Our Baltic Cruise ended with a surprise from my dad, who has been complaining of chest pains since the early morning. Just as we were about to disembark the ship in Stockholm, we all rushed him to the medical center of the ship. Thankfully, the medical center of the ship is quite equipped. He passes the ECG test, but the doctor recommended more tests and confinement to a hospital, so my dad got into an ambulance, which was already waiting on the shipside.

All of a sudden, our phones start to buzz with texts from different family members and friends. They were asking how my father is, if he had a heart attack, and if he’s being rushed to the hospital for an angiogram. Word gets around fast among Filipinos as most love to share news, which sometimes evolves into tsismis. But we are all just glad that he is okay and that he passed all the tests he underwent. It could just have been caused by the endless tours and food he had.

These are memories that will last a lifetime. My father has spent his whole life working hard for the company and for other advocacies for a better Philippines. It’s only now that he gets to enjoy time with his family, most especially with his grandchildren.

We don’t need to wait for our senior years to do this. Entrepreneurs will have many priorities, which is understandable as we want our negosyos to grow. But we should learn how to place a balance. After all, life is short and fast. We want our family to get to know the other side of who we are; the side of us that comes out when we’re not working but having fun.

We are all now celebrating my mother’s 75th birthday. We’ll be going to mass in a cathedral in Rome, as requested by my mother. These are truly memorable times. Just around two weeks ago, it was my wife who celebrated her golden year. And as some of my readers would know, one of my presents for my wife Marissa was to share the story of our precious life together in my other column, Tagumpay. It’s to share with you how inspirational my wife has been to me; and how she has brought me to where I am today.

I’m surprised to find that this column has had one of the most feedback from my readers. I’m happy to discover that Marissa and our personal journey together has not only inspired me, but is now also inspiring many of you, readers. I’m touched particularly on how the story of my marriage with Marissa has also given meaning to the union of other couples. I’d like to share these wonderful letters from two married readers, who said that the column has enlightened them on the importance of a life partner, who would stick with you through thick and thin.

“Your column reinforced my personal conviction that one’s fortune includes having a partner in life, whom God also gave me through my wife Amie. She has stood by me and served as my rock. This very personal account of your life, which I hope the young of today will learn from, is insightful, revealing, and touching. Have a good life with your wife and children as you continue to reach out, teach, and transform others, one person at a time.”

“Mr. Concepcion, I was inspired by your Tagumpay story. How I wish I can also help my husband with his business. I hope you can give me some tips, or probably your beautiful wife can share her little secret with me. Thank you.”

To Nanie, I agree that having a life partner is important to share all of our achievements with. None of my success would be meaningful without Marissa and my children by my side. I sincerely wish you and your wife the same fortune. It’s your union that will bring you precious memories when you look back in life, and it will help you get through the most difficult challenges.

To Marie, I can see that you want to do anything to support your husband. I think that devotion is more than what a husband can ask for. Running a negosyo is not easy, and your husband will experience many challenges along the way. I remember how Marissa has supported me even during those days when I first tried my hand in business. She has been very patient and understanding, especially when managing our negosyo sometimes took my time for my family. In every endeavor, Marissa has always been my partner, supporting me in my work with RFM, and especially in my projects for Go Negosyo. ?

Many other readers have also seen how wonderful it is to have a supportive wife and family by your side, and I thank the following people for their kind words.??

“Your lovely story is every couple’s inspiration. As the saying goes, ‘Behind every successful man, there is a loving & supportive wife.’ My sincere Congratulations to you both.”

“I would just like to let you know that I was truly inspired by your column about your wife and your love story. It is such a delight to read how much you value your family and the strong relationship that you have. It truly is a moving article.” –

We appreciate your feedback. In the coming weeks, our Angelpreneurs will continue to answer your questions about negosyo. Our inbox is always open for your inquiries so keep them coming in.

Contact me: feedback@gonegosyo.net or Joey Concepcion Facebook account. Visit www.gonegosyo.net. Watch the top rating entrep show GO NEGOSYO: Kaya Mo! on GMA News TV, Saturday and Sunday 8-8:30 a.m. Get daily Go Negosyo Text Tips in your mobile phone by sending GONEGO to 2910. – Nanie P. Geronimo, Sam D. Raquel, Bernadette Concepcion-Tiamson, Marie Yvette Cruz-Bernardo??