17 December 2025
Margo Lestz
Consultant
Serving Beyond Borders: The Story of Arvin & Genevieve Burgos
Standing on an international stage, Arvin Burgos was recently honoured by the Philippine Government for his dedicated service to the Filipino Community in the UK, receiving the award from the First Lady of the Philippines, Liza Marcos. While the recognition carries his name, it tells a much broader story — one rooted not in titles or accolades, but in years of quiet service.
More than twenty years ago, Arvin and Genevieve Burgos arrived in the UK from the Philippines as a young couple, both taking up roles in the NHS. What began as a move for work soon became a permanent home. They put down roots, raised their family, and built lives shaped by care — first for their patients, and then for their wider community.
As their own lives became more secure, their focus widened. Supporting others, sharing knowledge, and helping people find confidence in their own futures became a natural extension of the values that had brought them to the UK in the first place.
This is the story of how two NHS nurses became trusted community leaders, how financial education helped shape their journey, and why service has always been at the heart of everything they do.
From Nursing to a New Calling
For Arvin and Genevieve, caring for others wasn’t just a job — it was a calling. They built their careers within the NHS, dedicating themselves to their patients. They took pride in their work, but behind the scenes, their own lives were similar to many other families across London.
Despite having stable jobs and working long hours, the rising cost of living took its toll. By 2009, their family was growing, and they found themselves juggling debt, double shifts, and the constant pressure of trying to stay afloat. They were working harder and harder, yet somehow falling further behind.
‘It felt like a cycle,’ Arvin recalls. ‘No matter how much effort we put in, it never seemed to be enough.’
But 2009 was the year everything began to change for them. Arvin turned to Genistar to find relief from their own financial stress. However, what started as a practical solution for their family soon became a turning point. Through proper financial education and planning, Arvin and Genevieve began to experience real change:
They regained control of their household finances.
They began to clear their debts.
They started building long-term security for their family.
And perhaps most importantly, they discovered something they’d never been taught before: Financial stability isn’t just about earning more — it’s about understanding money and having a clear plan.
Once they experienced that mindset shift, they couldn’t keep it to themselves. They wanted to help others who were in the same situation as themselves.
When Care Extends Beyond the Hospital
At first glance, moving from healthcare into financial services might seem like a dramatic leap. For Arvin and Genevieve, it felt like a natural extension of who they already were.
‘Financial stress was one of the biggest burdens we saw in our community,’ Arvin explains. ‘We needed guidance and education ourselves — and once we found it, we realised others needed it too.’
They began sharing what they had learned with friends, family, and others in the Filipino community in the UK. There was no grand ambition — just a desire to help others avoid the same struggles they had faced.
What emerged was something far deeper than money management. Through education, people gained confidence. Families began to believe they had options. Individuals started to see themselves differently — not just surviving — but thriving.
Impact Across Borders
Receiving an award from the First Lady of the Philippines marked a full-circle moment for Arvin. He had arrived in the UK simply wanting to serve — and years later, he was being recognised for serving communities across countries.
Through Genistar, Arvin and Genevieve have built a team of like-minded people to help them spread the word about financial freedom – especially to the Filipino community. Their approach has always been holistic, focusing on real needs, both in the UK and back in the Philippines.
They have led initiatives that go well beyond financial education. Some of their key community initiatives include:
Disaster Relief
Mobilising support for families affected by typhoons and earthquakes in the Philippines.Education Infrastructure
Helping rebuild classrooms destroyed by natural disasters and creating new learning spaces in underserved communities.Remote Learning Support
During COVID-19 lockdowns, supporting a two-way radio classroom project so 350 children in remote areas could continue learning despite limited internet access.Healthcare Support
Assisting families with children with Down syndrome by improving access to care and essential services.Community Spaces
Contributing to the construction of community halls — safe spaces for gathering, learning, and connection.
Most recently, in 2025, they worked alongside other Filipino community leaders in the UK to organise the ‘Pasko Para Sa Bayan’ Charity Gala, raising vital funds for the Philippine Red Cross to support victims of natural disasters.
Leadership Built on Partnership
At the heart of everything Arvin does is his partnership with Genevieve. They speak openly about how their shared values — faith, service, and family — keep them aligned.
‘We complement each other,’ Arvin says. ‘One may lead in strategy, the other in compassion — but the purpose is always the same.’
Day to day, their work is deeply personal: mentoring individuals, guiding families to protect their future, and encouraging a culture of giving back. That approach has inspired many within their team to lead with the same heart for service, creating a ripple effect of confident, community-minded leaders.
Lessons from the Journey
The path hasn’t been easy. They navigated career changes, financial pressure, and the responsibility of earning trust as leaders of their community — all while raising a family.
Looking back, Arvin shares four lessons that continue to guide them:
Purpose over circumstance
Your ‘why’ has to be stronger than your challenges.Consistency builds trust
Leadership isn’t about big moments — it’s about showing up with integrity every day.Challenges prepare you
Obstacles aren’t roadblocks; they’re training grounds.Empowerment multiplies impact
Helping others grow creates far greater change than working alone.
Looking Ahead
This recognition from the Philippine government isn’t a conclusion — it’s a milestone. Arvin and Genevieve remain deeply committed to expanding their impact through Genistar and reaching more families with the tools and confidence that come from financial literacy.
Beyond business, their vision remains rooted in sustainable service: education, disaster relief, and leadership development that will continue long after they step back.
As Arvin puts it: ‘True success isn’t measured by what we accumulate, but by how many lives we empower along the way.’
If Arvin and Genevieve’s story has resonated with you — whether you’re curious about financial education or interested in the community work supported by their team — they warmly invite you to get in touch.
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