Values build the foundation of one’s being. Our values guide our conscience on how we should live our lives. Growing up, my parents always taught me the importance of following God’s divine will and the Ten Commandments. They also taught me to walk the talk. What we say should be consistent with our actions. One cannot go to Mass and pray the rosary yet live one’s life the complete opposite of what the Lord wants. Whoever we are now and whatever values we have now reflect on our parents. With this in mind, I always strive to be the person my parents and teachers have taught me to be and this are the values I intend to pass on to my three children.
Rowie Juan Matti, CEO, Galileo Enrichment Learning Program Inc.
The values that rule my life are love of God, love of family and of self. I believe that everything starts from God. We should follow His will, as well as the Golden Rule. If we follow His will there will be no greed, no corruption, and no abortion. All these are causing depression, disaster and war. If we love our family and ourselves we can take care of our children and raise them to be loving persons who will be responsible citizens of the world. I believe that life is love.
Paula Locsin Bondoc, executive director, Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc.
To respect, love and care for one’s parents and elders were values taught by example to me by my mother, Vicky Locsin, as she cared for her parents and elders. Her selfless love and devotion to my grandparents and elders did not seem so much a sacrifice to her, but rather a labor of effortless love she performed gladly every day. I hope to pass on these values of how to love and care for elders as well as others on to my children as my mother taught and showed me.
Cristina G. Romualdez, restaurateur
The values that rule my life now are what I learned from God’s word in the Bible. It may sound cheesy or pa-religious but really that’s what has worked for me now. Trying to be righteous even if it’s hard to do when you are in government. But I know that when I follow and practice those good values there will be many benefits. If only I had practiced these when I was in my teens or 20 years ago, but it’s never too late and I’m happy that I do now.
Kim Jacinto Henares, BIR Commissioner
The values that guide me in life are basically grounded on Christian values. I believe that after love and respect for God, everything follows, such as love and respect for my fellowmen. This includes not taking advantage or oppressing others, doing what is right and just and having the courage and determination to stand for what is right and just — no matter how difficult it might be. In all this, one needs to be humble, always remembering that no one is indispensable — recognizing that I am merely an insignificant person compared to the whole world, and that there is much more to know and learn.
Marilen Gonzalez Elizalde, educator, yoga teacher
Growing up in the 1970s and ‘80s was a different time compared to the present. I went to an exclusive and conservative all girls’ high school and went to a very progressive university. I was exposed to the best of both worlds in terms of value formation. It was up to me to discern which ones I would live by. “What you sow, so shall you reap.” This is one verse I can say I live by. There are many versions of this: “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you” and even the word karma is synonymous with it. I find that it encompasses every aspect of one’s life — with family, friends, work colleagues and everyone else whose life you touch.
Rep. Cutie del Mar, 1st district, Cebu City
Be thankful and always look at the bright side; find a cause larger than yourself; and humility — everything in life is only for now; faith; and in all things may God be glorified.
Boj M. Pineda, businessman
Values instilled by my mom as well as those I learned in school, namely, unconditional love, loyalty, fidelity and ad majorem dei gloriam.
Corey Wills, pro surfer, Aloha Boardsports/yoga teacher, Bliss Yoga
Constant appreciation for the gift of life, balance in every aspect of life, love and food. Bravery and action in spite of fear, following one’s bliss and, above all else, compassion towards the earth and all its living beings.