A Tribute to Fathers

When I was a kid, one of the things I was most proud of was being born on the 6th day of my birth month because my tatay (father in the Tagalog dialect) was born on the same day but in a different month. I remembered nanay (mother) saying that we shared a lot in common because we were both born day of our birth months. I didn’t understand her then, but to be honest, I did grow up to be more like my dad.

Tatay spent a hard life earning money in order to raise us but never complained once. He made sure his kids would finish education by working hard in his tailor shop, which he built up for years. He worked with his hands and enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment that went with it. He was a man of few words, soft spoken. His strong character as well as his gentleness and sincerity of heart won him many friends.


Last sunday was Father’s day, and even though my tatay has been gone for a few years now, I can still recall how kind and patient he was. He's always in my heart. How could he not be?

Another dad who made a profound influence in me and my life is my husband. He taught me that life is not just about myself. He taught me the value of communication, of playing time and not just time for work, of interdependence at home. Even with his busy schedule, he finds time to watch a movie, chat, have fun, wine and dine, and exercise with me.

Today most especially, fathers hold a special place in my thoughts. They remind me of the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet "Alef" which means an ox. This letter which stands for strength, a leader, or what is first, is used in the Hebrew word for father (ab or av), symbolizing that a father is the leader or the strength of the family. To all fathers, here's a unique workout which beautifully mirrors you, like the ancient character Alef!


Want to find out more about the rest of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet? Strengthen yourselves and move through the PraiseMoves Alphabetics!

Financial Literacy Online for OFW’s

If you are among the many Filipinos working abroad, have you asked yourselves these questions?

Kabayan,ilang taon ka na bang nagtatrabaho?
May naipon ka na ba sa ilang taon mong pinaghirapan o walang natitira sa kinikita mo buwan buwan?
Hanggang kailan mo balak magtrabaho sa labas ng bansa?
Pag balik mo ba sa Pinas, may maiuuwi ka bang pera para sa iyong kinabukasan?

Productivity through financial wellness

Over the years, companies have been giving more attention to physical wellness, team building and leadership training programs to increase workforce productivity. I, for one, used to avail of these perks in my former job at a multi-national company through seminars like “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” team building outings, reimbursable medical expenses and paid annual membership to a gym near the office. Today, these programs are also being used as a tool to attract potential applicants or partners in businesses. Ultimately, these are made available to motivate people, generate more income and attain production targets. As a proof, a 2009/2010 Tower Watson Staying@Work Report reveals that “companies with the most effective wellness programs have an 11% higher work force productivity and 28% higher shareholder returns over a period of five years.” But if overall staff well-being and a highly engaged workforce are directly proportional to their productivity, what about the people’s financial condition?