Former Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) housemate Bryan "Brx" Ruiz expressed his appreciation for being given the opportunity to share his financial knowledge to fellow Negrenses during the recent BDO mini-fiesta held at the Sipalay City Gymnasium.

Tapped to co-host the event, the 32-year old Ruiz—dubbed as Seamanluluto ng Bacolod during his PBB: Gen11 days—said his experience as a seafarer helped him cherish the value of having a saving account with a trusted financial institution like BDO Unibank which also provides multiple channels to access his account.

"I'm a seafarer for almost 13 years. I'm a chief cook in a general cargo vessel in an international shipping company that sails worldwide. I'll be back onboard next year," he said.

"I've also been a Kabayan Savings client for four years. As a seafarer, it provides me with easy access to my bank account especially since BDO has an online banking app. I can withdraw anytime from any part of the world. It also helps me save for the future."

Seamanluluto ng Bacolod. Ex-PBB housemate and current BDO Kabayan Savings account holder Brx Ruiz shares a selfie moment with fellow Negrenses during the BDO mini-fiesta in Sipalay City.

During his break from his seafaring duties, Ruiz found the time to audition to be one of the housemates in PBB, a popular reality TV show that airs in ABS-CBN.

"When I disembarked last April 20, I auditioned in Novaliches to be a housemate on April 27. Luckily, I got picked out of 37,000 others who auditioned. Unfortunately, I got evicted (Day 29) as the Big Night nears," shared Ruiz, with a tinge of sadness but still grateful for the unique opportunity.

What endeared him to BDO, Ruiz stressed, was the bank's security features which gave the Kabayan Savings account holder the assurance that his hard-earned money with BDO is safe.

"I feel my money is safe with banks because of its security features like (asking for) PIN and OTP," he said. "I also have no problem sending remittance (to my beneficiaries). It's fast."

For those wanting to follow his footsteps either as a seafarer or one who dabbled briefly in show business, Ruiz said to just follow one's passion.

"If it's your passion, go for it and do whatever it takes. I was the oldest housemate there (32). If you have dreams—joining PBB was my dream ever since high school—if you really want something, you can achieve it no matter what. If you have dedication and perseverance, you'll achieve your dreams," he said.

Finding ways for Negrenses. Negrenses flocked to the BDO mini-fiesta in Sipalay City to sign up for the different financial products, play games, and avail of freebies.

Warm welcome from Negrenses

BDO Network Bank (BDONB) First Vice President and Marketing Head Emmanuel Lee Esguerra said they received warm reception from the people of Sipalay during the opening salvo of the BDO mini-fiesta.

"The people realize that it's important to have a partner bank that they can go to, that they can talk to. They're always welcome to visit the branch especially when seeking financial advice. If they need help in their financial products and requirements for their business, we're just here for them. That's what they like, to have someone to talk to," he said. "The opening salvo has been great. We expect the reception from Negrenses to keep on getting better as we go along."

After Sipalay City, the next BDO mini-fiestas were held in San Enrique and Murcia Covered Court. Aside from games and prizes, members of the communities also enjoyed entertainment numbers, financial literacy tips, and different booths that depict each important step of a BDO customer’s financial journey, with BDO ready to assist them along the way.