Parenting tips from my Papa

Being that we just celebrated Father's Day, let me take some time (away from Ben and my latest craze Snoopy Fair, hehe) to honor the first man in my life :)

Ben and Gwakong (one of their first pics:) )

Like in any relationship, my relationship with my papa has it's ups and downs, especially when I was a teenager, but these challenges we faced only made our bond stronger, and me a better mother.

Here are a few things I've learned from my father that I've come to appreciate now I have a little one of my own :)

TREASURE FRIENDSHIPS
My papa is a good friend, his current business partner is his best friend ever since high school and I really admire their business and personal relationship.  Papa can always be someone his friends can count on, which is why even us, his family, has always been loved by the people around us.

BE SMART WITH YOUR MONEY
Papa is always on the look-out for good ways to invest his funds, be it a new investment opportunity in the bank or a new business.  He encourages me and my brother to try out new business proposals but not without discussing its profitability with him first.  I guess it's the accountant in him :)

VALUE EDUCATION
My papa finished college while working on a job AND starting his own business.  He was a scholar and worked hard to budget his money for school.

GOD above ALL THINGS
My papa believes in the power of prayer.  People around me know how my papa wouldn't let a Sunday pass without going to mass.  He prays the rosary, and has a devotion to the Black Nazarene and the Mother of Perpetual Help.  I think this trait somewhat spilled over to me, and hopefully a bit to Ben in the future.

WORK HARD to GET YOU WANT
When I really want something and feel discouraged after a few tries, Papa would tell me to try and try again. He helps me believe that if I really want something so bad, I shouldn't give up right away and work very hard to get it.

LEARN TO FORGIVE
My papa is very patient and forgiving not just to me and JP, but also to his employees.  I still yet have to practice this trait though because even if i know how "unhealthy" carrying a grudge can be, it still takes a while for me to let go.

A (belated) HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE DADDIES!!!