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Spare a moment to think about this: aside from your family and friends, who is the one person you would be glad to have at your wake? The answer should be obvious: your insurance agent. The person who's there to help your family just when they need it most, making good on a pact made with you a long time ago.

Life insurance really is a lifetime commitment, not just for yourself but also for your insurance agent; it's a long-term partnership that must be nurtured so that you can expect the most and best out of your insurance policy. So even after you've taken that first big step and signed your insurance policy, it's important to establish a close relationship with your agent so that they can better help and serve you and your family.

"More than anything else, a life insurance agent is someone who cares about your welfare, and who understands that your needs may grow and change over time. It's the agent's duty to listen, understand, and address these evolving needs," says Rhodalyn Tañada-Magsino, a senior trainor at First Guarantee Life Assurance Co., Inc. (1st Life).

How do I establish a mutually beneficial, long-term partnership with my life insurance agent?

In a word, the answer is: honesty. Your insurance agent is specially trained to listen closely to you and provide you with a plan that's just right for your needs. Always feel free to tell your insurance agent any concerns that you think should be addressed. Don't be afraid to ask anything that you don't understand.

Successful partnerships between 1st Life and its clients don't just happen; they're painstakingly nurtured one day at a time. "We work hard to understand exactly what it is that our clients need, because they depend on us to help them make important, life-changing choices," Rhodalyn explains.

Can I trust my insurance agent with confidential matters?

Of course! By the very nature of their job, insurance agents are very patient and understanding of other people's circumstances. Your life insurance agent knows that it may be difficult for you to talk about your personal circumstances, but they are always ready and willing to listen. You can be assured that anything you disclose will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, and will only be used to ensure an accurate evaluation of your policy.

"We always encourage open communication and trust by letting our clients know that they can say anything at any time, without risking judgment. It's part of our job," Rhodalyn says.

How do I know if and when I should talk to my agent?

Your life insurance agent put together your policy based on several personal factors, such as your overall health, the size of your family, your budget, and your lifestyle. If you experience a sudden and/or drastic change in any of these areas, you should immediately consult with your agent to ensure that you're getting adequate coverage and will have no future trouble handling your premiums.

In fact, depending on the kind of insurance that you have, your agent may even be able to help you take out a loan on your policy should you need emergency funds. 1st Life offers a wide range of flexible life insurance policies that can be customized according to your individual needs. Your agent is specially informed to help you choose the option that's best for you.

"1st Life has built up a solid reputation of uncompromising commitment on placing its customers' needs first. Our clients want the best, and we wouldn't have it any other way," explains 1st Life President Peter Coyiuto. "We exist to provide meaningful and responsive financial products and services to our policyholders, based on an uncompromising commitment to place their needs first."

1st Life offers much more than just life insurance policies; it works to build a caring and lasting relationship with all of its clients. It's no wonder that customers choose 1st Life for its flexible, relevant, and timely products, delivered by people who work hard to understand and meet your needs.

1st Life President and CEO, Peter Coyiuto (left), attended the Swiss Life Network Asia Pacific Conference in Shanghai, China with Swiss Life Head & Senior Vice President of International Division -- Margrit Schmid (fourth from right). Joining them in the conference are Anne Wan, Team Leader of Group Insurance Project Management and Clement Cheung, Deputy Manager of Ping - An, the 2nd largest insurance company in China.

1st Life adheres to its core value of 'Social Responsibility' with its participation to Cancer Resource and Wellness (Carewell) Community's fund-raising concert 'Cerrudo Classico' last August at the Promenade, Greenhills Commercial Center.

1st Life believes that giving back to society is necessary specially to organizations like Carewell Community. "Carewell has a noble purpose and it is this purpose that makes us the same," said 1st Life President & CEO, Peter Coyiuto. Carewell provides people with cancer and their families with facilities suited for their needs. While 1st Life offer insurance products that are tailor-made for an individual's requirements whether it be for retirement, investment or as savings.

1st Life sponsored Carewell Community's show entitled 'Cerrudo Classico' with singer Bimbo Cerrudo as main artist. The event aims to raise-funds to support Carewell Community's programs and projects.
Carewell Community is a non-profit foundation that provides people with cancer and their families free access to support groups and counseling, use of a resource center and referral services.

