For Benedicto “Benny” Marra, loyalty has always been a way of life.

Like millions of overseas Filipinos, he had to leave home to provide for his family.  While working as a mechanic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Benny trusted BDO to be his financial partner.

“Life abroad is demanding, maraming hirap at na-aksidente pa ako.  Pero kinaya ko lahat ng sakripisyo,” recalls Benny, unable to hold back tears.

Banking with the right partner

While far from home, he made it a point to stay disciplined with his savings, ensuring that his hard-earned income would support his family and his future plans for retirement.  For more than two decades, Benny put his trust in BDO to keep his money safe as he continued to grow his savings.

“Nirekomenda ng kasama ko sa trabaho ang BDO kaya nag-open ako ng account.  Noong pandemic, anytime, anywhere, gamit ko ang mobile banking para tuloy lang ang padala.  Tapos, pag nauwi ako, tuwing pupunta sa branch, ang ganda ng salubong sa akin ng mga staff, parang VIP.  Talagang ramdam ko na katuwang ko ang BDO,” shares Benny.

From skeptic to grand winner

His loyalty to BDO entered a new chapter during his vacation last December. He only intended to convert his salary remittance through a foreign exchange transaction but was encouraged to open a Kabayan Savings Account with ATM access to make managing his funds more convenient. What he didn’t expect was an invitation to something more.

The branch staff informed him of BDO’s Holiday Million Rewards Raffle.  Benny does not usually join promotions but agreed when the staff patiently walked him through the registration process, including downloading the BDO Pay app and activating his BDO Rewards.

Like many practical savers, Benny was initially skeptical. “There was nothing to lose by joining so I said yes, but honestly, I didn’t expect to win anything.” That decision would soon prove life changing.

Loyalty saving rewarded with a million!

When Benny received the call informing him that he had won, his first reaction was disbelief. He actually thought he won one of the lesser prizes. When he later learned that he was the grand winner of 1 million worth of BDO Rewards Points, he couldn’t believe it. “Natulala ako.  I kept asking if it was real,” he says laughing. “When I finally understood what I had won, I felt overwhelming joy and gratitude.”

According to Cora A. Mallillin, BDO Executive Vice President and head of branch banking, Benny’s story reflects what the bank hopes to deliver to its clients every day. “At BDO, we believe that saving should always be rewarding. Our products, services and promotions like this one are all designed to reward loyal clients like Benny who trust us with their hard-earned money.”

Looking ahead with greater peace of mind

Benny already has thoughtful plans for his winnings. With a million pesos worth of BDO Rewards Points, his first stop will be the SM Store and SM Appliance Center to shop for home essentials.  He is currently renovating his house in Pangasinan, and his prize can help finance this, plus boost his retirement savings. He also plans to secure a BDO Life policy for his grandchild.

He will soon return to Riyadh to continue his work overseas. This time, Benny does so with greater peace of mind. “With BDO’s support and this blessing, I feel more secure about the future,” he declares.

Benny’s story is strong proof that at BDO, loyalty truly meets rewards, and savings, big or small, can lead to life-changing moments.