What is the greatest lesson you have learned?

Sometimes we learn the best lessons from our worst mistakes, and become better persons because of it. Then again there are lessons that have been ingrained in us since childhood that we carry for the rest of our lives or lessons that we learn later in life. Like the movie said, “You never really know what you’re gonna get.”

Rep. Mitzi L. Calayon, 2nd district, Caloocan

My election to the House of Representatives opened my eyes to the realities of politics, which I was not exposed to when I was a city councilor. I have realized that in order to advance my advocacies in the name of public service, I have to hurdle a myriad obstacles. But at the end of the day, the fulfillment I derive from serving our people keeps me going. As a mother to two toddlers, I have also learned the art of time management. Juggling between public service and family life is perhaps the most challenging task in the world.

Ramon Mitra, senatorial candidate

The greatest lesson that I have learned is humility. I learned this from my late father, Ramon Monching Mitra. Tatay used to tell us that people who speak humbly are the ones who carry a big stick. Which means actions really do speak louder than words. Tatay set an example to my brothers and me on leadership — talk less, act more. That is why I have adopted this as my campaign slogan, “Gawa hindi salita.”

Nelson Caruncho, Streetmosphere vocalist and gondolier,

The Venetian Macau

The greatest lesson that I’ve learned is that everything in life is temporary because eventually one has to let go; no attachments. I learned this bittersweet truth when my father passed away last March. I would like to quote lyrics by John Bucchino, “Everything is temporary/A friend moves, a tooth aches/A pet dies, a toy breaks/The detours a life takes/Temporary.”

John Fernandez, businessman

Out of life’s many questions, the best I have learned so far is the popular phrase, “What goes around, comes around.”  Being able to do “unconditional” good to and for others certainly gives one not only an indescribable feeling of joy and peace but very remarkable and unexpected blessings are continually gained. Just like anything in life, there is another side — in doing the reverse, one can only imagine what is in store for them. It’s really all about accountability. That is why I turn daily to God to give me the strength and wisdom to do what is right to others.

Bea Soriano, student

Growing up in a home where an obstacle is mediated by a smile, a hug, and support from loved ones taught me to look at the brighter side of things. It is what gives a person the resiliency to survive, the courage to hope, the wisdom to understand, and the willpower to be happy. It is the only way to live and the only way to love.

Eliza Romualdez Valtos,heritage conservation advocate, archeologist, writer

One of the more important things I learned in life is “Flexibility is key to success.” As long as your core principles and values are not compromised, being flexible in times of change and adversity (and the Philippines has had its great share of these in my lifetime!) will allow more opportunities for success in one’s personal and professional life.

Charo Logarta, broadcast journalist

Live your life with modesty, humility and graciousness — because every experience, every blessing, every challenge and every person you encounter each day will only serve to enrich you and make you a better person.

Cherry del Rosario, general service supervisor, Beverly Hills 6750

The greatest lesson that I have learned is that there is really nothing certain in life. I have encountered numerous people and things that I have taken for granted. And I realized their importance only after they were gone. Hence, I missed the opportunity to give importance to them. Now, I live and breathe the mantra “Live for the moment; live as if this was your last day on earth.”

Arthur Acuña, actor, Duncan Sheik’s world premiere of Whisper House 2010 and cast of John Sayles’ movie Baryo

Humility. Because I’ve realized that learning doesn’t cease until one is in the grave. And I have yet so much to learn.