The Christmas season always brings about the most heart-warming stories of Overseas Filipinos’ sacrifices and unwavering love – stories that resonate with the true meaning of the holidays.

BDO, in partnership with SM and its international remittance partner Remitly, valued these stories via Pamaskong Handog events in December, showing appreciation to our kabayans by giving them and their families joy, entertainment, and gifts.

A Survivor’s Story

Jackylou Taboada, a learning assistant in Dubai for 12 years, faced back-to-back crises in 2016 when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Her medication in the Philippines left her financially scarred with debts and her daughter quitting school.

But Jackylou has remained invincible despite the challenges, drawing motivation from loved ones, and assistance from BDO’s global remittance service – BDO Remit by opening a BDO Kabayan Savings for remittances, savings, and other financial goals.

To celebrate Jackylou’s story of resilience this Christmas season, BDO Remit, in partnership with SM and Remitly, presented a one-way ticket to Dubai and a laptop for her daughter, plus ₱10,000 worth of shopping spree for her whole family. Jackylou, virtually present during the December event in SM City Cebu, expressed gratitude for BDO’s recognition and gifts. Watch Taboada’s full story in this video:

A Story that Inspires Generosity

Ma. Theresa Yasuki lost her job during the pandemic. But thanks to the financial security she’s built with BDO Remit – she was the first client to register with BDO Remit Japan when it opened in 2016 – Ma. Theresa had enough savings to tide her over.

She actively supports charitable institutions in the Philippines and organizes annual humanitarian efforts in her hometown. Now a freelancer in Japan, she also lends a hand to her kababayans seeking job opportunities.

For her big-heartedness, BDO and SM organized Theresa’s homecoming by providing her with a roundtrip ticket from Japan to the Philippines, plus hotel accommodation as part of their big surprise for her family during the event in SM City Fairview in December, reuniting them for Christmas after 22 years. They also received ₱10,000 worth of shopping spree. Learn more about Yasuki’ story in this video:

Season of Joy: Pamaskong Handog

For 12 years in a row (since 2012), BDO and SM have been weaving Christmas magic through Pamaskong Handog, an annual tradition dedicated to Overseas Filipinos and their families, a testament to the bank’s commitment to spreading joy, fostering community spirit, and touching the lives of Filipinos during the merriest time of the year.

This year’s events brought all-out entertainment, big prizes, and surprise giveaways to our dear kabayans, with long-time BDO endorser Piolo Pascual, newest ambassador Small Laude, comedians MC and Lassy, and social media personality Christian Antolin.

Watch the highlights of Pamaskong Handog in this video:

BDO has truly made Christmas more fun through exciting gifts with their partner brands, and the special announcement about Kabayan Day, which gives Overseas Filipinos and their families up to 10% discount at SM retail affiliates – SM Store, SM Appliance, SM Cinema, SM Skating, SM Bowling, SM Game Park, Sports Central, Toy Kingdom, Baby Company, Miniso, Surplus, Watsons and Ace Hardware.

BDO has also been working together with Remitly to ensure fast, convenient, and affordable remittance services to Filipino families in different parts of the world.

Happiest talaga ang Pasko with good deals, freebies, privileges, and special treats for our hard-working Overseas Filipinos from BDO, SM, and Remitly. For information, visit https://www.bdo.com.ph/personal/remittance or like and follow BDO Kabayan Facebook page.