Stepping into an industry where his family was already known by many, Donny Pangilinan had to prepare himself for scrutiny.
“It was very overwhelming because, one, I came from a family full of people from the industry, so a lot of pressure was there, a lot of comparison,” he says.
His entry into showbiz was never meant to be permanent. Intending to take an exploratory break before college, Pangilinan watched from the sidelines while taking workshops. “I had no idea what I was doing. I was just basically trying everything possible,” the actor says, first taking up small roles in films in 2018, before eventually landing his first major gig in 2020.
“So I ended up staying more than I thought I would, and I ended up loving it more than I thought I’d ever love it,” says Pangilinan, who has proven himself with more leading roles, both in film and television.
LOOKING PAST THE SPOTLIGHT
Stepping into this transitional time in his career had Pangilinan thinking about long-term stability among his priorities.
“What if this next project does not come?” he asks as a hypothetical— a fate unbecoming of an in-demand actor like himself, but still something that drives his decision-making. But instead of letting this fear consume him, he sees to it that he’s ready no matter what. “You have to prepare. I think preparation is actually more important than the actual thing.”
For Pangilinan, day ones start with showing up, making the move, and having the proper intention. “When you’re in it, you have to really be in it. And I think that’s where preparation comes into play,” he says.
The actor’s approach to his career extends to his many other plans in life. Despite a stellar run in film and television, he understands its impermanence — not just of his stature as one of this generation’s most-promising leading men, but also of the material result of fame, including his finances.
IT ALL STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION
Even at a young age, Pangilinan approaches managing his finances with intention. “Whenever I have, let’s say, a new project or a new endorsement, I already know [what to do]. Everything’s been [accounted for],” he says. “I do have to think about these things before I take on a project because that does take a lot of me. Which is why it’s great to have Sun Life at the back of my mind.”
“Even before the [partnering with Sun Life], I really wanted to meet with a financial expert to make sure that I knew where I was,” Pangilinan shares. “My day one was talking to an advisor because I wanted to know where I am and where I can start, and what the best products are for my needs.”
With all of today’s uncertainties, investing is often associated with having a lot to spend, or reaching a “mature” age. But, as someone in his late 20s, Pangilinan advocates for starting early. “Some of the biggest decisions you’ll make are when you’re this age. And you’ll look back on it 20, 30, 40 years from now. And you’ll be like, I’m glad I did that.”
SETTING SAIL BEYOND THE SCREEN
Outside of his craft as an actor, Pangilinan is also looking to venture into other things — for short-term enjoyment or long-term business. “I’ve always wanted to sail to Palawan or somewhere that will take probably 15 to 20 hours. So I said, maybe it’s time to take sailing lessons,” he says.
Refusing to let it drift as a mere idea, Pangilinan took the first step to set his sailing plans into motion. “My day one was to look around and see where there are sailing lessons for this specific area. And then I planned it. And then I just took my first sailing lesson two weeks ago,” he says.
Sailing aside, Pangilinan’s long-term goal is to build something that will last. “I think I’m at a point right now where I want to prioritize certain things,” he explains. “Like opening a couple of business ventures. But I’m not saying I’m not going to do showbiz anymore.” Hence, his plan to open an F&B concept.
“I’m opening my first baby — I say my first because it’s really my concept — F&B. But my first step for that was to gather a team that I really trusted,” he says. “And then what else? I want to spend more time with my family, especially because my sister just gave birth.”
His desire to build a life that encompasses both ambition and family extends to how he approaches financial security. Aside from securing personal finances, Sun Life insurance is also a means to create better opportunities for your loved ones by preemptively protecting their future’s stability. “Knowing that no matter what happens, I’m okay. I’m covered. And not just me but also the people that I care about,” he says.
WHERE FINANCIAL LITERACY MEETS ACTION
Taking the first step doesn’t always mean that you should have everything figured out. Sun Life seeks to go beyond, as awareness is only the first step.
Beyond spreading awareness of financial literacy, Sun Life encourages Filipinos to take action for the future they want to live. Putting your trust in Sun Life, Pangilinan says, is relying on a system that works.
“It’s learning how to be patient and letting your money work for you over time,” Pangilinan shares. “I think that’s something Sun Life does really well. You’re able to put your money in a place where it has the opportunity to grow over the years, and one day you look back and realize how much it has accomplished because you stayed committed to your plan,” he adds.
For Pangilinan, stability isn’t something you can improvise when the moment arrives. It comes from preparation and “making sure that you have the right ammo and are in the right headspace before you enter,” he says. After all, as Pangilinan puts it, “nothing in life is guaranteed. It’s never going to be a perfect road.”
With its “Live Bright Now” mantra, Sun Life encourages Filipinos to secure their futures by taking the first step. Sun Life is rooted in the belief that taking action builds clarity and confidence — without demanding dramatic changes in your life. Small, manageable steps are all that you’ll need for creating momentum toward your goals.
With the right guidance and financial solutions, Sun Life helps people move closer to the future they want for themselves and their loved ones.
Take the first step towards a brighter future by visiting sunlife.com.ph.
