Sharon Cuneta is known for handling her money well, and she says she has learned it from her father since she was 12 years old.
"[Bata pa lang ako,] maipon talaga ako at saka ma-invest ako. I had a very good guide in my father," Sharon said in an interview with PEP.ph and a select group of entertainment editors and reporters at the media launch of InLife's Retire Assure retirement plan.
READ: Sharon Cuneta on Teaching Financial Skills to Her Kids
The Megastar is proud to say she has passed on this trait to her kids. Sharon cites her eldest daughter KC Concepcion, who started appearing in commercials at a young age.
"I taught KC even before she graduated. So, when she graduated [in Paris], I told her, 'When we get home, I am turning over to you all of your savings, not one peso less. Kung ano lang 'yung tinubo sa pag invest ko 'nun, inabot ko na. And she knew."
KC finished International Corporate Communications with a minor in Theatre Arts from the American University of Paris in 2007. When she returned in Manila that year, KC continued to live on her own. Sharon, for her part, maintains that KC grew up knowing the value of money and hard work.
"Maliit pa siya, [I tell her], 'I want you to grow up knowing you are a strong woman. You don't need a man to support you. 'You can work for yourself for your own future. If you meet somebody that's worth spending with for the rest of your life, then go ahead. Just be happy.'"
Still talking about teaching KC to be independent, Sharon adds, "You don't need to find someone who's wealthy. Just someone decent who will love you."
She narrates that even her younger daughters Frankie and Miel, as well as her adoptive son Miguel know about working hard to get what they want. "There was a time when Frankie was maybe four or five, she wanted a toy electric guitar. We said, 'We're gonna pay the half of it, the other half you have to pay for.'
"Gumawa siya ng mga turon, bananacue, nagbenta siya. Si Miel, she used to sell cookies also in bazaars. Miel would sell banana shakes, make them herself. Her yaya will accompany her, pero pag may bibili tatayo siya."
She continued: "And Miguel also started selling ice candy in school kapag merong fair. Alam nila."
Sharon Cuneta on Children Being Perceived As a "Retirement Plan"
When asked how she feels about Filipino parents who think of their children as some sort of retirement plan, Sharon replies, "I feel bad about that."
The Megastar appears to have mixed thoughts about it. "When my kids nga they make me lambing, they say, 'Mama, we're gonna take care of you.' 'Oh, Honey, I don't expect you to do that. Because I work hard for you guys.'
"I think it's also right for a child. Like, I did it," she said. "But I didn't really have to take care of my parents day to day. But when there's a big bill, like a medical bill, a hospital bill, 'Oh my god. These are my parents. Without their guidance and their love and the way I'm raised, I don't think I would come as far as I have.'"
She added: "I think kailangan din sa atin 'yung filial piety. It's just in our culture. Kahit ano sabihin mo, may utang na loob ka sa magulang mo."
In the end, Sharon says it's not about expecting children to look after their parents in their old age, but more about kids expressing their love for their parents.
"For them to say, 'Mom, you can use my savings muna.' 'Oh, no, no, no, no. If I ever borrow money from you, I will pay with interest.' But I never have. They're aware and they are very willing. And there's so much trust and respect."
She underlines, "Don't ignore your parents. Iba naman 'yung ni-neglect ka at walang pakialam sa 'yo. Siyempre case to case basis, pero 'yung talagang nandiyan from the beginning, magulang mo."
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