BPI President’s Message: What matters most

The holidays are all about gratitude and showing appreciation to the people that matter most in our hearts and lives. Likewise, this occasion is a good reminder to pause, reflect, and take a moment to say thanks for the things we often take for granted. 

For one, it is a time to appreciate the things that enable us to grow and make us feel alive. I am particularly thankful to have colleagues at the Bank of the Philippine Islands who are N.I.C.E.–nurturing, act with integrity, are customer-obsessed and, ultimately, pursue excellence. I feel privileged to be leading the oldest bank in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, a truly beloved institution that is a beacon of trust and service excellence in all ways, always. 

But, of course, it is a blessing to be a part of the Ayala Group of Companies – a conglomerate that genuinely and passionately cares for its people, communities, and our nation. It is no myth that Ayala fosters values within the group that enable its employees to thrive and, at the same time, practice a work-life balance that gives us, even executives, the time to spend with our loved ones. Thus, during the holidays, I take advantage of the time to be with my wife and children. 

Besides, Christmas is all about being with the people that matter the most to us. That is why, as much as possible, we try to be complete on Christmas as a family. My three children are now all based abroad, so that means either my wife and I fly in, or they fly out to be with us here in the Philippines. I show my love and appreciation to them by spending uninterrupted time with them. 

I can genuinely say that the best part of the holidays is having all my kids together and being with them, just like when they were much younger. Each time I see them complete, my world is at peace. With the cold breeze in the air and the special holiday cheer all over the place, the simple things become even more magical with people we love. 

Just like any other family, we do as much as we can while everyone is on their time off — we eat and have a feast; go out and visit new places; try new things and laugh together. My children have varying interests, so it’s very fun for me to just listen to their stories and learn a thing or two from them as millennials. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone. Hanging out with them nowadays means that I don’t only get to be updated with their lives, but I also get to be updated with the latest trends.

This holiday season, my wish is for all my fellow Unibankers and the employees of the Ayala Group to have the chance to take the time off and be with their loved ones, relax, breathe, reflect, and enjoy all the festivities filled with love, gratitude, appreciation, and hope for the future. May the joy and gratitude we celebrate this season remain with all of us throughout the coming year. 

With love, 
TG Limcaoco