1st Life President & CEO Peter Coyiuto (left) and Corporate Sales Specialist Ronaldo Roque (right) meets with Assistant President Su Hengxuan (center) of China Life Insurance Company, Ltd., mainland's largest insurance firm. China Life maintains its leading position in the life insurance market in their country with a market share of 47%.

First Guarantee Life Assurance Co., Inc. (1st Life) President & CEO Peter Coyiuto (left) meets up with Chairman & President Yang Chao (right) of China Life Insurance Company, Ltd., mainland's largest insurance firm. China Life maintains its leading position in the life insurance market in their country with a market share of 45.27%.

1st Life's Coyiuto Co-Chair's the 15th LOMA/LIMRA Strategic Issues Conference in Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort & Spa, Cebu

1st Life's Peter Coyiuto and Ayala Life's Emil de Quiros, Jr. co-chair the Host Committee of the 15th Annual Strategic Issues Conference, organized by LOMA & LIMRA International at the Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort & Spa, Cebu on June 24-26, 2007 to discuss critical organization and industry practices.

This global industry conference is designed around the theme Charting Your Next Move, and deals on valuable insights on how companies can stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry, propelled by increasing global competition.

Finance Secretary Margarito B. Teves and Insurance Commissioner Evangeline C. Escobillo will grace the event with Gawad Kalinga's Antonio Meloto delivering the closing keynote address. They will be joined by experts from Asia Pacific/Oceania region's insurance and financial services companies. The conference will focus on issues affecting the industry in the region.

China Life Insurance Company's Yang Chao and HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company of India's Deepak Satwalekar are among the speakers of the event. Chao, Chairman of the largest life insurance company in China, is a panelist on the CEO Open Forum portion of the conference. Satwalekar, Managing Director & CEO of one of India's leading private life insurance companies, will discuss Microinsurance, small face amount policies offered to people of limited financial means in rural areas. It is a scheme that is also being actively promoted in the Philippines by Commissioner Escobillo.

Yang heads the world's third-largest insurer by market value. Last year alone, China Life Insurance Co. achieved a 31 percent rise in insurance income to US$27 billion and boosted its market share by almost seven percentage points in 2006 according to Reuters. China Life's closing price last January 9 valued it at $141 billion, making it the world's third-biggest insurer after American International Group Inc. at $185 billion and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. at $165 billion.

Satwalekar on the other hand, heads the HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Ltd. It is a joint venture between Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC Ltd), India's leading housing finance institution which has helped build more than 2.3 million houses since its incorporation in 1977 and has assets under management over US $ 8 Billion, and The Standard Life Assurance Company, a leading provider of financial services from the United Kingdom which currently has a customer base of over 7 million people and currently manages over $ 150 billion in assets. Both the companies are well known for their ethical dealings and financial strength and are thus committed to being a long-term player in the life insurance industry in India.

About LIMRA International (www.limra.com)
LIMRA International is a worldwide association providing research, consulting, and other services to nearly 850 insurance and financial services companies in more than 60 countries. LIMRA was established in 1916 to help its member companies maximize their marketing effectiveness.

About LOMA (www.loma.org)
Founded in 1924, Life Office Management Association (LOMA) is an international association through which more than 1,200 insurance and financial services companies from over 80 countries engage in research and educational activities to improve company operations.

Finding the Perfect Life Insurance Agent

Finding a good life insurance agent is the same as finding the perfect fit. You need an agent who is attuned to your goals in life and who is acting in your best interest. You also must consider a most important criterion: someone with whom you can form a lasting relationship based on trust. After all, the key to a good client/agent relationship-indeed with any relationship for that matter-is trust.

In the case of Victor Tan, president of Bobson Jeans, that search ended with finding his 1st Life agent Lorna Lao. Victor confesses that he used to dodge insurance agents, apprehensive that they just wanted to make a quick buck from him.

That all changed with Lorna, who, Victor says, was the only one who actually took the time to understand his financial situation and objectives, and explained in detail the various 1st Life insurance policies for his particular needs. Indeed, Victor felt an ease with Lorna who helped him choose the right policy.

"For someone like me who was a first timer to these things, I was also looking for an insurance agent who knows her business inside out. I was really impressed with Lorna, who asked me all the right questions in helping me decide on the amount and the type of life insurance from 1st Life that fits my budget and needs," Victor explains. "You see, it is very important to be aware of these matters because a life insurance is a weighty investment."

