It’s Time BizFund winner knits path of prosperity
By: Reyna Tabbada
When Zenaida Bangloy heard the news that she won the P 120,000 It’s Time starter fund contest, she refused to believe her luck. After all, this hard-working Igorot knitter loops beautiful creations with her own hands. And for such a blessing to simply fall on her lap, it filled her with overwhelming gratitude and an unwavering belief for a brighter future ahead.
The Path of Prosperity stems a new road from here. Zenaida Bangloy (center), a 48 yr.old Mountain Province native wins the Php 100,000 pot money (with additional Php 20,000 raised from the ITM cards) from It’s Time’s raffle promo last December 2009. Together with Zenaida is Marketing Services Head Mylene Lopa and her SLF Financial Advisor from Redwood, Jocelyn Audar.
Stitches and riches
A Mt. Province native, Zenaida and her family live in an Igorot community situated around Cainta. They knit bonnets and other novelties that they sell in big markets like Baclaran. And to augment their humble income, the Bangloys also maintain a simple sari-sari store.
But what makes this particular household remarkable is their faith in the merits of insurance and investment. Prior to winning her BizFund, Zenaida availed of SunProtect10, which she will finish paying for this coming April. She also ventured into investment with her latest acquisition of a Variable Universal Life policy.
So when asked what she plans to do with her prize money, Zenaida’s answer was not surprising. “Para po sa business. At para rin sa dagdag na insurance ng pamilya (For our business. And for additional coverage for my family),” she said. Also, she found it much easier to get a loan from her insurance dividends as compared to banks.
Tapestry of advocates
In a country of low insurance penetration and shallow investment appreciation, Zenaida demonstrates a very mature and savvy attitude towards her finances. Her Sun Life agent even revealed that she never missed a payment, even during a lamentable period of neglect where no agent was catering to her needs.
Of course, it does not hurt that the community where she belongs also recognizes the value of financial freedom thru insurance and investment opportunities. Surrounded by financially responsible neighbors, Zenaida is now reaping and enjoying the fruits of her labor, a virtue that she eventually shared with her children.
And what will be her advice for Filipinos who are yet to find the right needle to stitch their financial tapestries? “Hindi niyo alam kung ano ang pwedeng mangyari. Mas mabuti nang handa kayo para sa inyong pamilya (You never know what can happen. So it’s better to be prepared, especially for your family),” shared Zenaida.
