What’s your favorite word or phrase?

Words empower us, inspire us, and make us fall in love. Just as much as they can hurt us, they can also move us to action, to do something positive for ourselves and for others. As somebody else once said, words are your own creation and “every time you open your mouth, you give the world a glimpse into who you really are.”

JOY BELMONTE ALIMURUNG, chairman, Quezon City Performing Arts Foundation, Inc.; chairman, Quezon City Ladies Foundation Inc.: My favorite  phrase is “I can.” These two simple words are infused with such positive energy.  I find that when I say these words to myself I feel confident and empowered.

KATRINA HOLIGORES, filmmaker/writer: My battle cry is “Carbs make me happy!” I love to eat and in a world of South Beach and high-protein diets (which are effective but make me feel miserable), this phrase is my rebel yell. I don’t think I can totally give up rice, pasta and dessert. Honestly, life’s too short to deprive oneself, so just enjoy but don’t go overboard.

ARIA CLEMENTE, Junior World Champion Performer ’07: “Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens,”  by Jimi Hendrix.

RIKKA DYLIM, ABS-CBN Star Magic PR manager: It can range from “Thank you, God” to “Hay naku!” and a lot more words and phrases that are unprintable.  I won’t give you the meaning but really close friends would know what it actually means and also always say, “Chinky!”

MIA BORROMEO, editor-at-large, Town & Country; consultant, Mix: “Thank you” — it’s the simplest way to express our gratitude for all the blessings, big and small, that we receive every day.

SUYEN LIM: “Freedom within a framework” — a quote from Robert Polet, CEO of Gucci Group, in his recent interview with Fortune magazine. It’s a good phrase to live by. It’s taking leaps with a sense of  responsibility. We can’t always be afraid to make mistakes. Along with great risks are big opportunities. At the same time, we balance these decisions by  weighing the consequences and making sure the actions are consistent with good moral conduct.

KATHY YAP, teacher, Brent School: My favorite words would probably be “please” and “thank you.” I think  they are very important but underrated words, but my friends tell me that because I’m such a homebody, the phrase  they hear the most from me is “It’s late, I’m tired.”

ROSANNA LOPEZ DUAVIT, homemaker: “Look at the bright side.” This allows me to look at the good and the positive in a situation which may be disappointing. Somehow with the phrase in mind, things are always better.

CARLO OROSA, actor/director/manager/producer: “Seek ye first God’s kingdom  and all these things will be added unto you,” said Jesus.