Like most Filipinos living outside the Philippines, one of my desires is that when I pass away, my body would be sent back and buried at my hometown. Here in the West, people mostly do cremations, followed by a burial or the dissemination of the ashes in places previously chosen by the deceased. It has been a subject that I, as a writer, have tackled in my writings. In fact, my two daughters who still live in the Philippines were empathic in their wishes. They don’t want to say good bye to a jar of ashes. Doesn’t make sense, they say, and I agree with them. So I researched a way of ensuring that I have a say on what happens to my dead body when the time comes. Lo and behold, there was actually an insurance policy that covers that eventuality. Not too big an amount, but enough to cover processing and shipping my remains to the Philippines.

I phoned my friend Roy Ricarse, an insurance and investment broker, to ask for more Information. He came right away, sat down with me and answered all my questions. He gave me several options.  At no time during that session did I ever feel the pressure to buy a more expensive coverage, or to do it in that sitting, although I knew it would be to his benefit if I did. Roy was gracious and informative and left without any assurance from me, except that I would think about it. When I finally bought the coverage that’s just right for my plans, he processed the papers at my convenience. Later on, I met his wife Gigi, who is just as easy to talk to and who’s always available by phone if I had any questions regarding my insurance policy. Roy and Gigi Ricarse have made me feel that my future is safe with them, whether I’m alive or dead, and that they would make sure that my family would be able to access my insurance proceeds. Their attitude towards doing business comes with a big humanitarian component, and I’m pleased to report that at this point, they have become my close friends.

If any of you guys ever need Insurance coverage of any type, I’m very happy to recommend Roy & Gigi Ricarse.