Because the business of trust is a mutual relationship, Victor admits that he is just as trustworthy whenever Lorna needs more information about him.

"Our meetings are always productive because as an agent, Lorna is very thorough when it comes to analyzing my financial and personal needs. As a client, I also have to do my part in allowing her to perform her duties," he relates. He recalls that when they were discussing his insurance options, he provided her an accurate background about himself. "I trust her enough to give complete information about myself. In the end, I will benefit from it."

Victor is appreciative of his agent's attitude towards work. "Lorna is not the type who will just walk in and dictate to me what I should be getting. All decisions were carefully studied and discussed between us. She did not rush. Instead, she listened and noted all the personal information that I shared, after which she drew up recommendations to ensure that I will be getting the best deal for my future."

He is also very much satisfied with the way 1st Life trained agents such as Lorna. He says, "I am pleased with how the company in general handles my concerns. If there is something that is unclear to me, I do not hesitate in calling her and asking for a more detailed explanation. I am that much at ease with the company. These things may sound trivial to some, but for someone like me who considers his insurance policy as an investment, it matters a lot."

Victor states that he is proud to have an agent who comes from a company that has great financial stability. Founded in 1958, 1st Life brings a wealth of experience and expertise for its clients' benefits, with an uncompromising commitment in placing customers' needs first.

"The dynamic of 1st Life, in my observation, is really about building trust between client and agent. You cannot earn that overnight. That, to me, is the most important thing," Victor concludes.

With a satisfied client such as Victor, who volunteers that he has been recommending 1st Life to family and friends, 1st Life continues to realize its vision of being the country's leading life insurance company with the best quality of people.

"At the heart of everything we do is our mission to provide financial protection for people and help them achieve financial security. Our work (selling life insurance) is about humanity at its most emotional level."

This is how Peter Coyiuto, president of First Life views his business and is exactly the way he wants his 100 sales agents to view their job. He actually sent this personal quote to this writer in a text message.

As if the quote was not enough, Coyiuto stressed that no consumer product sold in the market could elicit as much emotional reaction (caring, loving and taking care of a loved one's future needs) as selling a life insurance policy which, however, depends heavily on the income potential and priorities of a buyer.

Usually, he said, a buyer would not mind paying for a consume product repeatedly and regularly as against the less frequent amortization of an insurance policy as they fall due in a quarter, a year or even longer.

"Look at the cigarette industry for one. People know it is bad for the health, and yet they (specially the masses) do not mind paying P1 for a stick or even more each because they think of it as a need that must be addressed immediately. This is why cigarette sales in 2006 hit P110 billion," he said.

An insurance policy---which insures the customer or his loved ones in the future-is payable every quarter or semester yet customers (the same cigarette consumer) would not invest in it because 1) he does not have the cash to pay to pay for it as it falls due; and 2) he does not see the need for it now.

"But when an accident, death, ill health or incapacity to enroll children to school comes, that is when they realize they needed the policy, yet they still would not get one, even if they had the money," he explained.

"those who bought policies for their loved ones are showing their true character, the concern for their security and love for the recipient. That is why I said that life insurance is humanity at its most emotional level," he said.

Deciding to buy a life insurance policy is one of the most selfless things that you can do for your family. It's also one of the most difficult choices to make -literally as well as emotionally. With the different varieties of life insurance policies out there, which one is right for you?

"There's a lack of public understanding and knowledge of what 'savings' and 'protection' and 'investment' are. We keep telling ourselves that everything is going to be alright, but the key to real security is preparation," says Mr. Peter Coyiuto, President of First Guarantee Life Assurance Co., Inc. (First Life).

"Life insurance is a caring gift: it's a very personal way of making sure that your loved ones will be safe even without you. First Life exists to provide meaningful and responsive financial products and services to our policy-holders, based on an uncompromising commitment to place their needs first," Mr. Coyiuto explains. This overriding commitment to personalized service has given rise to products and services that are tailored to suit a person's individual needs.

Temporary or Permanent?

Depending on some basic factors, such as your age, income, number of dependents, and overall health, your first decision might be whether you want to take out a permanent or temporary insurance plan. A temporary or "Term" life insurance plan is cheaper than other types of insurance but doesn't have maturity benefits nor cash values. On the other hand, permanent life insurance plans are a bit more expensive but offer family protection income, retirement income, and guaranteed savings in the long run.

