What word or phrase do you wish people would say more often?

As children, we were often told that if we had nothing nice to say, better not to say anything at all. Words are so powerful that whatever we say can make or break a relationship. It’s painful and hard to forget once someone has hurled hurtful words at us, and when we hear something positive, it encourages us and definitely inspires us to do better.

VITTORIO BARBA, equestrian/designer: "Mabuhay!" For me it’s the ultimate salutation. I use it mostly when I text but I wish I would hear it more often. It’s a Pinoy classic.

Former Senator TESSIE AQUINO ORETA: "God is good." All good things come from Him. No evil thing will exist when He is there. To me, if we only internalize that phrase then we will start looking at the good side of everyone, and hopefully hatred and ill judgment of other people will be lessened in each and every one of us. His plans are perfect, His plans are pleasing.

SUSAN SYQUIA, mother/businesswoman: I came up with a couple: "Life is great!" — simply because it can infect people with a positive outlook and it is uplifting. "Thank you" — because when it’s said to you, you feel valued and appreciated.

CESAR GAUPO, designer: "I love you!"

JESSIE SINCIOCO, chef, Le Souffle, Rockwell Club: Without thinking twice: "Thank God." To honor and be always grateful to Him, the source of all that there is in this whole wide world!



SHEILA ROMERO, owner, Beyond Bamboo furniture store: "God bless." When a person says that to me, I feel that there’s a connection between us. It shows that the person genuinely cares about my well-being. Nowadays, I feel that we need to be more God-centered. Through these words, you make others feel that God is with them.

MINNIE JENTES, businesswoman: "Don’t let the past hold you back, you’ll miss out on the good stuff," and "Choose to see goodness around you, and you’ll soon appreciate your life more."

MICHEL LHUILLIER, businessman: "Thank you." It’s a phrase we often take for granted.

PAM GONZALES, retailer: One word: "No." We have to stand our ground and learn to affirm certain answers by simply saying no and avoid strolling around the godawful bush, thus making the world more complicated. This should be one of life’s unspoken rules. After all, being wishy-washy is awfully last season. 

CHIT JUAN, CEO, Figaro Coffee Company: "My mistake." I think people should learn to own up to their shortcomings. It doesn’t make you less of a person to admit that you made a mistake. After all, we’re only human.

VICTORIA MARIN, jewelry designer: I think everyone should say "Thank you" more often and be more vocal in their  appreciation. "Thank you" is a whole universe of love, kindness, compassion, humility, gratitude and consideration for others.