"The value of one's life is not measured by his income, but by how much value he puts in others," entrepreneur-turned-model Christopher Wycoco said.

Born in Manila, Wycoco grew up in Nueva Ecija. It was not an easy life, he confessed in an intimate media gathering recently. His father became violent when drunk, he said, and his mother was a housewife who depended on her husband's income.

By age 14, Wycoco had learned the value of time and money. He worked hard to finish college and graduated with distinctions at the Wesleyan University Philippines. To earn, he sold small items and food. Because of his early exposure to making money, he brought to his work the mentality that he cannot live with only one source of income.

He sold food from his locker room when he was still a practising nurse and was commended by his colleagues for being wise and doing things to elevate their life situation. He was doing all these to escape from his childhood trauma, Chris said.

Wycoco also has a twin brother who was just as smart, but was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia. Chris is determined to support him, feeling some guilt and sadness for how it turned out for his brother.

Instead of sulking and being gloomy all the time, he immersed himself in work so he could move forward. He sees every person that he meets as an opportunity to promote his business to them. To see progress in his life that he is not forever stuck and he will keep on moving forward.

So, he made it a point that as he grows old, he will be successful no matter what. In 2010, he migrated to the United States for career advancement. Even with his success, he did not forget where he came from, where he started. Still, Wycoco felt something was lacking. He wanted stability, a more stable source of income.

Then he met his business partner, a certified public accountant, and that's when he ventured into virtual tax and bookkeeping through their company Wycotax LCC. Established in 2015, it has four branches all in Texas (Brownsville, Harlingen, Dallas, and San Antonio).

Being a natural public speaker, he tried his hand at hosting, accepting free stints for his closest friends and colleagues, and accepting some speaking engagements. He also tried modeling one time and enjoyed it so much, he would like to do more. He was one of the featured personalities at the recently concluded Manila's Best Dressed Annual Gala Awards Night on 15 October at the Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel, Rizal Park, Manila.

His next goal? Show business. He believes that showbiz can open many doors of opportunities not only for him but also for his business to expand, not only in the US but also in the Philippines. He envisions being able to provide jobs that Filipinos may do online so they can spend quality time with their families.

He will receive his newest award from Gawad America Award for 2022 as Filipino American Business Person of the Year on 19 November. His previous awards include Young Asia Award nominee for Year 2022, Texas SBA Small Business Person (LRGV) for 2022 and the US Senate and Special Congressional Recognition.

Chris Wycoco is an inspiration and role model for young entrepreneurs and young men who are striving to achieve their dreams.

Life is tough, and so is Chris Wycoco.