10TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

|

AUGUST 8 - 10, 2025

|

CALGARY, AB

|

10TH ANNUAL CONVENTION | AUGUST 8 - 10, 2025 | CALGARY, AB |

The BMO Centre in Calgary, Alberta, came alive with celebration as over 2,100 attendees gathered for Greatway Financial’s 10th Annual Convention of Champions from August 8–10, 2025. This milestone 10th anniversary event marked a decade of excellence, bringing together Champions from across Canada for three unforgettable days of inspiration, world-class speakers, a historic father-daughter CEO transition, and award celebrations honoring our outstanding achievers.

A heartfelt thank-you to our Diamond Sponsor, ivari, whose fireside chat with Jeffrey Fox and Jorge Pablo, inspiring presentation, and “The ivari Difference” session with Kim Montgomery and Brandon Cosette brought unparalleled value to this year’s milestone Convention.

We also extend our gratitude to all of our supporting sponsors for their commitment and partnership, which helped make the 10th Annual Convention of Champions an unforgettable success.

Returning for a second year, leadership icon John C. Maxwell captivated the audience with his timeless wisdom. He reinforced his core philosophy that “everything rises and falls on leadership,” a principle that has guided leaders around the world for decades. Maxwell emphasized that leadership is not about titles or positions, but about influence, reminding attendees that “a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” His words carried special weight at this milestone Convention, where leadership transition and legacy were central themes. For those at the exclusive Premium Ticket Holders’ Breakfast, his personal stories and insights made the experience even more transformative.

Dr. Ivan Joseph set the tone for the Convention with a powerful reminder that confidence is not an inborn trait but a skill that can be built and strengthened through practice. Known for his bestselling work on self-confidence, he shared how repetition and resilience are essential to building the mindset of a champion. “Self-confidence is a skill. You can learn it, practice it, get better at it,” he often reminds audiences, underscoring that belief in oneself is the foundation for any great achievement. His message resonated deeply with Greatway’s community of achievers, inspiring them to embrace challenges with courage and conviction.

Eszylfie Taylor, founder of Taylor Insurance and Financial Services, delivered practical, actionable insights through The Taylor Method. Known for his relentless positivity and high-energy approach, he encouraged agents to adopt a mindset of resilience and growth. “There’s no winning and losing — only winning and learning,” Taylor shared, reminding everyone that setbacks are simply opportunities for growth. He also emphasized the importance of focusing on one’s highest value activities: “My highest and best use is to shake hands, kiss babies, and close deals.” His combination of motivational wisdom and hands-on strategies left attendees equipped with tools they could apply immediately in their businesses.

Closing out the keynote lineup, futurist and innovation strategist Shawn Kanungo delivered one of the most thought-provoking sessions of the entire Convention. With his bold, energetic style, he urged the audience to embrace disruption while never losing sight of human connection. His keynote — “AI is Not Innovation, Double Down on Humanity” — challenged agents to think differently about the future of business, emphasizing that technology should serve people, not replace them. As he often says, “If you don’t disrupt yourself, someone else will,” a call that left Champions inspired to proactively embrace change while staying grounded in the values that make them unique.

Leading the way with confidence and energy, main hosts Joey Amor and Shay Garcia were joined by returning junior host Marie Tejada, first-time hosts Fortune Ololeye and Reese Cabangangan, and Emil Albania and Tricia Mate, who stepped into the brand-new role of social media hosts—bringing a fresh layer of engagement to the Convention experience.

The Convention also shone a spotlight on Greatway’s own leaders, who shared insights and testimonies that captured the spirit of growth, perseverance, and intentional leadership. Rookie of the Year awardees Esosa Idahosa and Mark Anthony Borja opened with heartfelt reflections on their journeys, capturing the courage and determination of Greatway’s newest leaders. Their stories set the stage for a series of powerful messages: Fernan Cagara shared his moving “I Wasn’t Supposed to Be Here” testimony, proving that perseverance can change destiny; Ike Affam explored the Mindset Shifts that elevate ordinary approaches into extraordinary results; and Oludare Fasola demonstrated leadership in action through practical wisdom. Building on this, Bernard and Magdalene Fafila offered strategies for Breaking the Plateau, equipping agents with tools to sustain growth, before Carol Villarica closed with a resonant reminder that “You Don’t Build a Legacy By Accident,” underscoring the intentionality required for lasting impact. Together, these voices blended fresh perspective with seasoned wisdom, inspiring Champions at every stage of their journey.

