As the famous line by English Poet John Donne says, “No man is an island entire from itself.†Each one of us is connected with each other and each one of us in one way or another knowing or unknowingly have surely changed another person’s life in a positive way. It would be such a lonely life if one lived for oneself and not for others. Being able to touch others in a positive way will always bring back good vibes and good karma. As a mom and being in a family of public servants, I teach my children to always do good, be kind specially to those in need and keep in mind the golden rule: Never do things that they would ever want to be done to them. Doing something positive to others, being a blessing to someone will always put us in that happy and peaceful state which is what we all strive to be in our lives.
Loi Concepcion-de Guzman, AVP, Marketing Services Division, Volvo Philippines
I try to live a life that I can be proud of. They say that you lead by example and through little deeds, I want to be a ray of hope that will touch others. Home is the closest place to cultivate a positive attitude and we try to be a good example to our daughter as much as we can. It’s a bit of a challenge to stay bright and sunny all the time but positive thoughts turn to positive actions so I try to find something to smile about every day.
Melody del Rosario, VP Corporate Communications, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation
Apart from handling public relations and corporate communications, heading the MPIC foundation has created a very fulfilling role for me to enact on the vision of MPIC in social initiatives relating to education, entrepreneurship and environmental awareness and thus being able to communicate and increasingly engage our publics, stakeholders and communities. One specific example is Shore it Up, a relevant environmental campaign among coastal communities that has grown in leaps and bounds through the involvement of the MVP group of companies, local government units, multi-sectoral organizations and academic institutions, and which has provided sustainable and long-term commitments in the coastal areas it has engaged over the past five years.
Cecilia Ang, assistant vice president, marketing, SM Mall of Asia
I live life to the fullest, embracing every twists and turns, pushing myself to succeed...and in this journey, the knowledge & experiences I have learned are passed on and shared to the those I am privileged enough to meet and affect in this lifetime.
Derek Ramsay, actor
I give them respect.
Ryan Cayabyab, musician/composer
I teach. I impart my knowledge in creating music. If the younger generation of musicians have the tools to become better creators or music inventors, not only will their lives change but their creations will benefit a new generation of Filipinos, instilling in them national identity and pride.
Esther O. Santos, president, PLDT-Smart Foundation
I think that investing in education (with a focus on effective student learning) and Entrepreneurs (because they build the economy) can positively change our people’s lives. They are not quick solutions but they bring real long-term impact.
Jude Turcuato, SVP-territory head, FOX International Channels
Make people realize their true talents and be able to use them and hone them to the best of their abilities
Charibelle D. Morados, country media manager, Procter & Gamble
I live by the saying that one needs to “Be the change that you want to see.†At work, I subscribe to media vehicles most relevant to our consumers so I can convince our marketing teams to tailor their brand messages and utilize the right media platforms to better communicate with their consumers. Outside of work, I engage in multisport activities and train regularly because I want to inspire and influence the people around me to make time to live a more active and healthy life. And in life in general, I smile, laugh and love more if I want people to do the same.
Cheryl Cosim, broadcaster
As broadcasters, we’re in a good position to effect positive change in people’s lives. We have opportunities to join relief operations when tragedy strikes, and to do other volunteer work as needed. This in itself is fulfilling because I am able to directly help, but also, when I engage in these activities in front of the camera, this hopefully encourages other people to be generous and effect change as well. What I focus on, however, is trying to live a giving life, on or off camera. It’s not always easy, but I do my best to make the people around me feel my love and compassion — my family, friends, colleagues, and other people whose lives I can touch. Concretely, this means I give them my time, my effort, and whatever resources I can afford to help them out in whatever way I can.
I am glad to have the chance to do some good in people’s lives through hosting public service shows, and being an ambassador for a worthy cause. But the real challenge for me is to live life day to day in a kind and compassionate manner, so that I can do my little bit to make this a gentler, more loving world. To borrow heavily from a popular quote that’s been attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, I am trying my darnedest best to be the change that I wish to see in the world. If I become it, then maybe one day I will see it.