Leaving a legacy of a life well lived is almost every person’s aspiration. With this in mind, one of the country’s top insurance companies, organized recently a panel discussion to introduce its latest product and inspire its Filipino clients to think about creating a legacy for the future, free from financial worries.
Guest speakers were invited to talk about the importance of leaving a lasting legacy. Entrepreneur Nico Moreno of homegrown watch brand Ibarra Watches, third-generation jewelry designer Janina Dizon, and renowned artist and glass sculptor Ramon Orlina—each highly successful in their field—shared their insights and personal experiences during the panel discussion.
A physicist by training, long-time watch aficionado Moreno thought of creating the first Filipino watch brand.
“The scientist in me fell in love with the art of watchmaking,” shares Moreno. “And, being a staunch nationalist and an admirer of Dr. Jose Rizal, I thought of the brand Ibarra (the main protagonist in one of Rizal’s famous novels, Noli Me Tangere).”
Dizon comes from a family of well-known jewelers and designers. Jewelry making is in her DNA.
“It runs in my blood,” says Dizon. “My grandmother was a jeweler, a trade she passed on to my mother so I’m the third generation now. My mom would let me sit next to her in her shop, let me interact with her clients. I would also sort stones and count diamonds.”
Orlina is a licensed architect; he practiced architecture before moving on to art.
“When there was a decline in my architectural practice in the ‘70s, I began to pursue art, which had always interested me. I started with painting on glass because modern architecture is steel and glass,” relates the visual artist.
For these accomplished individuals, living well means being happy with what you do, having peace of mind, and enjoying a fulfilling family life.
Moreno says, “A happy worker enjoys what he’s doing,” while Dizon thinks, “Living well is having the luxury of time as well as being secure in whatever the future will bring.”
For his part, Orlina says, “I’m pleased to have a happy married life, a wife who has been supportive, and kids who excel in their fields.”
To ensure that their respective legacies are preserved for the future, Moreno has a 10-year plan for his business, while Dizon feels it is vital for her children to carry on her mother’s legacy, especially now that the firm has marked its 40th anniversary. Orlina, on the other hand, opened a museum in Tagaytay City to showcase his works and those of other sculptors.
To help individuals leave a lasting legacy, Axa offers Asset Master. It is designed as a single-pay, investment-linked insurance plan that allows a person to build a diversified investment portfolio of local and global investments—a solid foundation on which to build a financial legacy.
“Asset Master is your gateway to truly diverse global investments. We want you to leave a lasting legacy for your loved ones so they can continue to live well after you’re gone,” says Rahul Hora, Axa Philippines president and chief executive officer.