Manila, Philippines | via Bhal Cabrera |October 24, 2023
In the midst of life's trials and tribulations, Mila Sibayan, aged 56, stands as a shining example of perseverance and determination. For 15 years, she has been a valued client of CARD Bank, believing that the keys to conquering life's challenges and achieving success lie in family support and open communication.
Mila, a devoted mother of three boys, alongside her family, manages a house-renting business and an online food venture as their primary source of income. However, their journey towards success was anything but straightforward.
Before their current endeavors, Mila and her husband, Efren, toiled tirelessly in various jobs. Mila took on secretarial duties while Efren worked as a technician in a commercial bank. Regrettably, their combined incomes proved insufficient to meet their growing family's needs.
Driven by a desire for a brighter future for their children, the couple ventured into multiple businesses, including an internet café and a store. Despite their hard work, the demands of managing these enterprises, coupled with their expanding financial responsibilities, eventually led them to explore new avenues.
Mila's path took a significant turn when she worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia for two years. Upon returning home, she made a strategic decision to focus on their house-renting business and initiate online food sales. Meanwhile, her husband transitioned into a role as a driver for his veterinarian sister.
A turning point arrived when Mila was introduced to CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank providing financial services to families facing social and economic challenges. Thanks to her sister's recommendation, she became a CARD Bank client, taking out loans to renovate their rental property, establish their food business, and support their family's needs. Over the course of 15 years, Mila highlighted the significant role CARD Bank played in their journey by providing financial support, insurance, and the opportunity to save. Her loan amount reached up to PHP 60,000, and it was solely used to benefit their business and family.
Through unwavering love, support, and open communication within their family, the Sibayans overcame every obstacle in their path. Each of Mila's sons is now on their way to a successful future. Her eldest son is employed in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), one resides in Canada with his own family, and the youngest is pursuing a teaching career.
Mila's advice to budding entrepreneurs and fellow CARD Bank clients is simple yet profound: stay positive, manage loans wisely, and invest in ventures that promise returns. She emphasized the need to separate personal from business needs and maintain unwavering focus on what truly matters.
At present, Mila's businesses continue to flourish. Their house-renting business now exclusively caters to employed individuals, and their food venture, offering bulk food party trays, has earned the satisfaction of clients and customers in Makati, BGC, and beyond. They've even acquired a new house and lot in Laguna.
Looking ahead, Mila has ambitious plans to expand their businesses further, serving even more customers and making prudent investments to secure her family's future. Her inspiring journey showcases the potential of family unity and the support offered by financial institutions like CARD Bank in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
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