In celebration of its 30th milestone year, First Standard Finance Corporation returned to where it first started in Bacolod, marking a full circle of its journey to becoming one of the leading financing companies in the country.
The Tan family led the celebration of First Standard’s 30th anniversary: [L-R] Chairman Joseph Tan, President Jacqueline Tan-Sainz, Vice President Jefferson Tan.
First Standard board joined by esteemed clients and guests: [L-R] Roberto de Venecia, Ilocos Sur 1st District Congressman Ronald Singson, Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corp. CEO Atty. Joseph Donato Bernedo, Presidential Sister Aimee Marcos, the Tan family, Tiffany Tan, First Standard Corporate Marketing Head Essa Santos-Gogna, Host Sam YG, James Kenneth Po.
“Pearl seems to be metaphorically fitting to represent the three-decade journey of First Standard,” said Tan-Sainz in her speech. “First, our story of success took years of hard work and dedication. Second, like how pearls are molded from sea dust, we see our role in the industry as transformers. Lastly, we protect the “pearl” in our business: trust.”
Joseph Tan (second from left) with his guests: [L-R] Helen Tan, wife of First Standard board member Atty. Edmundo Tan, Wharton School – University of Pennsylvania Senior Fellow Brian To, Robert de Venecia, Architect Joemarie Yao.
As a symbolic story of how First Standard has helped its clients over the years, the event showcased the tale of one of its longtime clients, husband-and-wife tandem Edwin & Edna Avanzado. From a hardworking mechanic, the Cagayan de Oro-based client is now one of the city’s truck fleet business owners.
“Malaki ang ang aming pasasalamat sa First Standard, at sa tiwalang ipinagkaloob nila sa amin para makaahon sa kahirapan,” said Edwin.
The event also looked back on First Standard’s recent pearls of recognition from industry award-giving bodies, headlined by the firm’s inclusion in the Philippines’ Growth Champions list for 2023 as ranked by trusted data analytics firm Statista with Philippine Daily Inquirer. This adds to the company’s recent achievement of becoming a two-time international awardee of the esteemed United Kingdom-based Global Banking & Finance Awards, winning both the Best Business Funding Company and the Best Mortgage Financing Company plums in the Philippines for 2020 and 2022.
First Standard board member Dr. Zerzendee Siy Chua (second from left) with Cresencia Siy, Bernard Chua, Camille Tan, Zhayne Chua, Carmela Christine Tan.
In crystallizing the essence of the anniversary celebration, Tan-Sainz emphasized the unique privilege for First Standard to be in an industry that is rooted on the success of its clients.
“We don’t do transactional; we transform for the long haul… We believe the success of our clients is our success as well,” she added, highlighting the many stories of the company’s loyal clients.
Donning a pearl theme in accordance with the 30th anniversary, the event’s highlights included a colorful opening performance evoking the famed Masskara Festival and a celebratory toast led by Tan-Sainz to celebrate this milestone achievement.
“Mabuhay ang First Standard!” Tan-Sainz cheered as she led the audience to a celebratory toast.
The night was also graced by some of the leaders and prominent figures in the industry, as well as its loyal clients and longtime employees.
“Thank you for being a part of our 30 wonderful years. We hope you’ll continue to join us in uplifting people’s lives in the years to come,” Tan-Sainz capped her speech.
Jacqueline Tan-Sainz with First Standard’s longtime partner, Stronghold Insurance, led by President and General Manager, Romulo Delos Reyes Jr. (third from left).
From a small lending company in the City of Smiles, First Standard is now present in over 80 locations nationwide–ably supported by a 700-strong team across the nation–all serving the company’s goal to “elevate Filipino lives”.
As one of the country’s trusted and multi-awarded financing companies, First Standard aims to “provide clients with customized financial solutions” through collateralized lending and financing products–helping Filipinos make the smart move.
ADVT.