Senator RAMON MAGSAYSAY JR.: The one item that I have managed to keep all these years is a Rolex watch that belonged to my late father, given by his friend Dan Aguinaldo in 1953. The late President Ramon Magsaysay was an uncomplicated person. He made a hard and fast rule for himself and his family to not accept high-priced gifts to save all of us from being tempted to favor certain friends over others. To him, a kilo of tapa deer meat, a home-cooked Ilocana viand, or fresh fish from his fellow Zambaleños was joy and pleasure. He accepted the watch from Dan Aguinaldo as the friend cleverly had engraved "To Monching, from Dan. 1953" – thus it could not be returned. The watch was given to me by my mother when my dad died in 1957. She said I must keep it as a lifetime memento. I keep this as a matter of habit and commitment. The possession of a simple item coming from my parents gives me warmth in the thought that both are guiding the family they left behind with love and commitment.
BASIL ONG, businessman: My dear friend Doris Ho once got my two kids, Alex and Mark, to sit for a portrait drawing by herself and her celebrated mother Anita Magsaysay-Ho. The family treasures these art pieces and so will our future generations.
Energy Secretary POPO LOTILLA: I have but a few earthly possessions. The ones I prize the most are those I view myself as holding in stewardship for future Filipinos: sea charts of old capturing over time the unity of land and water, our invisible heritage as an archipelagic people.
JOJO M. OCAMPO, SVP, Bank of the Philippine Islands: It’s basically three things: 1) My reading glasses as I can’t seem to read anything anymore without them; 2) Badger Sleep Balm for a restful night’s sleep; and 3) Tension gym wear as there is nothing quite like it for a good workout.
TETTA ORTIZ MATERA, former model/owner of Piadina Italian Café: A beautiful poem that my husband wrote for me in Italian a couple of years ago is always in my wallet; a bookmark that our daughter Riana created for me for Mother’s Day is in my Bible; and an improvised photo frame made out of a match box that our son Sebastiano made for me, with his picture and a drawing of a heart on it, is in whichever bag I am using for the day.
MIA URQUICO, fashion designer: My Bible is one possession that I need to anchor myself. It never loses its value; the more I use it, the more I appreciate its worth and the more I’m drawn to it because it gives me a better perspective of what real life is all about. The word of God has been my ultimate source of comfort, meaning, direction, purpose and joy. His word touches every area of my life and it cuts deep into my innermost thoughts. Fully understanding God’s truth brings about a change in one’s life. It is also through the Bible that I am reminded to guard my heart above all else because it affects everything that I do, think or say. Every day I ask God: "How’s my heart today?" He allows me to take a look at my "heart gauge": is my patience gauge running low, is my pride meter low, is my pride meter full, do I need to fill up my love, kindness and compassion tank? It comforts me to know that we have a purposeful God and He wants to change us to be more and more like Him. He uses his word and our circumstances, both the good times and the bad, to accomplish His best plans for our lives.
TINETTE LUCERO, businesswoman: The items I can’t live without are my watch and rosary. Because I multitask most of the time, I need to keep track of my schedule. I also feel safe with my rosary in my bag as I do different activities for the day. I don’t feel alone.
BUTCH CARUNGAY, jewelry designer: From a practical perspective, I am most attached to my laptop. However, from an emotional standpoint, I have an affinity for my watches.
JOJIE LLOREN, fashion designer: It’s the house where I’ve been residing with my family for the last 30 years. I never considered any other place my home. I treasure not only the structure itself but also all the memories it holds.
BERNICE PALANCA GO, consultant: My Mac notebook, which I take with me wherever I go. I can be in touch with everyone dear at any given time.