On July 6, 2024, at Conrad Manila, I attended the Sun Life Play for Life media launch—an event that would soon lead to an adventure I’ll never forget. During the launch, I won an all-expenses-paid trip to Beijing and Shanghai, China, plus I had a chance to meet Piolo Pascual, Sarah G, and Matteo Guidicelli. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, nothing could top this! Piolo pa lang panalo na! (Meeting Piolo alone was already a huge win)
But I was wrong… Paparating palang pala tayo sa exciting part.. (the truly exciting part was yet to come)
Fast forward to October, and the excitement of winning still had not faded. It became clear that the trip wasn’t just about seeing amazing sights and having fun; it was also about meeting wonderful people who wanted to make a difference. What made the trip really worthwhile were the people, the stories, and the spirit of Sun Life’s Macaulay Club.
Bus 1, which carried our group, was just one of three buses filled with amazing people. From day-to-day activities, we bonded over laughs, stories, and shared dreams. I’ll share more stories and highlights from each day of this trip in upcoming articles, but for now, here’s a snapshot of the journey.
Day-to-Day Adventures with Sun Life’s Finest
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
On our first day, we arrived in Beijing, ate lunch, and checked in at the luxurious New World Beijing Hotel—a stunning five-star establishment offering unparalleled comfort and top-notch amenities.
We had a delicious dinner at the hotel before going out to see the city in our free time. Though it was 9°C outside (lamig!), Ms. Lalie from Sun Life and FPJ, a fellow blogger and good friend, and I went to nearby malls to shop and enjoy Beijing’s lively night walk.
Day 2: The Great Wall and Cultural Richness
The next day, we went to the Juyongguan Great Wall, one of the most impressive and well-kept parts of the wall. Walking along the Great Wall’s old stones taught me more than just history. It was also an inspiring demonstration of strength, from both the wall and the people around me.
We later explored Tiananmen Square and ended the day with a thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show. Dinner was at Hepingmen Quanjude, where we had the best Peking duck I’ve ever tasted.
Day 3: A Day of Adventure at Universal Studios
With seven themed zones, exploring Universal Studios Beijing was a blast, packed with thrilling rides, live shows, and fantastic food. I felt like a kid again, and it reminded me how important it is to have a balance—something Sun Life values, encouraging both hard work and moments of joy.
Day 4: Journey to Shanghai
We took the bullet train to Shanghai on Day 4. I couldn’t believe how fast the train went and how beautiful the scenery was. Next, we went to The Bund, Shanghai’s historic waterfront. It is a lovely display of colonial-era architecture along the Huangpu River. After that, we went to Yu Yuan Bazaar, a busy market close to the famous Yu Garden. The Yu Garden is a traditional Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty famous for its beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and calm ponds. The traditional feel of the bazaar, along with the busy shops and food stands, took me back in time. That night, we checked into the Jin Jiang Tower Hotel, which had a stunning view of Shanghai’s skyline.
Day 5: Disney Magic at Shanghai Disneyland
There is no bad weather at Disneyland. It is always the happiest place on Earth. I had a great time, but I wish my family could have been there with me. With all the parades, rides, and magic, it was one of the most magical days of my life. While I was there, I made sure to collect stamps for my daughter’s Magic Passport as a special souvenir from the trip.
Day 6: Shopping Day and Farewell Dinner
Our last day was dedicated to shopping; we went to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s iconic shopping street. We visited the fun M&M Store and Miniso, then explored the POP MART Global Flagship Store for unique items. The day ended at the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery, one of the largest Starbucks in the world
Though I wanted to try more of Shanghai’s famous food scene, I was still too full from earlier meals to make a proper food trip. But that’s something I’m coming back for in the future.
As our trip drew to a close, we gathered for the Farewell Dinner, where Sun Life honored the incredible dedication and success of each Macaulay Club member. Sir Al Quitangon’s heartfelt speech reminded us of Sun Life’s mission to help Filipinos achieve financial security and live healthier lives. It was a beautiful way to end a memorable trip filled with inspiring conversations, great memories, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
The Macaulay Club: Sun Life’s Best and Brightest
Crème de la crème! The Macaulay Club comprises Sun Life’s BEST and BRIGHTEST Sun Life financial advisors. These extraordinary individuals are passionate about helping Filipinos build secure, brighter futures for themselves and their families. Their unwavering dedication to Sun Life’s core values and their clients is truly inspiring. They lead by example, making tangible daily impacts in people’s lives.
This journey to China is just one of the many ways Sun Life celebrates these exceptional individuals. I was deeply honored to experience it firsthand—seeing their commitment to their work and clients up close made this trip all the more special.
