Every financial journey begins differently.
For some, it starts with opening a first savings account. For others, it begins with the dream of owning a home, growing a business, supporting a family, or simply finding better ways to manage everyday finances.
These stories took centerstage at the BDO Fiesta in Pampanga that celebrated the many financial milestones achieved by Kapampangans through the years.
A community gathering of stories, dreams and milestones. Together with (from left) Boss Teteng Lopez, KaladKaren, Tim Laude, Alden Richards, Small Laude, Donita Nose, Tart Carlos, and Jennie Gabriel, BDO Fiesta celebrated the Kapampangans whose dreams evolved through the years with BDO as their financial partner.
Stories of growth with BDO
For entrepreneur Belmir Gonzalez, the journey began with something simple: opening a savings account. Over the years, that relationship grew beyond everyday banking. She eventually explored investments, embraced digital banking, and found the confidence to make bigger financial decisions.
"There were several banks near our house. My first instinct was to go to BDO. I like that my needs come first, and that they would always have answers for me," Gonzalez shared. "Because of BDO, I was able to save up for the business that I’ve always wanted.”
For beauty entrepreneur Caren Balingit, the journey was about turning a long-held dream into a home for her family.
Already running several beauty and wellness businesses, Balingit had been planning for years to build her own house. After first financing a lot, she eventually took out a home loan to make the next step possible. “Because of BDO, I was able to have my dream house.”
For physician Dr. Abegail Lacson, becoming financially responsible happened much earlier than expected. Losing her father shortly after passing the medical board exams, she became the family's primary breadwinner. “I had to carry all the burden,” said Lacson. “Because of BDO, I was able to fulfill that role. I became wiser with my money.”
One of the financial tools that proved especially useful was BDO's Credit-to-Cash facility, which allowed her to make major purchases without tying up all of her available cash, including the installation of solar panels for their home.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Ayson shows how a small business dream can grow into a much bigger enterprise that sustained her kids’ education.
When she and her husband started their trucking business, they only had one truck and gradually expanded their operations with financing support. “Truck namin nasa 15 units na,” Ayson recalled. "BDO ang nag-finance. I-a-accommodate ka nila every step of the way. "
Today, their business has grown to include heavy equipment, while helping support the education of their seven children.
Where dreams grow bigger
Although their stories are different, Belmir, Caren, Abegail, and Jennifer share something in common: their financial goals expanded as their lives changed.
A savings account became a business opportunity. A growing entrepreneur built her dream home. A breadwinner learned to make her money work harder for her family. And a small trucking operation grew into a fleet of 15 vehicles.
As BDO marks its 50th anniversary, its commitment remains the same: to be there through every stage of a client’s journey–today, tomorrow, and for the years ahead.
