RIA ROMERO, PR consultant, 92.3 Joey FM/columnist, Lifestyle Asia: For the love of a sibling and family, it’s patience and understanding. My younger sister Ina Vergel de Dios was 27 when she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in December 2004 and it initially sent shock waves of fear and confusion in my family. By being patient with each other (as siblings), by supporting and helping Ina through her disease (as a family) and by understanding breast cancer, I learned to give love and support unconditionally. I learned a lot about love last year and how to be a stronger woman because of my sister. It is amazing how much cancer can give or take from you (it’s all about perspective) and so I’ve let go of expectations (as Ina has) and let life happen as it should and just appreciate what I have, right here and right now!
ATTY. GABY CONCEPCION, legal segment host of Unang Hirit, GMA-7: Forgiveness. The deepest cuts and the hardest blows are dealt by the ones we love the most – and that makes forgiveness a million times harder. However, with forgiveness comes liberation. As someone once said: "To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and to discover the prisoner was you."
NINI RAMOS LICAROS, businesswoman: I lost my mother last December 8. It was the Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion. Something tells me that she went straight to heaven. Nevertheless, I miss her so much. I’ll never stop caring about my mother. Sometimes, love is not about holding on, but about letting go.
JOMARI YLLANA, actor: Before, when things would go wrong – breakups or when a loved one passed away – I used to try to get over the situation. The best thing I learned about love and the hardest to learn was how to live with it rather than trying to get over it.
Cebu City Mayor TOMMY OSMENA: Better you ask those who love me because I am hard to love daw!
EVELYN FORBES, businesswoman, environmentalist: The hardest thing about love is always having to say you’re sorry.
MANUEL T. LOPEZ, businessman/sports administrator: With my experience in life, I have learned that the more you love, the more you should give. Since childhood, I have learned the hard way to give more than what I have. The downside is that sometimes people try to take advantage of the situation. In the process, I have learned to balance life, and this is where I realized the value of faith. It is faith that allows us to see the goodness and hope in this world filled with so much evil and suffering. This faith must translate into the promotion of justice. We need more men and women completely convinced that love of God can be shown by promoting love and justice for our neighbors. And when I see people who love a-plenty, I am reminded by the Gospel of Luke: "To whom much is given, much will also be demanded; more will be asked of him to whom more have been entrusted." Therefore, by way of thanking God who is the greatest source of love, we should all give lots of love to our neighbors."
ARCHIE RODRIGUEZ, businessman: That you can’t actually stop time… It just feels that way. But, the fact is, the rest of the world moves on while you are lost in love.
CHACHA CAMACHO: Hardest lesson in love? Sometimes when one has given it all for love’s sake and still it’s not meant to be, one just learns to let go and move on with life. I am very grateful for my family, especially my two sons, true friends, perfect health and the many opportunities that have come way – all this has made me what I am today.
CONCHITA RAZON: The hardest thing I learned about love is that forever should not be counted in years. Forever is counted in moments and memories. The hardest part when it’s over is to accept it and let it go. There is life after a heartbreak. Once you get past the tears, it’s a breeze. You breathe easy. You walk light. You stand tall. And when you remember, you smile.
RITA DY, marketing communications and services manager, Singapore Airlines: It’s in the tough times of life that I realize to love unconditionally is when I can truly be happy and at peace.