What values are most important to you?

The values that we live by were taught to us early on in our lives at home through our parents and in school through our teachers. As we get older, as we move on to the different phases of our lives, there are values we continue to follow, values that inspire us, values we at times forget and values we would rather forget. The values we choose to follow set the benchmark of who we are as people and how we want our lives to be.

Personally the values that I hold close to my heart and am trying to impart to my children are 1) hard work — I always tell them that there is no substitute for hard work. Anything done half-baked or without sacrifice will not give them that great feeling of fulfillment in life; 2) flexibility — to make the most of what they are faced with and adjust to any difficult circumstance, keeping their strong faith in God and an open mind that even if they are faced with a situation that is not how they expected or planned it to be, they should always save space for laughter knowing that this too shall pass; 3) gratitude — to people who have extended kindness to them and were there when they needed a friend; 4) loyalty — to their country, school, friends and most especially family. Loyalty is a true test of one’s character and will prove to others how much you can be trusted; and 5) lastly I have also continued to tell them the importance of family. No matter what situation we are in now, all the more we have to be together, love and spend quality time with each other to preserve this bond that is holding us together.

Melanie Cuevas, magazine editor

Integrity, respect, hard work, continuous learning, and love for family and friends are most important to me. And, of course, it’s also important to have fun and enjoy life.

Rina Silayan Go, owner, Nic’s Gourmet Desserts

Sincerity because it hinges on a person’s intrinsic nature. Intentions and talk are the easiest form of expressing concern. A sincere individual transforms intent into action. Humility in its truest sense grants the person transcendental growth. A person who treasures his roots will always have a handle on a happy life. Sensitivity coupled with generosity because one possesses the ability to decipher right from wrong and ultimately protects and remains loyal to what is meaningful. Being hardworking because an individual grows to develop confidence, self-worth and independence without imposing on dole-outs. My family because they embrace these values with integrity and honor.

Marivic Hebron Juan, mom to eight kids/jeweler

Being true to oneself, God-loving, loving unconditionally, happiness, working hard, good health, freedom of choice and speech, integrity. These are recipes to a fulfilling life!

PLM Law Dean Ernesto P. Maceda, Jr. , secretary-general, Philippine Association of Law Schools

In this age of instant gratification and anonymity, there is a real danger of becoming too lazy or too aggressive. Values, like patience, ambition and hard work, may even be seen as vice. But technology simply will not provide the easy answers to every situation in life. Values build character and help you cope. It is important to work hard and find satisfaction not just in the outcome but also in the work itself; to dare but be ready to account for one’s actions; to show compassion without expecting anything in return; to be truthful; to be courageous in deeds and to have the courage of your convictions; to strive for excellence and seek it as its own reward; to always maintain a sense of fair play; to be courteous; to practice temperance; and to acknowledge the importance of friends, family and country.

RG Cruz, television journalist

As a journalist, I have to deal with a plethora of human values or the lack thereof on a daily basis. From what I’ve seen, key to staying a good person is a sense of justice. It encapsulates truth, transparency, wisdom, courage,  fortitude, discretion and compassion. People who have this in their core will never lose sight of their humanity, and what is right and wrong, come hell or high water.

Louie Heredia, singer, cook

I am very thankful that in everything that I do, I have always been blessed. And with all this, the values simplicity and humility have kept me grounded. I always remind myself that every achievement in life is a blessing given by God and not merely through my own efforts. Easier said than done, that is why in my prayers, I always include this verse from the Bible to guide and remind me: “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Lia Andanar Yu, ANC broadcast journalist

Although I live the values most important to me every day, it’s a blessing to take stock of one’s values and how in tune our lives are with them. I thought of many values that are important to me. By process of elimination, it all boiled down to three: my faith in God, my close and loving relationships, and striving for excellence. From there, all other values like honesty, commitment, inner harmony, hard work, compassion, security and order follow. It’s always good to be reminded of the things most important to us.

Monchet Diokno Olives, chief strategic officer, ABS-CBN Foundation, social worker

In my 25 years of corporate work exposed to a highly material, disposable culture, I am now on a journey of self-discovery. I needed to assess what was truly important. The currency I have always dealt with is that of my word and my handshake — working at an NGO is not lip service, it’s being out there every day. And this is what true service is about. Truth, no matter how it hurts, must never be sugar-coated; and that honesty and integrity will always bring out the best and will make change happen. And each action must be done with the utmost compassion and humility — good things happen, to those who wait patiently.