Success Stories from Sun Life Crimson Queen NBO's Top Advisors

My career as a Sun Life Advisor started 27 years ago. Back then, I was curious.  Curious about what my life would be like if I just said “yes” to a new opportunity. Would I have a stable income? A fulfilling career?

As you’re reading this here today, I can tell you with certainty: the answer is yes!

But of course, like any worthwhile pursuit, it wasn’t always easy. As Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

One Step to Greatness

That one step? Saying yes.

Consider yourselves the chosen ones, called for greatness! Today, I’ll share my 3-step formula for a long and prosperous career as a financial advisor, using my own journey at Sun Life as an example.

Step 1: Be

I graduated in Mass Communications. The common thought was, “Your degree should be your job,” right? That’s how I was raised. So, I followed that path and landed a job at a media giant. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be though. The EDSA Revolution came along, disrupting my budding media career but also bringing a new beginning for the Philippines, and for me.

Unexpectedly, I found myself in sales as the Head of Marketing and Sales for PLDT’s Satellite Group. It was a prestigious job with a good salary and benefits – my comfort zone.

But there was a nagging feeling: I wanted more.  I wanted to be more. This was the first step: recognizing that desire for growth within myself.

Step 2: Do

The universe has a way of listening. 

One day, I saw a Financial Advisor in our office, diligently working with clients. I was impressed and decided to take another step – saying yes to becoming a part-time advisor myself, mentored by the amazing Um Lynlee Villaluz (Sun Life Branch Manager Vanessa Castro’s sister).

Here’s the thing – most of us start part-time, testing the waters.  It’s okay to ease into things!

Interestingly, even as an introvert, I thrived in this new role.  Eleven years later, in 2005, I made a life-changing decision: joining Sun Life full-time.

Step 3: Have

There were two main reasons for this decision.

The first? Income potential. Don’t get me wrong, PLDT offered a great compensation package. But even with only dedicating 20% of my time to Sun Life, I was already earning more than my full-time job at PLDT. It made me realize the possibilities with more dedication. Plus, with flexible hours, I could finally achieve work-life balance and spend more time with family.

The second reason? Family. My husband Art and I both had demanding jobs that left little time for our personal lives. It took us four years to have a baby, and when our son Anzo arrived, I wanted to be truly present in his life. Sun Life’s flexibility allowed me to do just that.

BE. DO. HAVE. 

This simple formula has been my guiding light.

I wanted more, so I said yes.  I took action and became a Financial Advisor.

As a result, I achieved the income, career, and time freedom I craved.

A Rewarding Journey

This journey has led to promotions – Unit Manager, Sales Manager, and finally, Branch Manager in 2020.

My 27 years have been filled with a constant desire to grow, and Sun Life has recognized my hard work.

Recently, I was awarded the prestigious GAMA Awardee – Titanium Level, a global leadership award and recognized as a Life Member of the MDRT!

Sun Life truly values its advisors.  They see your efforts and reward your achievements.

Because of Sun Life…

• I can provide the best education and support my son, Anzo’s dreams.
• I can be a loving second mom to my niece, Clare.
• I gave back to my parents and ensured a comfortable life for my mom, even during her illness.
• I recovered financially after a car accident.
• I built a strong financial portfolio and secured my future.
• Art, Anzo, and I have travelled to over 100 destinations in luxury – all thanks to Sun Life incentives.

For these reasons and more, I’m proudly a Sunlifer for 29 years!  Ten years part-time, three years as Branch Manager – what started as something I just wanted to try has now become my lifelong career.