Having a father who's a billionaire does not automatically translate to an extravagant life—this is what Ramon Ang strictly taught his kids.
Ramon is one of the richest men in the country with a net worth of $3.4 billion. He is leading one of largest conglomerates in the Philippines, San Miguel Corporation. With that wealth, the public would expect his kids to be living the lavish life. But contrary to most people's expectations, his kids were raised otherwise.
READ: Here's What Ramon Ang Taught His Kids About Spending Money
"Simple lang ang buhay natin. We live by our means," Ramon said in an interview with broadcast journalist Anthony Taberna. Ramon told stories of how he would tell his children not to be arrogant towards others. "I do not allow my kids to be going around na magyabang ng kung ano-anong sinusuot at kung ano-anong dinadala," he stated.
In one of his stories, he recalled sending his youngest, Jacob, to work in Pangasinan after college. He made his son experience life not as a result of how rich their family was. Instead, it was a life brought about by the people around them.
"'Yung bunso ko si Jacob, kaka-graduate ng college. Pinadala ko sa probinsya, sa Pangasinan, sa planta. Sabi ko diyan ka magta-trabaho araw-araw, diyan ka matutulog. Kasama mo mag-lunch at dinner 'yung lahat ng empleyado."
Ramon wanted his children to be grounded at all times. He believes that this principle will secure his children's lives. "Kung pinalaki mo yung mga anak mo na malalaki ang ulo, baka makipagsuntukan 'yun sa security guard. Kung pinalaki mong simpleng tao, hahaba na ang buhay niyan."
Despite their privileged background, Ramon has instilled in his children the value of a simple life and the importance of not boasting about their success. "Kailangan tinuturo sa mga bata na matuto ng simpleng buhay."
Ramon has taught them the value of hard work, humility, and gratitude. Perhaps we could take some notes from Ramon's "billionaire guide" on how to live a happy and simple life.
*This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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