Gelyka Dumaraos For business leader Ferdinand Sia, success has always gone hand in hand with family. Behind his years of work in international development and business, his greatest source of motivation remains his home—his wife Gem, and their 11-year-old son, John David.
Their days begin simply. “Our days start early with a family prayer and breakfast together,” Ferdinand shares. It’s a quiet routine that helps them connect before the day begins. While he heads to work, Gem focuses on homeschooling John David. After lessons, their son spends time on his interests—LEGO, cubing, guitar, and technology. At night, the family reunites for dinner, stories, and laughter. Ferdinand ends each day by reading to John David before bedtime.
This rhythm, he says, keeps them grounded. “We always reconvene in the evening for dinner, where conversation and laughter fill the table.”
Family Traditions That Matter
For the Sias, it’s the small traditions that keep their bond strong. Every night, they share one highlight and one challenge from the day. “It helps us reflect and connect,” says Ferdinand. Milestones, whether big or small, are celebrated through home-cooked or take-out meals and prayer.
During Christmas, the family makes time to reflect on the season’s true meaning. They celebrate with relatives, exchange gifts, and talk about the past year while planning for the next. “These little rituals remind us that joy often lives in ordinary moments,” he adds.
Some of their favorite memories were made during Christmas trips to Subic Bay. John David played with his cousins and grandparents, and the family enjoyed long walks to see the city lights. “It reminded us of the values we strive to live by—cherishing simple moments, togetherness, and grace,” Ferdinand recalls.
Nurturing a Young Musician
Music became a part of the Sia household unexpectedly. When John David was four, he joined a parlor game and won. For his prize, he had to choose between a stuffed toy and a toy ukulele. To his parents’ surprise, he chose the ukulele—and never put it down.
“That’s when we saw his interest in music,” Ferdinand says.
Soon after, John David joined a ukulele class at his nursery school. When the pandemic hit and the family was staying in New York, he continued learning on his own through YouTube and a guitar app. His first full song was Jingle Bell Rock. Recognizing his growing passion, his parents bought him a full-sized acoustic guitar and later, an electric one with an amplifier.
They also found a trainer to help him develop his skills, but they made sure not to take over his learning. “We provide him with the tools and guidance he needs, but we also let him choose what to play and explore music freely,” Ferdinand explains. “He enjoys contemporary rock and blues and often experiments by watching tutorials and practicing on his own.”
Balancing schoolwork, music, and hobbies hasn’t always been easy. “We had to manage his time carefully,” Ferdinand shares. “We created a structured schedule that allows him to focus on school while still enjoying his interests.”
Life on the Move
One thing that makes the Sia family unique is how mobile they are. Ferdinand’s work in international development has taken them around the world—from New York to Asia and Washington D.C. This exposure has shaped how they live and how they raise John David.
“John is homeschooled through a U.S. institution,” Ferdinand shares. “It gives us flexibility to adapt to our travels while letting him learn at his own pace.”
Homeschooling also allows them to include subjects that match their son’s interests—music, technology, and problem-solving. The setup helps John learn responsibility early on, as he balances lessons with play and creativity.
Their home, wherever they live, is built on open communication. “Everyone is encouraged to express opinions and feelings without judgment,” Ferdinand says. “We make space for personal choice in activities and belongings. Sharing stories and experiences helps us stay connected.”
What Holds Them Together
If Ferdinand were to describe his family in three words, they would be faithful, hardworking, and gracious.
Faith, he says, is at the center of everything. “We start each day with prayer and gratitude.” Hard work is something both parents model daily—not for recognition, but to teach consistency and excellence. Grace, on the other hand, guides how they treat one another—with kindness and forgiveness.
Their family motto sums it up: “Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.”
“It’s something we try to live by,” Ferdinand shares. “Integrity starts at home. It’s about making the right choices in small, everyday moments.”
Listening is another value they practice intentionally. “We make sure John feels heard,” he says. “We listen to him without interrupting, and we take his opinions seriously. It’s our way of showing him that his thoughts matter.”
These lessons trace back to Ferdinand’s own upbringing. “My parents taught us work ethic—being consistent, humble, and doing our best in everything,” he recalls. “We want John to see that hard work builds character, not just achievement.”
Dreams for the Future
Beyond academics and music, the Sias’ dream for John David is simple. “We hope he grows with a sense of purpose, stays strong in his Christian faith, and contributes positively to society,” Ferdinand says.
He believes every family should find what works best for their situation. “Be intentional,” he advises other parents. “Focus on nurturing both relationships and individual growth.”
Balancing Work and Home
Ferdinand’s work has taken him to boardrooms, conferences, and international projects that aim to make a difference in communities. Yet, no matter where his professional path leads, he sees family as his true anchor.
“Leadership doesn’t stop when you leave the office,” he says. “It starts at home—with how you lead, listen, and love your family.”
It’s a perspective shaped by years of working with global institutions like the United Nations and the World Bank, where he learned that sustainable impact begins with strong values. “Whether in business or at home, integrity, compassion, and accountability are what matter most.”
The Sia Family’s Quiet Strength
For the Sia family, happiness isn’t about grand gestures or perfect routines. It’s found in everyday moments—the sound of guitar strings being plucked in the living room, laughter over dinner, and quiet prayers before sunrise.
In the end, Ferdinand Sia’s story isn’t just about professional success or global experience. It’s about staying rooted in what truly matters—faith, family, and the values that guide them through every season of life.
As Ferdinand puts it simply, “Home is where everything begins—and where everything makes sense.”