Centered on real client stories, this panel brought the heart of Greatway’s mission to the forefront. Genaro Cadangdang, Renz Quinsay, and Pearl Rebollos shared powerful claims experiences that revealed how our work provides security and hope during life’s most difficult moments. Their heartfelt testimonies reminded the audience that protecting families is more than business—it’s a calling that carries purpose, dignity, and real human impact.

This panel highlighted the unique power of working together as a family while supporting each member’s individual path. The **Lam family—Erika, Monika, and Richard—**shared how their journeys intertwine, showing how collective support and shared values can fuel personal success while building a lasting legacy. Their story resonated with Champions across the room who saw their own families reflected in the strength, resilience, and unity at the core of Greatway’s mission.

Awards Night was a dazzling celebration of excellence, achievement, and the spirit of the Greatway community. Champions from across Canada were recognized for milestones that represented years of dedication and impact—from record-breaking SVP promotions to Ring Earners, Champion Awards, and Legacy Circle inductees. The energy in the room was electric as each honoree took the stage, greeted by standing ovations, cheers, and moments of pure joy. More than a ceremony, it was a night that honored not just accomplishments, but the heart, perseverance, and commitment that define every Greatway Champion.

Congratulations to all of our extraordinary awardees at the 10th Annual Convention of Champions! This historic year made your recognition shine even brighter, as your hard work, resilience, and passion set new records and raised the bar for excellence. Being celebrated on this stage is more than an achievement—it’s a testament to the impact you’ve created for families, communities, and the Greatway legacy. Your success inspires us all, and we’re excited to see how you continue to lead, grow, and triumph in the years ahead. Here’s to building an even greater decade together, Champions!

“Passing this responsibility to Danica isn’t just about family—it’s about ensuring our values and vision continue to guide Greatway into our next decade of impact.” — Marlon Antonio

As Founder and Lead Mentor, Marlon Antonio spent the past decade building Greatway with unwavering heart, purpose, and commitment to protecting families. His leadership created not only a thriving business but a community rooted in values, resilience, and vision. At the Convention, Marlon reflected on this journey with gratitude, recognizing that the company’s success has always been fueled by the Champions who believed in and carried out the mission alongside him.

“We’re not just building on our foundation—we’re launching into our most impactful decade yet, with the wisdom of our past and the innovation of our future guiding every step.” — Danica Antonio-Pagcaliwagan

Stepping forward as the new CEO, Danica Antonio-Pagcaliwagan embraced both the weight of responsibility and the excitement of opportunity. Her inaugural address was not just about continuing what has been built but about evolving and expanding for even greater impact. She outlined a vision grounded in innovation and growth, with the heart of Greatway’s mission—protecting lives and investing in happiness—guiding every step. The audience responded with thunderous applause and heartfelt emotion, knowing they were witnessing the beginning of a new era in Greatway’s history.

“You cannot judge people, but you can see who has heart, and I'm very blessed to be surrounded with people like that.” — Marlon Antonio

As Founder and Lead Mentor, Marlon Antonio reminded Champions that Greatway’s true strength lies not just in numbers or milestones, but in the heart of its people. His reflection was filled with gratitude, recognizing the spirit, resilience, and unity that have carried Greatway through its first decade. More than a business achievement, Marlon emphasized that the company’s success is rooted in community—and in the Champions whose dedication continues to shape its legacy.

To every staff member and volunteer who gave their time, energy, and heart—thank you. Your contributions turned this milestone celebration into an extraordinary experience for all.

Behind the scenes of the 10th Annual Convention of Champions was a dedicated team of staff and volunteers whose tireless efforts made every moment possible. From coordinating logistics to supporting recognition, guiding guests, and keeping the flow seamless across three unforgettable days, their hard work and commitment were the backbone of the event.