star who embodies the lesson of investments by planting the seeds, reaping the rewards and sharing the wisdom of making their money work for them; third, as a Retirement Champion who embodies the financial lesson of planning early to win in their golden years; and fourth, as a Wealth Wonder who triumphed over adversity through sound money management.

Copping the Family Icon award is Ms. Esperanza Yu, an OFW and single mom turned successful entrepreneur who was able to hurdle the responsibility of raising two daughters singlehandedly and later on becoming an established independent business woman who secured a brighter future for her children. Presenting the award is Pia Magalona with Sun Life's Veron Estrella.

Receiving the Investment Savvy Star plum is Mr. Edmund Lao, a sales engineer by profession and a financial literacy advocate at heart. He educated himself with the different financial vehicles and applied what he has learned to make his money grow. Presenting the award is Bam Aquino with Sun Life's Veron Estrella.

The Retirement Champion award was given to Mr. Romeo Francisco who has remained disciplined in his approach to saving up for the future. Determined to achieve his financial goals in life, Mr. Francisco has exemplified the value of perseverance, determination and keen foresight to be able to save enough for the education of his children and grandchild, and have a comfortable retirement for himself. Presenting the award is Arman and Anton Del Rosario from the Philippine Azkals with Sun Life's Veron Estrella.

Winner of the Wealth Wonder award and who was unanimously voted as the Grand Prize winner is Mr. Juan Dayang, Jr. Mr. Dayang has always believed in this single financial mantra which says “Think, Plan & Act for the future” which helped him attain his goals in life. But more than meeting his own personal goals, he was able to share his knowledge and personal experiences with OFWs in South Korea where he was assigned. Presenting the award was Piolo Pascual with Sun Life's Veron Estrella.

“We are very happy with the public’s response to our first It’s Time awards. Our winners who were carefully selected based on their experiences, are indeed the best financial freedom advocates worth emulating. I believe that through their inspiring stories, we can encourage more Filipinos to start thinking of planning early for the future. We will continue this noble advocacy as part of our mission to provide financial security to every Filipino family,”” says Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Veron Estrella.

The event made me think. Now that I plan to start up my own family. I need to be prepared and ready at the same time. We all need to be. Good thing that Sun Life is there. You can check out more pictures here or check some below. (just click on the picture for a larger view).