Being afraid was not in my vocabulary because I felt invincible and nothing could stop me. As years went by, probably because of some failures and disappointments, I became more careful and guarded. But, this became a hindrance to whatever goal I set for myself. But now that I have allowed God to lead my life, things have changed. Whenever I have unfulfilled dreams I think of what lesson can be learned from the incident. I used to analyze what went wrong, now I move on faster and have more dreams. I know with Him guiding me I will reach my goal.
ARCY GAYATIN, fashion designer: Growing up I could spend the entire day happily holed up in my room with an Agatha Christie novel. I wanted to be Hercule Poirot but then I realized I didn’t want to deal with gory stuff so my ambition was to be Agatha Christie instead.
ROSVI C. GAETOS, head, DOT—Team Japan and deputy executive director, Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp.: As a child, I had this crazy and burning desire to be a nun or a teacher and go change the world. I became neither; and I discovered that I cannot change the world. So, I am here trying to make a difference in the small world of tourism.
QC Vice Mayor HERBERT BAUTISTA: When I was in grade six or seven at San Beda College, our class had a sex education subject under Father Odilard Arceo. He influenced me to enter the priesthood. I really wanted to be a priest but I was already in the entertainment industry working on the soap opera Flordeluna and children’s show Kaluskos Musmos. Maybe Father Arceo decided for me by saying, "You can serve and spread the word of God without entering the priesthood." Hence today, I try my best, in my humble and simple way, to work and spread the word of God.
PIA GUANIO, TV host: When I was a kid I wanted to be a lawyer like my dad simply because he always sounded right all the time and knew so much. But I started seeing the likes of Loren Legarda, Cheche Lazaro, Mel Tiangco on TV and my ambition changed. They looked so in control, interviewing interesting people, going places and delivering news.
JAY GAMBOA, chef, El Cirkulo: I wanted to be a fisherman. I enjoyed fishing in the open sea, piers, lakes and ponds – anywhere I could drop a line with some bait. But a few years ago on a family vacation, I went on a fishing boat for six hours to catch swordfish and tuna. It was the longest six hours of my life. We didn’t catch a thing and I was seasick the entire time!
Ever since, I’ve sworn off fishing. I just cook fish now.
ROBBY DA SILVA, marketing services manager, Rustan’s cosmetics and toiletries division: My childhood ambition really was to be a veterinarian. Growing up I’d often play with my animal stuffed toys and pretend that they were my patients.
I think I got my love for pets and all animals from my aunt who used to salvage abandoned stray cats and dogs from the streets. She either adopts them or finds suitable homes for these animals. Witnessing this growing up made me realize the value of life in general. All things created by God have a place in this world and should be respected as precious.
LIZ UY, fashion editor, Preview magazine: To be a beauty queen. Why? World peace!
General REYNALDO BERROYA (RET.), assistant sec. DOTC, director LTO-National Capital Region: As a child, I was always fascinated with leaders who made a difference so I thought that I should also try to make a difference in this world. That is probably why I had my own ups and downs, career-wise, to the point of being regarded as controversial. Though I enjoyed sensitive but choice positions in the military and police services where, modesty aside, I substantially contributed positive results of national significance, I still joined revolutionary activities (RAM) to help institute drastic reforms.
Fighting three governments (Marcos, Cory, Erap) was not very easy but I don’t regret the past. Now that I am retired from the service and occupying civilian posts I continue to introduce innovations so that our constituents would be better served and government presence is better felt. I just hope that this will not be regarded as another controversy.
ISAY ALVAREZ, stage actress: I remember very well, my mom was giving me a bath after watching The Sound of Music. I told my mom I wanted to be Julie Andrews! Or, if that was not possible, I’d be happy to be a sister of Julie Andrews! That’s when my love and passion for theater and performing arts began. I told Julie Andrews that when I had the privilege to be in the same production she was in. I was so nervous when I asked her if I could have a photo with her.