A Profile of Success: Ferdie and Tina Rodil

Theirs is a story fraught with uncertainties and fears. And of love and faith. And an endless pit of hope, despite the many rejections and disappointments. It started as a love story in 2010 which blossomed at LANDBANK where they both worked, although in different branches; Ferdie at Broadway Branch and Ma. Cristina or Tina, at Tayuman Branch. Marriage soon followed. But Tina had a difficult pregnancy for their first child. Tina’s doctor told her that something might be wrong with her baby and advised her and Ferdie to brace for difficult days as she went through her pregnancy. But she did not lose hope and held on to her faith that everything would be okay for her and the baby. From her doctor’s clinic to the Makati Medical Center where she would take her sonography test, it was, what she called “her walk of faith.” As she stepped out of the clinic to MMC, she would say her prayers imploring God’s mercy that the scan results would reverse what the doctor feared and bring them some good news. She made a covenant with God that if the baby is born healthy and without defects, she promised that her son would grow to be a good man and will help other people. With God’s love and mercy, Tina and Ferdie were gifted with a healthy baby boy whom they named Sean Christopher, meaning “God is gracious.” Sean Christopher is their “miracle baby.”

But the joy of being a mother came to a halt, because, as she said, “Kailangan naming mag- asawa magtrabaho.” Tina was forced to leave her baby to a nanny. It worked just fine until Tina noticed some dark patches on her baby’s body. Acting on a hunch and maternal instinct, she had a CCTV installed in the house. And the CCTV confirmed the worst nightmares of most mothers, “Sinasaktan ang baby ko ng kanyang yaya.” Right then and there, she fired the nanny and decided to resign from her job. It was not an easy decision as she was already employed at BSP which is a “dream job” for most bankers. “But then, I realized na ang anak ko ang pinakamahalaga sa buhay ko.” There would be a diminution in their family income, for sure, but it was a good thing that she was already engaged in a side hustle for Usana products which was giving her a modest income.

But another challenge came to the fore. Ferdie was diagnosed with a weak heart and his doctor advised him that he was no longer “fit to work.” In 2015, he availed of the early retirement plan at Land Bank at age 47.

She realized that they couldn’t afford that they were both out of work. They both decided that they would go full steam in Usana products as this would give them the time to take care of baby Sean and still be able to ensure that there was food on their table.

Although Usana comes with a high price tag, it is not just a product. It is wellness and a healthy lifestyle. And many people swear by Usana to have improved their health and quality of life.

Today, Tina is up there in the Usana corporate tier, with a position title as Executive 2-Star Gold Director. With the help of Ferdie, she now heads numerous Business Centers in various cities and provinces. Her goal for the coming years is to build more Business Centers in other locations.  Her ultimate aim is to make this business her and Ferdie’s legacy that they can pass on to their children, particularly Sean so she can fulfill her promise to God that Sean will help other people when he grows up. But Tina is the first to admit that her Usana Journey is not one without rejections, disappointments and failures. But she hurdled them, with the support of her family. She also cites the help of team mates, her mentors and friends who first trusted her that she can deliver.

The coop, of which Ferdie and Tina are members (Ferdie since 2017, and Tina since 2023) has also been helping them. Says Tina, “Ang dali-dali nilang kausap, especially GM Lydia.”

Both Ferdie and Tina have availed of various loans since 2017 from the coop. These loans were used to build up their business in support of their team and various Business Centers.

Ferdie and Tina haven’t written “FINIS” yet to their story. With their grit, hard work and perseverance, the best is yet to come for this duo.