Term plans are suitable for people who feel that their need for protection is only temporary. Take, for example, a married couple with an outstanding mortgage or loan from a financial institution: they might want to have a term insurance plan to help cover their debt in case anything happens to either of them. Once the debt is paid off after a few years, they can easily terminate the plan with no worries. However, there are also provisions to either renew the plan or convert it into a permanent plan for more benefits.

There are several kinds of permanent life insurance plans: Whole Life, Limited Pay Life and Endowment. Whichever kind you choose, your beneficiaries are guaranteed to receive a death benefit when you pass away. These plans also have a maturity period, after which you get a maturity benefit -usually on the policy anniversary nearest your 99th birthday.

The many faces of permanent life insurance

A Whole Life plan requires premium payments throughout the lifetime of the insured, while a Limited Pay Life plan charges premiums for just a limited number of years after which the policy is fully paid up.Endowment Plans are a good option for people who want to save up for future projects or for retirement. Because endowment plans have earlier maturity dates, the proceeds are usually paid as maturity benefits rather than death benefits. The protection period can be based on age or a specified number of years. For example, First Life's First Cash Builder 60 plan matures when the policy holder reaches the age of 60, whereas its First Peso Builder 20 plan matures after 20 years regardless of how old you were when you signed up for it.

Participating in the company's surplus

As in any business, one's monetary contributions to a life insurance company (in the form of premiums) go toward maintaining and growing the company. Sometimes, if the insurance company is doing very well, it has "divisible surplus" which can be shared among holders of participating insurance plans.

A policyowner's proportionate share in the divisible surplus of a life insurance company is called the policy dividend. The company declares the rate of dividends at the end of each year. However, because dividends depend on the profitability of the company's operations, they are not always guaranteed. Dividends may be received in cash or can be reinvested into your insurance policy -to help pay for your premiums, for example, or to buy additional insurance.

First Life's 1st Star Series are examples of participating plans that share in the company's surplus by way of annual reported dividends. Spurred by popular demand for stable investments, the company even offers Dollar Builder plans that are similarly structured to their regular offerings but are sold in US Dollars.

Making the right choice

Deciding what kind of life insurance is right for you is a choice that you have to discuss closely with your life insurance agent. These agents are specially trained to listen closely to you and provide you with a plan that's just right for your needs. Always feel free to tell your insurance agent about any concerns that you think should be addressed, and don't be afraid to ask about anything that you don't understand.

Ultimately, however, it's the initial decision to buy life insurance that matters most. Whatever kind of life insurance policy you choose, the most important thing is that you have taken that first crucial step towards ensuring your loved ones' futures. "It's that first step that really counts," says Mr. Coyiuto.

1st Life proudly announced the international distinctions received by the agents via a print ad in Philippine Daily Inquirer last 7 May 2007. Three different awards were handed to the top manager & leading agents of First Life. The GAMA International Management Award, for agency leaders who exemplify excellence in the distribution of financial services, was given to Josie Gotohio. The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) award, an achievement recognized in the life insurance industry as the international standard of excellence, was given to Josie Gotohio, Lourdes Yao, Lorna Lao, Teresita Perez & Susana Tan. The third award, LIMRA's International Quality Award (IQA) for outstanding performance in the life insurance business, was received by Josie Gotohio, Lourdes Yao, Lorna Lao & Teresita Perez.

Life insurance can be a tricky business. Many Filipinos demonstrate an aversion to life insurance, shying away from it because of the common notion that it will only be of use when they die -a most morbid and unwelcome eventuality. Yet, life insurance is one of the most reasonable and practical investments an ordinary person can make in his lifetime.

Fortunately, one life insurance company recognizes, even respects the roots of this misconception. "Death is never an easy subject to deal with, which is why 1st Life still sells life insurance for what it is - a protection against the inevitable. We are in a business where we are expected to be there for the family of those policyholders in the event that our insured steps out of the picture," says Mr. Peter Coyiuto, President of First Guarantee Life Assurance Co., Inc. (1st Life). "Professional service with a personal touch is something that all 1st Life agents aspire to."

