Pru Life UK, the country’s leading life insurer, welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse with a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration and parade along Escolta Street in Binondo. The event brought together families, partners, and members of the local community for a festive display of prosperity and unity to mark the start of the new year.

The celebration featured a short program followed by a colorful parade honoring long-standing Chinese New Year traditions. Inspired by the Year of the Fire Horse—an enduring symbol of power, courage, and decisive progress—the event also underscored the importance of moving forward with purpose and preparation.

“Chinese New Year is a season of fresh beginnings, resilience, and momentum for growth. It reminds us that each year brings renewed energy, purpose, and opportunity to build a better future,” said Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and CEO. 

This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as Pru Life UK marks its 30th anniversary. For three decades, the company has stood alongside Filipino families through milestones and uncertainties alike, remaining steadfast in its mission to protect every life and every dream entrusted to its care.

“During festive seasons like today, families come together to look ahead with hope. Beyond these moments, our customers Count on PRU throughout every stage of their lives. They rely on us in moments of joy, in times of challenge, and in the everyday decisions that shape their futures. That trust is both our privilege and our responsibility,” Chakrabarty added.

As festivities concluded along historic Escolta Street, Pru Life UK reaffirmed its commitment to being a trusted life partner to Filipinos, helping them face the year ahead with confidence and assurance.

The Philippines First Insurance Group (PFI Group) officially opened Capital Brew on February 10, introducing a fresh way to make financial conversations easier, more natural and accessible. The idea is simple: important discussions about insurance, investments, and financial planning don’t have to happen inside formal offices. Sometimes, they can start with a cup of coffee.

The concept was inspired by insights from the “PhilLife Meter: Feeling the Insurance Pulse of Pinoy Gen Y and Z,” which highlights how young Filipinos prefer to engage with financial services. The study found that 58% of individuals rely on financial agents as their primary source of financial information, while 50% would directly reach out to an insurance agent when considering insurance services. The same data revealed that 72% of respondents prefer face-to-face consultations, with 43% expressing a preference for meeting in a comfortable setting.

The message is clear: while digital tools are growing, personal interaction still matters, especially in environments where people feel relaxed and open. In response, the PFI Group developed Capital Brew, a café  at Filinvest One Bldg., Northgate Cyberzone, Alabang, that serves premium coffee and pastries while also providing a hub where financial agents and clients can connect and explore investments and long-term planning in a welcoming and pressure-free environment.

“Capital Brew was designed to meet people where they are,” PFI Group President and CEO Jaeger Tanco said. “We know that financial decisions are personal. By creating a comfortable and familiar environment, we allow those conversations to happen more naturally. It’s about removing intimidation and making financial planning part of everyday life.”

Capital Brew also aims to promote financial wellness through community engagement, events, and informal discussions. By blending lifestyle and finance, it transforms traditional consultations into open conversations that build trust and confidence.

“With the launch of Capital Brew, we’re redefining how people experience financial guidance,” Tanco added. “We’re making professional advice more accessible. When people feel comfortable, they ask better questions, and that leads to better decisions.”

Capital Brew also welcomes coffee enthusiasts just looking to slow down, recharge, enjoy a cup or two and pastry, solo or with a group.

For Benedicto “Benny” Marra, loyalty has always been a way of life.

Like millions of overseas Filipinos, he had to leave home to provide for his family.  While working as a mechanic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Benny trusted BDO to be his financial partner.

“Life abroad is demanding, maraming hirap at na-aksidente pa ako.  Pero kinaya ko lahat ng sakripisyo,” recalls Benny, unable to hold back tears.

Banking with the right partner

While far from home, he made it a point to stay disciplined with his savings, ensuring that his hard-earned income would support his family and his future plans for retirement.  For more than two decades, Benny put his trust in BDO to keep his money safe as he continued to grow his savings. 

“Nirekomenda ng kasama ko sa trabaho ang BDO kaya nag-open ako ng account.  Noong pandemic, anytime, anywhere, gamit ko ang mobile banking para tuloy lang ang padala.  Tapos, pag nauwi ako, tuwing pupunta sa branch, ang ganda ng salubong sa akin ng mga staff, parang VIP.  Talagang ramdam ko na katuwang ko ang BDO,” shares Benny.

From skeptic to grand winner

His loyalty to BDO entered a new chapter during his vacation last December. He only intended to convert his salary remittance through a foreign exchange transaction but was encouraged to open a Kabayan Savings Account with ATM access to make managing his funds more convenient. What he didn’t expect was an invitation to something more.

The branch staff informed him of BDO’s Holiday Million Rewards Raffle.  Benny does not usually join promotions but agreed when the staff patiently walked him through the registration process, including downloading the BDO Pay app and activating his BDO Rewards.

Like many practical savers, Benny was initially skeptical. “There was nothing to lose by joining so I said yes, but honestly, I didn’t expect to win anything.” That decision would soon prove life changing.

Loyalty saving rewarded with a million!

When Benny received the call informing him that he had won, his first reaction was disbelief. He actually thought he won one of the lesser prizes. When he later learned that he was the grand winner of 1 million worth of BDO Rewards Points, he couldn’t believe it. “Natulala ako.  I kept asking if it was real,” he says laughing. “When I finally understood what I had won, I felt overwhelming joy and gratitude.”

According to Cora A. Mallillin, BDO Executive Vice President and head of branch banking, Benny’s story reflects what the bank hopes to deliver to its clients every day. “At BDO, we believe that saving should always be rewarding. Our products, services and promotions like this one are all designed to reward loyal clients like Benny who trust us with their hard-earned money.”

Looking ahead with greater peace of mind

Benny already has thoughtful plans for his winnings. With a million pesos worth of BDO Rewards Points, his first stop will be the SM Store and SM Appliance Center to shop for home essentials.  He is currently renovating his house in Pangasinan, and his prize can help finance this, plus boost his retirement savings. He also plans to secure a BDO Life policy for his grandchild. 

He will soon return to Riyadh to continue his work overseas. This time, Benny does so with greater peace of mind. “With BDO’s support and this blessing, I feel more secure about the future,” he declares.

Benny’s story is strong proof that at BDO, loyalty truly meets rewards, and savings, big or small, can lead to life-changing moments.