The Entrepreneur and Hero: Tado

“Madaming musikero at artista ang nagugutom dahil walang pang-kain.” Ito ang isang nakakapuwing at nakakawindang na reply ni Tado sa akin nung minsang naka-chat ko sya tungkol sa financial literacy ng mga musikero at creative artists.

He was supposed to be part of our second session of Personal Finance Management for Artists and Musicians in partnership with Skarlet Brown’s Heart of Music (HOM) Foundation slated in the next couple of months. He would have joined and gave a pep talk about starting a business based on core gifts and God-given talents had the January schedule pushed through. But my family and I all got sick because of the abrupt weather shifts last month and I had to cancel all my scheduled activities and meetings.

Arvin “Tado” Jimenez and I are both part of Rock Ed Philippines, a volunteer group working to provide venues and events for alternative education. It is this organization that actually inspired me to start a financial literacy movement for the youth, the OFW’s, artists, and musicians called Angat Pilipinas Coalition for Financial Literacy. Continue reading The Entrepreneur and Hero: Tado

The Difference Between “Kuripot” and “Madamot” (On Frugality and Stinginess)

The long Filipino Christmas season is almost over. I’m saying that because as for some Filipinos, Valentine’s Day is part of the final stretch of the “Christmas” season. Believe it or not, some malls and local products still have their Christmas promos running up to this very date.

Regardless of denomination and creed (except for some “Christians” who don’t celebrate Christmas), this is a special season for reconciliation and happy reunions. It’s the time for giving and of course, receiving.

If you are a Godparent (Ninong or Ninang), you must have gotten your ears and hands full (and emptied) last December. You ears were “full” of either praises and curses (because some of your godkids told you that you are stingy or kuripot). Continue reading The Difference Between “Kuripot” and “Madamot” (On Frugality and Stinginess)

Taking Care of Finances and Your Soul

Teaching financial literacy and preaching God’s words at the same time may not be the perfect combination for most conservative Christians. And those who don’t find it cool to hear the Word while raking in tons of moolah from their trades won’t agree as well.

Here’s a very passionate article from a very passionate writer friend of mine who has been a staunch defender of Christianity in every area and subject of society to explain to us how taking care of money and soul at the same time can be possible and a must. Continue reading Taking Care of Finances and Your Soul