A Journey Beyond the Tourist Trail
Each day spent with the Macaulay Club was a lesson in resilience, purpose, and community. Throughout this trip, I took away many valuable lessons:
Resilience and Perseverance
Life is full of problems and challenges, but how we handle them is what makes us unique. Listening to the inspiring stories of those around me highlighted how perseverance leads to success. Their unwavering commitment to Sun Life showed that they both wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.
Meeting Jayvee Lazaro Badile was a reminder that resilience can take us anywhere, no matter where we start. Rising from humble beginnings to become Branch Manager of the Phoenix Palm Empire, Jayvee’s story of overcoming adversity is so impactful that it was featured on the popular show Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK). His dedication to empowering clients and colleagues exemplifies Sun Life’s values, as he leads a driven young team committed to creating positive change.
Although he’s new to Sun Life, his hard work has already placed him among the best of the best. Christopher Tuazon’s journey from being a seaman to becoming one of Sun Life’s top advisors is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. Even with his success, he stays humble and approachable, proving that hard work and staying grounded really make a difference. Outside of being a financial advisor, Christopher is also a popular influencer with 1.9 million TikTok followers, where he continues to inspire and connect with others.
These are just some of the inspiring stories I’ve encountered, but each individual has their own unique journey. I wish I had the opportunity to speak with all of them and learn from their experiences.
The Right Company Makes All the Difference
I had the privilege of meeting some truly remarkable individuals, including Ms. Maritz Abellera, who’s been with Sun Life for 43 years, and her husband, Sir Pat Abellera, who’s worked there for 19 years. Their long careers show how Sun Life truly values its employees. Along with Ms. Lalie Novero, who has worked for 25 years, they all represent the kind of company that cares about its people. Their experiences show how much a company can support both its workers and its clients when it truly prioritizes them.
A Family-Like Community
The Macaulay Club truly feels like one big family. From the moment I joined the trip, I was warmly welcomed. Their stories, advice, and genuine camaraderie made the experience so much richer. It was a great reminder that growth is inevitable when you’re surrounded by passionate, driven people.
For Ms. Susan Lee, leading with heart isn’t just a concept—it’s how she lives every day. As the leader of Sun Life’s Sequoia Team, she creates a family-like atmosphere where building real connections and caring for others matter more than just hitting targets. She fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Watching Ms. Susan interact with her colleagues showed me that true leadership is about compassion and building meaningful relationships.
Finding Joy in Purpose
Knowing your purpose turns work into something meaningful. For Sun Life advisors, helping Filipinos achieve a brighter future is not just a job—it’s a calling. In the right environment, work feels less like a task and more like an opportunity to make a lasting difference.
Balancing Work and Life
This trip taught me that it’s okay to have fun. Life is short, so we should make the most of every moment. Fun is a vital part of wellness, and pursuing our health and wellness goals can be both enjoyable and meaningful—especially when we have the right partner by our side. Sun Life aims to be just that, supporting us every step of the way.
And just like the Macaulay Club, they make sure to find time for leisure despite their busy schedules. This is because they want to set an example for their clients, showing that balancing work and life is possible and essential.
Giving Back and Making a Difference
As part of the Macaulay Club’s international trip, members pledged Php 891,000 to support Thrive, an organization that feeds thousands of Filipino schoolchildren. This showed that they were still committed to giving back.
Thrive addresses childhood hunger in the Philippines by providing school lunches to children in need. This impactful solution relies on resources and the support of people like you to help secure brighter futures for these kids. Learn more at https://www.thrive-global.org/thrive-philippines/
Giving back has always been their way of making a difference, so this isn’t the first time they’ve done something like this. This kind act, in line with Sun Life’s core values of community service and leadership, was a powerful and meaningful way to end a journey that will never be forgotten.
Sun Life: More Than Just Financial Planning
The Macaulay Club is a great example of strength, community, and purpose. During this trip, I met incredible people who embody Sun Life’s mission of creating a better future for all Filipinos. This experience deepened my appreciation for financial planning and highlighted the power of a supportive community in helping us thrive.
I realized that Sun Life offers more than insurance; they build meaningful relationships, provide valuable advice, and ensure Filipinos can live with peace of mind. They are a trusted partner, genuinely caring for and supporting clients and advisors alike.
Thank you, Sun Life, for the memorable journey and for embodying the spirit of building lives and relationships that truly matter.
Want to Be Part of This Journey?
If you’re interested in becoming a Sun Life advisor, visit https://www.sunlife.com.ph/en/about-us/become-an-advisor/. And if you’re ready to secure a brighter future for yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Sun Life financial advisor by visiting https://www.sunlife.co/TalkToAnAdvisor
