Coffee, Board Games, and Life Lessons: My Fun Afternoon at CBTL Ayala Bacolod
What happens when you mix coffee, board games, and life lessons? You get an unforgettable afternoon at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) in Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod! Dubbed “Coffee and Play,” this unique event brought together bloggers, OFWs, and Sun Life advisors for a financial literacy session disguised as a fun board game experience.
Let me tell you all about my experience playing Play for Life: A Game of Choices. Spoiler alert: it was more than just a game—it was a lightbulb moment about finances, choices, and life itself!
What’s Play for Life All About?
Play for Life: A Game of Choices is Sun Life’s way of making financial concepts engaging and approachable. Designed for specific groups—like employees, business owners, and OFWs—it transforms financial planning into a fun, interactive activity.
Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Sun Life’s Client Experience and Chief Marketing Officer, explained it best:
“The enthusiastic response to the Play for Life board game during its launch inspired us to create more versions to cater to different needs and experiences. With these game sessions, we’re excited to engage more Filipinos and enrich their financial knowledge.”
So, instead of intimidating seminars or jargon-heavy workshops, Sun Life literally brings financial literacy to your table!
A Special Day for OFWs
This particular session was extra special because it was exclusive to OFWs and their families, many of whom were back home for the holidays. Held on November 30, 2024, at CBTL Ayala Bacolod, it wasn’t just about the game but about bonding and creating meaningful memories with loved ones.
Participants were greeted with warm smiles and a shiny Shine Pinoy travel kit—a perfect welcome for OFWs home for the season.
Let the Games Begin!
The energy in the room was electric. After a quick registration process, we were introduced to the game by Sun Life advisor Ronald Porquez, who walked us through the mechanics.
As soon as the dice started rolling, the atmosphere shifted from “financial seminar” to pure fun. But don’t be fooled—every roll came with thought-provoking scenarios about saving, investing, and spending.
The goal? To navigate life’s challenges, make sound financial decisions, and, hopefully, come out on top.
My Personal Takeaways
Playing Play for Life wasn’t just a game—it was an eye-opener. Here are a few things that stood out to me:
- Relatable Scenarios Hit Close to Home
From unexpected medical expenses to investment opportunities, the game mirrored real-life challenges. One moment I’ll never forget? Facing a sudden “job loss” in the game. It forced me to think about how I’d handle such a situation in real life.
- The Importance of Insurance
When an “unexpected expense” card popped up, I realized just how vital insurance is—not just as a financial tool but as peace of mind for life’s unpredictable moments.
- Proactive Financial Planning Matters
The game made it clear: waiting for a crisis to strike isn’t an option. Planning ahead can make all the difference, whether through saving, investing, or getting insured.
More Than Just a Game
This event wasn’t just about finances but about fostering community and self-improvement. Kimberly Cruz, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Senior Marketing Manager, summed it up beautifully:
“CBTL is committed to nurturing connections and enriching lives. Sun Life’s advocacy for financial literacy complements this by equipping individuals with knowledge and tools for personal growth and financial well-being.”
Collaborations like this show how much can be achieved when companies come together with a shared mission.
Why You Should Give Play for Life a Try
If you ever get the chance to play this game, go for it! Whether you’re a financial newbie or someone looking to sharpen your money skills, Play for Life has something for everyone.
Plus, it’s proof that learning about money can be exciting. It can be interactive, engaging, and yes—downright fun.
Wrapping Up
As I sipped my coffee and laughed with fellow bloggers that day, I couldn’t help but appreciate how much I learned while having fun. Sun Life’s Play for Life isn’t just a board game, it’s a tool for empowerment, teaching us that the financial choices we make today shape the life we’ll live tomorrow.
So, the next time you’re at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or hear about a Coffee and Play session, don’t hesitate to join. Who knows? You might leave with a better understanding of your finances, and maybe even a new perspective on life.
