By: James Murillo Elaco
For most young athletes, life revolves around dreams, discipline, and the belief that the future is wide open. For Jann Go Sanoria, those dreams once centered on sports.
Growing up in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, Sanoria spent much of his youth training in taekwondo and competing in national tournaments. He represented schools during UAAP Seasons 77 to 79, earning bronze and silver medals while balancing the demanding life of a student-athlete.
Life was simple for their family. They were not wealthy, he said, but they managed through hard work and determination.
Like many Filipinos, insurance was never something their family considered important.
“Before, my parents thought insurance was just an additional expense,” Sanoria recalled. “They did not really understand its purpose.”
Unknown to him at the time, however, his two older sisters already saw the importance of financial protection. Without even telling him, they secured an insurance policy for him through Pru Life UK while he was still young.
At first, it seemed like an ordinary decision — one that would later change his life completely.
In 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanoria received devastating news. At only 27 years old, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
The diagnosis shocked not only him but also his entire family.
As someone who had lived an active lifestyle and dedicated years to sports, he never imagined he would face a life-threatening illness so early in life.
“I realized that being physically active does not guarantee that sickness will never come,” he said.
The battle quickly became emotionally and financially overwhelming. Their family had some savings, but it was far from enough to cover the cost of treatments, surgeries, and hospitalization.
One of the most difficult moments came when doctors had to perform a major surgery to remove an 11-centimeter tumor from his chest.
“We all know how expensive cancer treatment is,” Sanoria said.
Amid the uncertainty, the insurance policy his sisters secured years earlier became a lifeline for the family. Because the policy had already been active before his diagnosis, they were able to claim around ₱500,000 in financial assistance.
According to Sanoria, the support came at a time when they needed it most.
“It felt like a miracle and a blessing from God,” he shared.
He also recalled how surprised they were by how quickly the claims process was completed. While he was still recovering, hospital bills were already being settled with the help of the insurance coverage.
For Sanoria, the experience completely changed the way he viewed financial preparedness.
He believes many Filipinos only realize the importance of insurance after experiencing emergencies themselves. Because of tight budgets and rising living expenses, financial protection is often placed at the bottom of family priorities.
But after surviving cancer, he now sees preparation differently.
“Accidents and sickness do not wait for us to become financially ready,” he said. “That is why it is important to prepare early.”
The experience also changed the perspective of his parents, who once doubted the value of insurance.
Today, Sanoria openly shares his story to encourage more Filipinos to think long-term and protect themselves and their loved ones before crisis strikes.
He especially hopes younger people understand that insurance is not only for the wealthy.
“It was made for ordinary people,” he said. “For families who want peace of mind.”
Now recovering and rebuilding his life, Sanoria considers his journey more than just survival. For him, it became an opportunity to inspire others facing their own battles.
Through pain, uncertainty, and recovery, one lesson remained clear: preparation can make all the difference when life changes unexpectedly. (JME/MDN)
About Pru Life UK
Pru Life UK is the leading life insurer in the Philippines demonstrating its commitment to protect Filipinos’ financial future and well-being for every life, for every future.
Established in 1996, Pru Life UK operates in over 200 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, and holds the largest life insurance agency force of over 35,000 licensed agents.
Pru Life UK offers a wide range of tailored solutions that address the unique and evolving needs across demographics and life stages. These include life protection, health, accident and disability, and investment-linked insurance.
Currently, Pru Life UK serves over 930,000 individual policyholders and more than 85,000 insured group members, and ranks first in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent* as of FY 2025, according to the Insurance Commission.
Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc, with a legacy of more than 175 years of safeguarding the future of millions of families for this generation and generations to come.
Pru Life UK is headquartered in 9/F Uptown Place Tower 1,1 East 11th Drive, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its main customer center is located in G/F Cluster 2, Uptown Parade, Megaworld Blvd. corner 36th street Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines. Its customer center contact details are: +63 (2) 88875433 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-107785465 (for domestic toll-free via PLDT landline), email: [email protected].
The PRU customer center processes customer concerns based on applicable timelines provided by the law. Visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/contact-us/ for the list of its branches and more information.
Pru Life UK is legally permitted to provide financial products or services in the Philippines as regulated by the Insurance Commission. The Insurance Commission’s head office is located in 1071 United Nations Avenue Ermita, Manila, Philippines. Their Cebu District office is located at Unit 17, Ground and Second Floors, The Gallery,Pope John Paul II Avenue, Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, while their Davao District office is in Door 2 & 3, 3rd Floor of YAP Building QuimpoBoulevard, Ecoland, Davao City. Visit www.insurance.gov.ph/contact-us/ for more information.
