All roads lead to Davao! Around 100 Managers of AIA Philippines, the country’s leading life insurance company in terms of financial stability and net worth, gathered for the 2024 Annual Conference of AIA Philam Life Agency Managers Association (AIA-PAMA).
Since its inception in 2017, AIA-PAMA has been holding yearly gathering of its members from across the country, not only to share and learn but to fellowship, as well. This is the 2nd time they are holding the conference in Davao City, still at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
The PAMA board members put together a powerful roster of speakers whose sharing centered on this year’s conference theme, “Momentum Shift: The Journey of Reinvention and Renewal”. The learning session opened with the keynote address of Davao’s pride, Ms Charita Puentespina, founder of the popular Davao tourist spots Puntespina Orchid Farms, Malagos Garden Resort, and Malagos Chocolates. Her inspiring sharing of her journey from a telephone operator to a successful entrepreneur, highlighted the different self-reinvention and key shifts she experienced before becoming one of the prime movers of the city.
Her talk was followed by a series of panel discussions and best practice sharing by select top-performing AIA managers.
• Legacy of Achievement: AIA-PAMA in Perspective by AM DJ Dimaliuat showcased the association’s recent milestones.
• Accelerating Success: Recruitment Momentum Strategies featured UMs Precy Ballos, Mary Grace Nerpiol, and Claribel Andoy sharing their winning attraction and selection formula.
• Alliance Advantage: Thriving Through Collaborative Efforts featured AMs Gina Mendoza-Francisco, Evelyn Tuazon, and Maricel Maunahan-Fernando stressing the importance and benefits of collaboration within and outside the team.
• Leading the Pack: Strategies for Market Domination highlighted the expansion and longevity stories of AIA PH Top AMs Henry Evangelista (Davao) and Pons Jerez (General Santos).
The conference was made more colorful and special with the presence of AIA-PH’s CEO Melita Teo and CAO Tim Crisologo, who both shared the different company initiatives and programs in support of the continued growth and success of the agency force.
CEO Melita Teo expressing her support to the AIA-PAMA members
Conference keynote speaker, Davao’s Pride Ms Charita Puentespina
PAMA Conference attendees wearing the traditional Malong
Welcome dinner at Malagos Garden
AIA-PAMA President Christopher Cervantes, closed the conference by sharing his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and creating value. He challenged the attendees, “leave things better than when you found them.” Definitely, the conference attendees left Davao much better than when they arrived.
But these Managers certainly know how to celebrate and have fun. Their welcome dinner at the Malagos Homegrown Garden Cafe offered a delightful sound, sight and gustatory experience to the participants. During the conference proper, all attendees donned traditional “malong” drapes and participated in the lively opening dance inspired by the Mandaya tribe. The conference culminated in a festive dinner featuring a giant 30kg tuna (all the way from GenSan), carved into mouthwatering sashimi.
One of the best practice sharing sessions during the conference proper
The 2023–2024 AIA-PAMA Board Members
PAMA Pres Chris Cervantes giving his closing remarks
Outside of the conference dates, some of the managers, immersed themselves in Davao’s rich culture and beauty. They explored nearby Samal Island and the Eden Mountain Resort, sampled the famous barbecues of Roxas Night Market, and enjoyed the city’s vibrant sights and great foodie experiences. Durian, the king of fruits, a local favorite, was a popular choice, enjoyed in the form of ice cream, shakes, or hot and cold coffee mixes.
The AIA-PAMA 2024 Conference provided a truly enriching and memorable experience for all participants, solidifying their support and commitment to AIA’s mission and strengthening their spirit of collaboration and growth. Madayaw Dabaw! (Jay Ledesma)