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| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status/SM City Sto. Tomas) |
BDO Unibank (BDO) and SM Supermalls (SM) opened this year’s Pamaskong Handog season with a heartwarming celebration for overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their families at SM City Sto. Tomas last December 6, 2025. Now on its 14th year, Pamaskong Handog has become a well-loved Christmas tradition that recognizes the sacrifices, resilience, and contributions of Filipinos working abroad.
The annual event is part of BDO’s Alagang Kabayan advocacy — offering OFs not just secure and reliable banking services, but also a sense of home and belonging especially during the holidays. “Our OFs give so much of themselves for the people they love. Through Pamaskong Handog, we make sure they feel seen, valued, and supported. This year’s theme, ‘Abot ang Pangarap Kasama ang SM at BDO,’ is a reminder that dreams — whether owning a home, providing education, or securing the future — are possible with partners who stand with them every step of the way,” said BDO Senior Vice President and Head of Remittance Business Genie T. Gloria.
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| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status/SM City Sto. Tomas) |
A Story Of Sacrifice, Hope, And A Wish Fulfilled
One of the most emotional highlights of the program was the surprise arrangement for 52-year-old OF Mildred Marquez who has spent 14 years working in Paris and now works as a part-time house cleaner. Despite years of spending Christmas away from home, Mildred has helped build a better life for her family in Quezon — purchasing a condo unit and several properties through BDO’s loan services. Her greatest dream has always been to take her mother, Nanay Marcela, on her first flight for a long-awaited visit to Paris. But for Pamaskong Handog, Mildred wished for something simpler yet deeply meaningful: for her mother to meet her longtime idol, actor Piolo Pascual. BDO and SM made that moment possible — earning cheers and emotional reactions from the audience.
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| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status/SM City Sto. Tomas) |
Star-Studded Performances And Festive Activities
The celebration brought even more holiday cheer with performances from Piolo Pascual, BDO ambassador for two decades — lifestyle personality Small Laude, singer comedian Donita Nose, and the comedy trio Beks Battalion. Tetay, Ton, and Tart kept the crowd entertained as hosts. Families also enjoyed raffle prizes, fun games, and interactive booths featuring services like BDO Pay, Kabayan Loan, and Cash Agad. SM Supermalls reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting OF families. “SM has always been a home for Filipino families, and we proudly celebrate our overseas Filipinos who work hard to uplift their loved ones. Together with BDO, we want them to feel that they belong, that they are appreciated, and that they will always have a place to come home to,” said SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing Operations Ritchie T. Gonzales.
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| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status/SM City Sto. Tomas) |
A Christmas Tradition That Brings Families Together
For many families in Batangas and nearby provinces, Pamaskong Handog remains one of the most anticipated Christmas gatherings — bringing back the warmth, joy, and togetherness that define the Filipino holiday spirit. “As we celebrate another year of Pamaskong Handog, we are reminded of the incredible strength and love that drive our OF communities. Their stories inspire us to keep finding ways to support them — not just during Christmas, but throughout the entire year,” said Gloria.
(With words by Arven Bravo, Lipa Status)
