You can now catch me at a brand new column at the Philippine Daily Inquirer every other Wednesday. Our new column is called Money Matters and can be found at the Business Section of PDI.

I have the privilege to co-write this column with my dear friend and colleague, Mr. Efren Ll. Cruz who is also a Director of the Registered Financial Planner Institute.

Thanking the Lord for making this a reality.

Read my debut HERE.

I did something new today and last Sunday. I am a public speaker and trainer but I was given a new challenge – instead of being the trainer or speaker, I became a host and a moderator.

When I was offered a job to be such, I wasn’t too sure if I was the right person for the job and really gave the offer a lot of thinking. I was used to being introduced and being guided by moderators but being on the other side of the fence made me think twice. Why? I was not sure if I was the right person for the job. I accepted the job because it was difficult to say no to my friend who organized the program (Tom Gotuaco) and I will be moderating for three of my most respected colleagues (Efren Cruz, Suzan Bigay and Melvin Esteban).

It was a good thing that I took the challenge because I really enjoyed the ‘new’ challenge. It is a great feeling making other people look good, redirecting attention away from you and towards others. I am not sure if I did a good job but I definitely enjoyed it.

Some take-away lessons for me:

1)      I may think that I am good at what I do but in reality, there are people who are really much better and they deserve the spotlight, or the stage;

2)      Just like in life, everyone has an important role;

3)      Making other people look good is not only a humbling experience, there must be sincerity in it; and

4)      Challenges are meant to be met, not feared.

This activity is also a good reminder about our purpose in life. Your purpose is never about you and will always be bigger than yourself; and whenever there is an opportunity, redirect whatever glory there is away from you and towards God – He is the only  one who is worthy of any glory.

If ever I will be offered a job as a moderator and host, I will not think twice anymore.

Catch me in my talk show, RFP Money Talks.

We already taped 8 episodes and it will be shown at the Wealth Channel (Channel 28) at Sky Cable in Cebu. Still praying to have a show that will be shown in Metro Manila — God willing.

I was privileged to have great guests for the first episodes: Chinkee Tan (Lifestyle Coach and Money Man), Efren Cruz (Finance Expert and best-selling author of Pwede Na!), David Bonifacio (Entrepreneur, Corporate Social Responsibility Advocate) and Cito Beltran (Columnist, media personality & corporate consultant).

Thanks to Wealth Channel and the Registered Financial Planner Institute for this opportunity!