What's the best career advice you got?

As we climb up the ladder of success, we will encounter people who will advise us about life and our careers. No matter where we are, whatever we may have achieved, we should always humbly welcome, process and take to heart all the pieces of advice that are given to us. No one, however high they are in their career, should ever think they know enough. One piece of advice that I have followed in my life and my career is “never do to others what you don’t want to be done to you,” which I interpret as being fair in your dealings with people, give them what is due to them, never try to put one over another and if someone cheats you always keep in mind that there is someone up there who is watching you and to whome you will be answerable sooner or later.

Billy Crawford, singer

My dad said it best when he told me to “follow your heart and do what you love.” For a young kid raring to spread my wings and fly, those very words became the wind that lifted me and carried me through most of my showbiz career, and for that I shall always be grateful.

Jun Lozada

When you’re young go for experience more than good pay. Because good pay always looks for someone old enough with good experience. Advice from my elder sister.

Randy Ortiz,fashion designer

The best career advice I ever got was from my late parents, Rodolfo and Lourdes Ortiz. They reminded me constantly to take good care of my employees, and to integrate discipline with my work habits. They also inculcated upon me that integrity, honesty and humility are important values and virtues to live by, and that I have to live up to their expectation that I am always carrying my father’s name. Lastly, they would advise me how to properly manage my finances, and my business in general.

Tina Bonoan, architect

“Delegate... do not hesitate to ask for help.” This was what Arturo Luz said when he saw a resilient fresh graduate in me go against all odds in getting work done, many years back, at Design Center Philippines. And no one has ever been more exact in giving me the advice I most need to this very day!

Cesca Litton, sportscaster/TV host

It was my dad who raised me and got me interested in the outdoors, sports and everything else. He was definitely a major influence in my decision to pursue a career in broadcasting, even if it was initially in the field of sports. So, guess who’s my number one fan up to now?

Felix Ang, president, CATS Motors Inc.

I come from a working class family and my mom and dad were my very first mentors. I will not forget their simple advice:  Work hard and be a person of integrity. These values fueled my dream to become a successful businessman one day. I started as an apprentice to a young entrepreneur so working (very) hard was like laying the foundation. There were no shortcuts. Over the years, my business relationships developed and increased and keeping those relationships were important to me.  Integrity guided me in most of my business dealings and decisions. I value it very much not just from what I know it to be but from the way it was taught to me by my own parents. 

Gary Estrada,actor/politician

It was my half-brother, incumbent Laguna Governor ER Ejercito, who encouraged me to pursue my dream of being a public servant. Having grown up amidst a family of politicians, including ex-President Joseph Estrada, I’ve learned a lot about the realities of local politics through them, and they were also the ones who actually inspired me with their success stories. I know I still have a long way to go, but if I can just help make a difference in someone’s life every day, I know I’m on the right track.

Victor Tan, owner, Bobson Jeans

I would like to acknowledge my father for giving me the best career advice that I received which was to be hardworking, determined and persevering in every business that I enter. He really inspired me how to handle my own business since I saw his love, passion and how he managed the business perfectly. I also saw how my dad poured his heart into dealing with the business. But I also discovered that the spiritual condition of a person will affect the interest for a chosen career. Because when I became a Christian and started to read the Bible, I found in the Book of Proverbs the best advice a person can receive in making a decision in all aspects of life, whether it’s about business or about career. In Proverbs 3: 5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” In the past, I used to believe that every decision I made came from my own wisdom and understanding of the situation. Most often than not, I made so many bad decisions that it did not only affect my business but also my family. Now, I make it a point to pray and seek God for guidance in every decision that I make. And God always provides the wisdom I need to make a wise decision.

Mark Nicdao, photographer

“It’s always nice and easier to be gracious, kind and respectful to people in the industry.” Best advice from Juan Sarte. “Always work, travel and save money,” advice from Luis Espiritu. ”Before you break rules make sure you know it by heart and soul” from UP College of Fine Arts.