Surviving cancer with the right plan

CEBU, Philippines - It’s a common Filipino expression, something we usually say when we dodged a bullet or avoided misfortune. “Buti na lang nakaiwas ako.” Or “Buti na lang hindi umulan.” 

But more often than not, “buti na lang” is used when something good comes out of planning ahead. “Buti na lang nagdala ako ng payong.” Or “Buti na lang may naipon ako.”

A little planning can spell the difference between saying “buti na lang” or “sayang.” These days though, planning ahead seems to go against cool slogans like – “Live for the moment!” or “Live for the now!” But the idea of planning ahead or just having a plan is something that transcends generations and is as relevant today as it was to our parents, our parents’ parents and so on.

Today, there is a sense of accomplishment in saying, “May plano ako.” It gives you a distinct advantage because while everybody else has dreams, having a plan means you’re already on the way towards making them come true.      

Recently, Philam Life asked its plan holders to write their personal stories. One of those stories was that of a happy businesswoman who one day discovered she had cancer.  

Connie Dizon was a strong, successful woman.   She managed her own business along with her brother. She took care of her mother and had a pretty happy, contented life. That was turned upside down when she found out she had cancer.    

Life can never prepare you for a curveball like cancer but planning ahead played a big role in Connie being able to say, “buti na lang.”

Thanks to Mark Castillo, a Philam Life Financial Planner, Connie had an Excelife Gold plan with a Lifeline rider that provides cash for hospital or medical expenses upon diagnosis of cancer, stroke, heart attack and 32 other critical illnesses. This plan helped her to take care of her bills and to focus on getting better. Today, she is a cancer survivor and is back to taking care of her business and her mom. 

Connie is just one of thousands of plan holders who rely on Philam Life’s insurance plans. Philam Life has provided P8.17 Billion in total insurance benefit payments in 2010 alone. 

Planning ahead is something Philam Life, the country’s number one life insurer, truly believes in. 

That’s why, more than just selling insurance, Philam Life aims to help Filipinos achieve their dreams and secure their future by providing them the right advice and the right plan.

Philam Life offers solutions for life protection needs – Vanguard and Guardian; for education - Bright Future Plus and for health - Health 100, Cancer Life Shield or Lifeline.

If you are a Philam Life plan holder or beneficiary and somehow your plan was able to protect your future or help your dreams come true, tell us your story. Visit anongplanomo.com.ph and share your “Sanas” or “Buti na lang” stories. You too could serve as the next inspiration for others to plan their lives ahead.

Call a Philam Life Financial Planner at (02) 528-2000. PR