We make decisions all the time, big and small. Some of them change our lives dramatically, some do not. But when you look back at your life, there is always those handful of decisions you are glad you made.
Korina Sanchez, broadcast journalist
I am mostly pleased looking back and knowing I’ve made quite a number of decisions that may have seemed such a risk at the time but turned out to be some of my best life choices. It wasn’t something my parents were particularly ecstatic about when I decided I was bored with college and suddenly stopped school just a year before graduation. I took a crash course in newscasting and radio announcing with Eddie Ilarde’s and Bobby Ledesma’s group. And then I applied with a few TV stations — landed a position at the bottom of the food chain — an editorial assistant, cutting up carbon paper and sitting by the news wire machines... sometimes volunteering to make coffee for the anchors. I worked very hard but thought it was the best job in the world.
I later went back to school while I was doing work as weather girl for the primetime newscast in MBS Channel 4 and finished college. Looking back, if I didn’t trust my instincts and refused to follow my heart, that window might not have been there and I might have been the last in a very long queue for such an opportunity. Being an undergrad, I was the youngest at the office taking it all in and learning from some of the best people in the industry so willing to teach me how it’s done.
Rep. Robbie V. Puno, Antipolo, Rizal
Twenty years ago I decided to leave the US after living and working in the Washington, DC area for seven years. In doing so, I left a good job as a senior marketing manager of a fast-food restaurant conglomerate, a woman I most truly loved, and so many friends. Here we are 20 years later, that same woman is now my wife of 19 years, we have three wonderful children, I have maintained the friendships I left and have made so many new ones, and I get to see my 89-year-old parents every weekend. The American Dream was not for me. Mas masarap ang buhay Pinoy.
Coney Reyes, actress
Without any doubt, it’s my complete surrender to God in 1990! Trusting in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, knowing He died for me and for my sins and rose again from the dead so I could have eternal life gives me so much hope. I know I can appropriate all the benefits of the cross. I am grateful for God’s amazing grace and mercies that are new every morning! He makes me feel secure knowing He is with me whatever I go through in life. God is awesome!
Bomboy Fabregas, lawyer, businessman
At 73, I have experienced so many wonderful things…The one good thing I did that has given me the greatest joy and satisfaction is when, after eight years of separation, I reconciled with my wife Vicky and have been reunited with my children, who have given us 18 beautiful grandchildren. That love is lovelier the second time around is so true, having subsequently discovered that the true meaning of love is desiring the greatest good of the other person. and realizing that no amount of success can replace failure at home, and that when Mom and Dad are fine, children soar....all this, because God intervened and He restores. In the end, really, family is family is family. Let’s take care of our families.
Ivar Aseron, fashion designer
The one thing I’m happy I did was to make up my mind to pursue my first love, which is fashion design. I’ve always wanted to be a designer but my journey to it did not follow a straight path. I got sidetracked by a lot of things, among them: business ventures that failed, persuasive advice from friends to try other fields of endeavor and lack of moral support from my parents who initially wanted me to pursue my profession. Now my friends and family are behind me 100 percent.
Carla Larrazabal Del Prado, housewife
The one thing that I am very happy that I did is that I got married to the right person, someone that I love and who loves me back even more, someone who I laugh and cry with, and above all someone who respects and understands me. He is my one true friend!
Diana Cua-Balcells, breast cancer surgeon
Deciding to get married at 41 after developing my full potential as a physician. My busy fulfilled life then has certainly been enhanced and enriched now — with the many fun adventures with Carlos, becoming part of an extraordinarily huge Lacson clan and adopting genteel Bacolod friends. Although our marriage is far from ideal, I am thankful for my committed husband who chooses working together to nurture our marital vows despite all the possible temptations around!
Marina Benipayo, model
Taking up further studies in guidance and counseling a few years back was a big risk for me. It meant that I not only had to work harder for my children’s tuition, but for my own too. However, I passionately wanted to learn more about how I could understand myself, my children, other people, and living, so I can deal with personal challenges the best way I can. But now I can say that I am absolutely happy I made the right decision of going through the experience of learning more. It not only answered many of my questions, it also allows me to assist others with their own.