Last Tuesday, Go Negosyo presented another “baby” to the public – the Go Negosyo: 8 Simple Secrets to Raising Entrepreneurs book authored by Mary Joy Canon-Abaquin. Parents, entrepreneurs and young people lined up to have their books signed. Joy, Mrs. Esther Vibal (who wrote the Foreword and who is the publisher of the book) and I enjoyed what seemed to be an endless moment of signing books and having photo opportunities with our readers.

As we welcome the sixth book to the Go Negosyo book collection, people sometimes ask what inspires us to decide on which book to publish next or on which topic or sector to feature. For me, the answers are more personal than what most people think.

As parents, we always wonder how our kids will develop their character and attitude as they enter adulthood. My wife and I would want to see our children grow up as enterprising individuals. We would like to see them follow in the footsteps of their lolos and lolas or even follow in our footsteps.

When I was a child, I always had this carefree attitude. While I was not a bright student, I somehow developed a very persistent attitude at a young age because of the upbringing of my parents. My mother and father always found ways to make ends meet, especially when it comes to spending for fun and dates. Our allowances were never enough. My mother was a very frugal person. I had to sell my clothes and venture into all sorts of things to raise money.

Today, as parents, of course we want our children to be successful in life. The key is raising them with the right values. As their mentors, they look upon us as living examples. They will definitely follow our footsteps, values and good or bad habits.

After five years of Go Negosyo, we have produced five national bestselling books that have left a mark on the hearts and minds of our readers. After launching all these books, I feel the need for a book that will be the best gift to give parents and educators.

We are honored to have Mary Joy Canon-Abaquin as part of our advocacy. We are happy to have her write this book. She is a supermom who runs the Multiple Intelligence International School that helps kids identify and develop their strengths. They have a very impressive approach to harness and maximize the interest and intelligence of the students and be the best that they can be, whether in a negosyo or in a chosen field.

Joy is also one of our Angelpreneurs, a dedicated mentorentrepreneur who wholeheartedly commits her time and shares her expertise to young and aspiring entrepreneurs. She gives back and helps others achieve their dreams. Joy is indeed one of the well-respected personalities in the academe and in the field of Multiple Intelligence.

GO NEGOSYO: 8 Simple Secrets to Raising Entrepreneurs further strengthens and supports our movement towards raising more entrepreneurial and enterprising Filipinos for a better and brighter future for the Philippines. It is actually the key factor for Filipinos to rise above poverty and succeed in life. We believe that a person is never too young (or too old) to develop that character.

We would also like to extend a big thanks also to Mrs. Esther Vibal for her strong support to our programs and projects. Go Negosyo is very honored to have her as one of our Trustees. Mrs. Vibal herself is not only a successful and multi-awarded entrepreneur with various advocacies, she is also a triumphant mother who has raised successful and enterprising children.

This is the message I shared in my introduction in our new Go Negosyo book. I hope that all parents will learn from this book and be able to guide their children to be the best that they can be. Some of our children may not turn out to be what we expect them to be, but never underestimate them. God blesses each one in different ways. As parents and teachers, it is our duty to bring out the best in our kids or students. In the end, what is important is that they realize the value of hard work, love of family, love of country and love of God.

Thank you to everyone who graced our book launch: to our trustees, partners, Angelpreneurs, and entrepreneur advocates who continue to support all our efforts and celebrate with us our accomplishments; to Esther Vibal, Rosalind Wee, Mylene Abiva, Johnlu Koa, and Benjamin Liuson who shared their wisdom in the simple forum during the program; to Anthony and Maricel Pangilinan who did a great job in hosting the event; and to all our readers and supporters who continue to watch out for the next Go Negosyo book to come out in the bookstores. The success of our advocacy will not be possible without your support. Thank you.

Aside from the book launch, Tuesday also marked the celebration of our partnership with GMA Network and The Philippine Star for our upcoming Go Negosyo: Babae Kapuso Ka ng Bayan Women Entrepreneurship Summit and Expo. In a simple gathering with Atty. Felipe Gozon of GMA Network and Miguel Belmonte of Philippine Star, we forged a strong partnership to mount this year’s biggest women entrep summit. Atty. Gozon, who is also a very strong Go Negosyo advocate Trustee, emphasized the importance of building an enterprising Filipino as the way towards economic upliftment. He believes that each Filipino must have a change in character, work attitude and creativity to become successful in life. Miguel, on the other hand, has been silently supporting the movement as he knows that the solution to poverty lies not only on economic policies and programs but on the passion and drive of each Filipino. We welcome everyone to come learn and have fun at the Go Negosyo: Babae Kapuso Ka ng Bayan Women Entrepreneurship Summit and Expo on March 4 to 6 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

Contact me: feedback@gonegosyo.net or Joey Concepcion Facebook account. Visit www.gonegosyo.net. Watch the top rating GO NEGOSYO: Kaya Mo! In QTV, Saturday and Sunday 8-8:30 a.m., with replays in NBN every Tuesday 8-9 p.m. Get daily Go Negosyo Text Tips in your mobile phone by sending GONEGO to 2910.