Successful partnerships between 1st Life and clients don't just happen; they're painstakingly nurtured one day at a time. "1st Life exists to provide meaningful and responsive financial products and services to our policy-holders, based on an uncompromising commitment to place their needs first," adds Coyiuto.

This overriding commitment to personalized service has given rise to products and services tailored to suit a person's needs based on his or her income, budget, lifestyle, overall health, and other personal factors. "You really have to work at getting to know your client," says Ms. Tessie Perez, a unit manager at 1st Life and a former president of the Life Underwriters Association of the Philippines (LUAP). "You have to encourage openness and communication by letting them know that they can say anything at any time, without risking judgment," she says. Tessie knows what she's talking about: over the years, she has earned the respect of dozens of continuing clients -a feat which has earned her several distinctions, including induction into the internationally coveted and respected Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).

Ms. Lourdes Yao, also a 1st Life unit manager with MDRT membership and a General Agents and Managers Association (GAMA) International Management Award under her belt, shares that one of the secrets to helping clients be more at ease is to open up to them too. "You make important connections by sharing some things about yourself too, just to let them know that you're open to establishing a mutually trusting relationship," she says.

Indeed, these close ties to their customers are what help make 1st Life one of the most responsive and trusted insurance companies today. While it has taken strides to becoming a leader in the life insurance industry, the genuine connections with its clientele far outweigh the monetary returns. It has given them not just the power to help people in need, but also -more importantly -the chance to lend an open ear and a caring heart to those who need it most.

1st Life proudly recognized its top agents with the release of a print ad published in The Philippine Star last 29 March 2007. The ad acknowledged the recipients of the Gawad Kagitingan, Activity Club and Born-To-Lead awards. The Gawad Kagitingan award is designed to recognize agents' outstanding performance in activity, persistency & production requirements. Activity Club is an elite gathering of agents who have shown excellent performance in terms of activity. The Born-To-Lead achievement on the other hand, is a distinction for 1st Life managers for exceptional performance in terms of recruitment and production.

Signing a life insurance contract may seem like nothing less than harang. After all, how can anyone put a price on life? However, a life insurance agent's role doesn't begin and end with a contract. In fact, agents only get paid for how many long-term clients they have. This isn't easy to accomplish, and the only way to do it is by building a trusting relationship with other people.

People who have spent a long time in the life insurance sector know that, like all meaningful partnerships, an insurance provider's relationship with a client grows and endures far beyond that last "goodbye." They address each of their clients in the strictest confidentiality, with the same tactful respect and deference one would expect from a family physician.

Caring beyond "goodbye"
"My husband Mario left us with the hope that our family would never be alone, and he made sure of this," recalls Mrs. Carmen Robles of her husband, a hardworking businessman who was also a deeply spiritual family man.

Mr. Robles had signed on for a life insurance policy with First Guarantee Life Assurance Co., Inc. (1st Life). When he passed away, Mrs. Robles found an unexpected source of strength in 1st Life's caring assistance. "My children and I feel that we are now members of a much bigger family, one that cares for and protects us just like Mario used to do," she says.

Making a difference
For the people at 1st Life, Mrs. Robles' story is one of the many reasons why a growing number of insurance agents see their work as one of the most rewarding vocations in the world.

Tessie Perez, for example, was a retired mother doing charity work at her local church when she decided to try going into life insurance. She says that being in life insurance has empowered her to help people in ways that she never thought possible.

Ms. Perez recalls how one client's family came to her and thanked her for helping them in their time of need. "The claim helped see a daughter through school. Today, she's a successful executive in a computer company," Tessie recounts.

Putting people first
The insurance business has not only helped Lorna Lao, a management trainee at 1st Life, to meet new people but also gives her a chance to actually make a difference in others' lives. Once, when she learned that a client was in need of a blood transfusion, she went out of her way to secure a doctor and find potential donors.

Lorna says that she is always deeply moved by her clients' show of faith in her, and hopes she can return the favor. "I deeply appreciate their trust and I try to help whenever I can," she says.

Bearing a cross each day
For Josie Gotohio, who slowly rose from the ranks to become 1st Life's Pasig Branch Manager, the emotional and spiritual benefits of life insurance far outweigh its monetary returns.

"What we do goes well above and beyond a usual workday. Helping people during what is most likely the most trying time of their lives is all just part of a day's work," she says.