What has the past year taught you?
Learning should not be limited to the classroom. As we go through life, there is so much to learn from, not only in happy times, but also in every pain we experience and every failure we go through. Even if at times it is hard to figure out the lessons being taught to us, most especially during our lowest moments, we should keep our minds and our hearts open so we can figure out the lessons we can learn it with a grateful heart!
Len Nepumuceno, vice-president, Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines
I have learned that you can start a new life no matter where you are. It may be hard at the beginning, but with the guidance of God and support of your loved ones, everything can come your way. There are things that you sacrifice, like work and the simple pleasures that you are used to, and thinking of how you’re going to make it, but at the end of the day, you just learn to appreciate what you already have, and start from there. The choices we make are all about sacrifices, hope and faith. I have always been optimistic about life, and I knew I would make it, no matter where I go. As the saying goes, “Am I willing to live a few years of my life like many people won’t, so I can spend the rest of my life like many people can’t?
Joanna Preysler Francisco, owner of Tint, Carbon, & Joanna Preysler boutiques
I have learned that nothing should matter more than my husband and children. As we all get busier and the kids are growing up (faster than I would like), I have learned that I really have to be selective with where I spend my time, as they have to be my priority. Most of all, I have learned that I still have so much to learn! My self-improvement and growth are tied in with my sense of purpose and self-respect, so I have learned to invest in improving myself and growing as a person.
Coney Reyes, actress, TV host, producer
Doubt and unbelief gets in the way of faith! I have learned that we can expect great things from God but we should not dictate the way God will do things! We have to let God be God! He knows what’s best for us — always!
Marina Abad Santos Benipayo, professional model, image development consultant and SoFA instructor.
I have learned that fear cripples; but pushing forward, in spite of that fear, enables.
Trisha B. Valenzuela, businesswoman
I learned that life is not that easy at all. For 23 years of marriage, I have been the head of the family. I may sound like I’m complaining a bit, yet I can say that I am happy, even if I need to work like a horse.
RG Cruz, ABS-CBN political journalist
I have learned that it’s always best to get offline from social media whenever you’re most emotional over a trending topic. It is always in anger or extreme sadness that we post stuff that later makes us go, “Ugh!†about ourselves. I have learned that in life, the battles hardest to fight are always the ones that win the wars. They always turn out to be the worthiest. I have learned that one never goes searching for love. Love finds you at the right place, right time and with the right person. I have learned that everything always works out for the best. All the time, no matter how much it doesn’t seem like it sometimes. I have learned that nation building can never be accomplished by any single president alone, but by a succession of good presidents carefully chosen by the people.
Alex Santos, radio and TV Host
I’ve learned that a simple gesture, like when you smile and greet people, especially in the morning, makes the receiver feel that he or she is loved, received and accepted.
Anton San Diego, editor in chief, Philippine Tatler
I have learned that it often takes a painful experience to truly learn from life — like a child touching a hot plate even after being cautioned not to do so. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way before anything is forever etched in your mind. One of the lessons I painfully learned in 2012 was to not be attached to material possessions, dreams, people, finances, etc. I have realized that things or individuals are never mine to begin with, that I am just a steward of them. I cannot control or hold on to anything in this world. God has a perfect plan and I just need to trust in Him more, do my best and learn to let go. Although my dream has been lost forever, I relive the best of those moments and experiences and move on!
Sigalit Djemal, businesswoman
I have learned to not take life for granted. Enjoy life, appreciate good moments and memories and be good. It always feels good to be good to people you love and who love you!
