For Heart Ortega, building a business requires both faith and the willingness to put in the work.
The CEO of IOSS Insurance Agency Inc. shared that philosophy as she celebrated her birthday at Stalla Suites on September 24, turning the occasion into an opportunity to talk about entrepreneurship, resilience, and her vision of making healthcare protection accessible to more Filipinos.
“Pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on you,” Ortega said during an interview with members of the media.
For young entrepreneurs hoping to build businesses of their own, Ortega emphasized that ambitious goals need to be matched by patience and consistent effort.
“Don’t be afraid to dream big. Take it one step at a time and trust the process,” she said.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight. You have to put in the work, stay patient, and continue believing in your vision.”
Ortega also encouraged aspiring business owners not to allow setbacks to discourage them from pursuing their goals.
“Failures are just a natural part of the journey. What matters is that you learn from them and keep moving forward,” she added.
Beyond reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Ortega discussed AYOS Health Card, one of the healthcare products she is helping develop and promote.
“We want to make healthcare protection more accessible while giving people coverage that addresses their needs,” she said.
According to Ortega and information presented during the event, AYOS Health Card offers HMO coverage that includes inpatient and outpatient care, emergency-room services, diagnostic and laboratory procedures, and dental benefits.
Ortega also highlighted the product’s approach to pre-existing conditions, which the company positions as one of its key features.
According to AYOS, certain common pre-existing conditions may receive partial coverage upon activation following its standard processing period. The company cited conditions such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, and controlled diabetes among those covered under specified terms.
More serious conditions, meanwhile, may be subject to a six-month waiting period, depending on the plan’s terms, limitations and exclusions.
The company said the model is intended in part for freelancers, micro, small and medium enterprises, and individuals who may have difficulty obtaining healthcare protection through traditional employer-sponsored plans.
AYOS also offers options for small businesses seeking healthcare coverage for their employees.