What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

“Good morning” is not just a greeting, it’s an action and a belief to live the entire day well. Morning is the time when you set the tone for the rest of the day. Set it right!— Fain Blake

Mornings in the past for me started when, upon waking up, I would hurriedly say a very short prayer in bed, go on with my daily rituals and off to my appointments for the day. It’s a routine that kept me busy but left me so exhausted at the end of the day that at times I felt empty in my heart.

This went on for years and years until I met Sister Bubbles Bandojo of the Cenacle Sisters. She shared with me how she starts her day, which was to light a candle in her room, say her prayer and thanks, offer the next hours of her day to our Lord. I never thought I would be able to do it, being a very hyper person, and keeping still even for a few minutes was hard to do. But surprisingly after a few days of meditating and praying, I found myself happy, waking up every morning, going to the altar in our family room, lighting a candle, and communicating and listening to our Lord. It has been a wonderful experience since then, giving my mornings, my days and my life immense joy and happiness! Starting our mornings right will never fail to make our day as close to perfect as can be!

Senator Loren Legarda

I thank the Lord for the day, whether it’s sunny or raining. I thank him for a good night’s sleep and for being awake and pray for my loved ones. There are many people who cannot sleep or never wake up anymore. So waking up each day is a miracle itself.

Patrice Ramos Diaz, fashion designer

I start my day with a gratitude prayer. I did a 21-day gratitude meditation program online a few months back, and since then, I have been practicing gratitude meditations and prayers to start my day. To see the world with a grateful heart no matter what my circumstance helps give me a positive mindset and a warm friendly disposition throughout the day.

Dr. Vicki Belo

I’ve always prayed first thing in the morning. It used to be a rosary but now I’m trying to make it more personal in my own words. Usually a prayer of thanksgiving for all my blessings.

Michelle Pamintuan

I start my day by drinking a liter of lemon water, which is really good for your health, because it flushes out all the toxins, before I eat anything. Afterwards, I listen to some Christian/worship music, read some Bible verses and pray. I always feel the need to align with God before I can do anything. I then get ready then walk to the office.

Angela M. Arroyo, housewife

I start my day by saying my prayers from the prayer book. Straight from the heart and while having my morning cup of coffee.

Joanna Cabangon, housewife

I usually start my day with a glass of warm water with half a lemon and a short prayer of thanks.  But then again I am not really a morning person, so I’m usually rushing off to either work, duty in my son’s school, my workout or lunch with my beautiful girlfriends, depending on which day of the week it is.  

Babette Aquino Benoit

I normally wake up between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. I take a simple breakfast — crepe with butter and sugar, two cups of espresso, and vitamins prescribed by our favorite Dr. Rex. After breakfast I go to my prayer closet for at least 30 minutes to an hour to meet and thank God for His love, grace and mercy, and offering my plans for the day. About 10:30 a.m. I check my mails and make my calls. Around 11:30 a.m., I get ready for lunch with friends or with my husband Paul.

Jove Francisco, TV5 senior correspondent, Pilipinas News, and Balitang 60 anchor

Gone are the days when I started my day reading newspapers while planning for my coverage. Nowadays, I surf the Net before I sleep (around 2 a.m.) to check the online editions of newspapers. This allows me to spend my mornings checking on the reactions of netizens on the biggest stories that were mentioned on TV, radio and broadsheets. Knowing how most people feel about issues helps journos like me pursue follow-up stories.

Laila Chikadora, reporter, TV 5

No matter how ngarag I am, I start my day with a prayer. Sometimes I pray while in the shower. I try to stay quiet for a few minutes in bed and say thank you for another day and also ask for guidance. I condition my mind by singing, Make Me a Servant,  which also gets the good vibes rolling.

Giselle Töngi-Walters, producer The Basco Balikbayan Project

I start my day with a nice long stretch. It just helps me release my energy and gets my mind and body ready for the day to come. I set positive intentions every morning when I stretch too!

Mandy dela Rama Santos, garments manufacturer and retailer

I start my day by giving my daughter Solenne a big hug, kiss and tell her I love her. It’s all uphill from there.