What is the biggest lesson that 2012 has taught you?

Each year that comes and goes brings us new experiences to learn from. Oftentimes, when the experience we have gone through is painful, we want to push it to the backburner and forget it as fast as we can. But it is from these painful moments that we learne some of the biggest lessons of our lives. As we bid 2012 goodbye, let us make it worthwhile by reflecting on the year’s most important lessons.

Billy Esposo, Philippine Legion of Honor recipient, 2011, and Awarded Outstanding Manilan of 2012

The biggest lesson that I learned in 2012 is that even with your last ounce of life, there is still a lot of life to live and a lot of love to be shared. I have been living with a lot of health problems that can terminate a person’s life. There’s the transplanted kidney that is now showing signs of reaching its last stages of usefulness after 10 years. I have an enlarged heart, the very same problem that killed my younger brother, Richard. My arteries are constricting, a further complication to my kidney and heart problems. I have more reasons to be dead than alive! My friends and kin are amazed just how I could elude death with all the health problems that I have.

My formula is simple: live in the present moment and worry not about the future that we cannot control. Do what you can with the cards that life has dealt you. Despite my physical problems, I have managed to accomplish career landmarks like launching my book last August and receiving the Outstanding Manilan award for 2012. It’s not how long you’ve lived but how you live that counts the most.

Kai Magsanoc, life & style editor, www.rappler.com

The year 2012 taught me that beauty, pomp and luxury are nothing without honesty, humility and sincerity. It also taught me to listen to my self again, to reconnect with my person, the one who prioritizes inner peace, good health and simplicity. I am at that place where I no longer need recognition, credit, accolades. I am the happiest when I am able to do a good thing that touches and changes even just one person without the whole world knowing about it, to perform unconditional and unrequited acts towards someone who cannot “repay.” That these actions remain between me and my God is what matters. I thank everyone who hurt me, who spoke about me behind me back, who judged me; you helped me realize how strong I am and who are the ones who really matter.

Rep. Albee Benitez, Third District, Negros Occidental

Hard work, hard work, hard work. It’s the only thing that can counter bad luck!

Freida V. Dario, travel and lifestyle journalist

The year 2012 has been a relatively uneventful year for me, mostly by choice. Rather than aggressively going after what I want, I chose to simply work hard and keep an attitude of optimism. I realized that frustration comes from setting unrealistic goals, thus setting myself up not only for failure but for self-loathing. I’ve also learned to keep it real, foregoing commitments, even opportunities that compromise my quality of life today. Come on, life is too short.

This year alone, I lost four friends my age and younger to sudden and tragic deaths, and this taught me to value my life more, and the lives of those I hold dear. Here today, gone tomorrow — such is the tragedy of life. I learned to be grateful for the simple things in life: the love of my soulmate Mark, my family, and my dear friends, and sharing quality time, cherishing moments that will last forever. And everything else can fade away in the darkness or hum away in the background. And my top truisms for the year would be “Stay in the here and now,” “Live and let live,” and as Oscar Wilde said, “The rarest thing in the world is to live, most people exist. That is all.” And if you can do a little good along the way, the smallest act of kindness could be another one’s miracle or answered prayer.

Lastly, in the spirit of the “holidaze,” a simple lesson I’ve also learned but need a bit more practice with: “Every sip counts but every slip counts harder.” So watch your step! Cheers!

Atty. Argee Guevara

1. There is no shame in dating women in their 30s. They can pay for their dinner, their drinks, their LVs and their own ticket to Bali.

2. I got it all wrong with all the women I tried to love. All this time, I thought they were only interested in my body and my money — neither of which I have. I’ve lately learned that brains can serve as a sexy alternative. Just think green. Ganun.

3. Thanks to P-Noy’s open-minded administration, I’ve learned that is it no longer life-threatening to openly admit that I am a socialist. Anyway, I don’t live and behave like one, strangers don’t give a hoot, my friends disbelieve it and my enemies could die laughing hearing me say it!

4. Never attempt to educate nephews and nieces, or kids for that matter, about the law. At the slightest hint of enforcing discipline, they cry, “Child abuse!”

5. GM diet. It works.

Paul Henson, journalist, TV executive producer

This year was filled with highs and lows. God doesn’t always give us what we want, but it takes an open heart and spirit to allow better blessings to come in. Often, it is when we think less of ourselves, and more of what we can do in humble service to others, to our community or to our country, that the unexpected and truly gratifying surprises start pouring in.

Rep. Ryan Singson, First District, Ilocos Sur

This year has been a blessed year for my family and me. It made me realize the value of my life, my wife Patch, daughter (future children) and my constituents. I believe I’m blessed with a loving family and supportive constituents that’s why I work hard for them and am physically present to answer their needs in return. Their trust builds and motivates me to do better and strive harder for a better future.

Atty. Tranquil Savador

Lessons learned in 2012: First, the Filipinos have an exceptional ability to learn regardless of social class, educational attainment, or level of literacy. For as long as you make a patient effort to educate the Filipino, the Filipino can develop a critical objective and discerning mind. Second, the Filipino can easily identify political, social and economic issues of independent personalities.

Third, there is a strong public clamor for genuine change grounded on responsible leadership and responsible citizenship. Fourth, dengue fever is fatal if not clinically supervised and managed. Dengue fever is no longer seasonal but can be contracted at anytime of the year. The government should not only promote measures to prevent dengue from spreading, but also clinical measures to manage the illness of the suffering patient  — in effect, saving numerous lives.