William Tabuya is a name everyone remembers.
Since 2007, he has been a sports presenter on one of our local television station and also a sports commentator.
Apart from the face seen and the voice heard on television, many do not know that he is a father to four beautiful children, having married to Dinaulu Tabuya for the past 10 years.
William, who hails from Tiliva, Nakasaleka in Kadavu, has recently joined the Communication Section of Vodafone Fiji Limited.
This week, we feature William as our Shopper of the Week personality – and many will be surprised to learn that he does the family shopping most times.
Unless he is engaged in other commitments, his wife will then step in.
He shared that even when his wife accompanies him shopping, he still plays the lead role.
William said that his wife only takes charge in buying his clothes because according to him, she is the specialist in that department.
“But she always buys clothes one size smaller so I can work out and fit in it,” he said.

PRIORITISE YOUR CHILDREN
William, a dedicated shopper encourages all to be dedicated to shopping. He said shopping is on his To-Do list every fortnight and he prioritises his shopping according to his children’s needs.
Three of his children attend Yat Sen Primary School and one is due to start his kindergarten education next year. “At this stage in their lives, my children are most active and always needing attention, especially in the kitchen when it comes to eating,” William said.
“Hygiene is something always stressed from school so the children’s needs such as proper toiletries are vital.
“Also a proper diet is something my wife and I focus on at home so all these are only possible if shopping is done on time and with a bit more commitment.
“I do the shopping myself and when I am not able to, my wife does it for me. On shopping days, I clear up my afternoons twice a month to dedicate to shopping. This means that other commitments such as school, family, church and friends will have to fall in other days of that week,” he said.
As a dad, William said another reason he enjoys shopping is because every time he brings the items home, it is like Christmas for the family including his wife.
“Everyone gets excited at what I’ve bought and the children ask questions about each product and why I bought it.
“Also, it becomes a family time sorting out the shopping and tucking it away in the cupboards. Even my five-year-old helps out in putting the shopping away.”

FAMILY BUDGET
William said a family budget has to be a workable amount that should be able to sustain your family until your next pay day.
Depending on the time of the year, he revealed that his average budget for a fortnight is usually $350. However, it fluctuates sometimes depending on his family commitment elsewhere, such as family funerals, birthdays and trips.
“If we are committed elsewhere, we sometimes have to give up something in the shopping list. That’s when the “WANTS” are put back on the shelves and the “NEEDS” are prioritised,” he said.
When visiting the market, (Suva market is usually the best place for him, he claims as the cheapest) packing is really important for him.
He ensures that the vegetables are packed in plastics such as carrots and tomatoes.
“This way I know the vegetables are fresher. I also look out for the presentation of the vendor themselves. This says a lot about the quality of vegetables they are selling,” William said.
For men like William who choose to take the lead role in shopping, he advises that “shopping is strategic so always consult your wife first and take your children only sometimes.”
It is only understandable that taking your children shopping means spending more as they will demand for more things from the shelves.
But when William takes his children out shopping, he makes it more enjoyable by letting them have a trolley each.
“Shopping was once a dreaded experience as money was being spent but I realise it can be quite rewarding especially if I take my wife and children with me. It’s a fun experience where the entire family takes part.”

Feedback: losalinir@fijisun.com.fj