Village Connect
For countless Overseas Filipinos (OFs), the holiday season is often bittersweet, with their dedication to providing for loved ones coming at the cost of being apart. Through the Pamaskong Handog initiative by BDO and SM Supermalls, however, heartfelt reunions and meaningful gestures bridge these distances, making the holidays truly special for OF families.
Take the story of Jackylou Taboada, a BDO client for over a decade, who faced her greatest battle in 2016 with Stage 2B Carcinoma while working in Dubai. Keeping her illness a secret from her family, she endured treatment alone, but her resilience paid off when she became cancer-free. only wish was to spend Christmas with her daughter, Shyla.
During the Pamaskong Handog event at SM City Cebu in 2023, her wish came true: Shyla was flown to Dubai for the holidays, gifted a laptop for school, and given a ₱10,000 shopping spree. For Jackylou, this act of kindness brought immeasurable joy, proving that love knows no bounds.
Meanwhile, Ma. Theresa Yasuki, an OFs in Japan for over 20 years, longed for a holiday reunion with her family. Despite the hardships, she relied on BDO for financial support, particularly during tough times in 2021 when she was approved for a Platinum Credit Card. Her dream finally came true at the Pamaskong Handog event at SM City Fairview in 2023. “This is the happiest Christmas we’ve ever had,” shared her son, John Reimar, as the family celebrated together after decades apart.
These heartwarming stories highlight the essence of Alagang Kabayan. This year, the tradition continues with Pamaskong Handog events at SM City Tuguegarao on December 7, SM City Roxas on December 14, and SM City General Santos on December 21. To learn more, visit BDO Kabayan on Facebook or www.smsupermalls.com. Celebrate the holidays with love, joy, and togetherness!
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