What’s your advice to the next generation?

As toddlers, we depended on our parents for everything. As teens, we became a bit adventurous but still wary of our actions. College gave us the confidence to conquer the world, making us feel like adults — graduation is when we are faced with choices on the paths we want to take. Looking back at my experiences and from where I sit now, my constant advice to my three children, who are now in their teens, is to pursue their passions and follow their dreams. If you love what you’re doing, everything becomes easy and time flies so fast.

Lately, I’ve been enjoying listening to my parents and their friends’ stories about life, which made me realize that there is still so much to learn from them. Read on as some personalities share with us lessons they would like to impart to the next generation.

Susan Joven, president, Visions and Expressions Inc. 

Love your family passionately. Treat everyone compassionately. Live  happily inexcusably.

Stella Quimbo,professor, UP School of Economics, 2009 outstanding young scientist and 2010 TOWNS awardee

Be humble. Success can be fleeting, so don’t let it get to your head. No one has a monopoly over the truth, so listen to others and respect their beliefs. Learning something you don’t know should be fun, so laugh at your mistakes but at least attempt never to repeat them.

Maria V. Montelibano, executive director, Edsa People Power Commission

You are the generation that will change the wrongs we did and will build on the good we accomplished. Keep your motherland in the center of your heart. Recognize the good in every Filipino. It is God’s will that you are Filipino, honor Him by loving our land and people, especially those who need you most.

Kitchie Benedicto-

Paulino, chairman/CEO, KB Entertainment Unlimited Inc.

Be nice to the people you meet on your way up because they will be the same people you will meet on your way down. This was one of the lessons I learned from my father, the late Ambassador Roberto S. Benedicto.

Ambassador Mario de Leon Jr., Philippine Consulate, New York

It’s important that you have a passion in life. Do not be afraid to take risks and never regret any decision you make.

Nadia Montenegro, actress

1. Pray. Believe. Stand in faith.

2. Be professional and love what you do.

3. Do not compromise.

Bambina Olivares, businesswoman

With the passing of Maya Angelou, it seems fitting to honor her by imparting her words to my children as a guide to living: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.”

Mia Pascual-Cenzon, director, Design Services and Corporate Communications, Pascual Laboratories Inc.

Raising children in the digital age and in a consumerist society is quite challenging. I am glad, however, to have had such good role models in my parents, who have taught me lessons that I hope to instill in my daughter as well.  First and foremost is to love God, and to always put Him at the center. Second is to respect herself, and to respect and be considerate of others, no matter what their station in life.Third is to always be humble and grateful for blessings and opportunities, and to not take things, and life in general, for granted. Lastly, it’s to be a life-long learner — to open herself up to new experiences, to be curious, and to not be fearful of making mistakes.  

Katrina Ponce Enrile, president & CEO, JAKA Group of Companies

Try to learn as early in your life as possible that to be truly happy, you must have peace and to have peace, you must start detaching yourselves from the material world. That having less is really having more. And for them to know what matters in life is their health, their family. A life they can manage on their own. They will possibly have a few real friends who they need not impress. And that they should be able to give to others whatever blessings they can extend. Everything else is just noise and distractions from the what is essential to live a happy and content life.

Margie Penson Juico, former PCSO chair

Be aware, involved and responsible! Our role on earth is to please God, not man! How much of what God has given you will you give back to Him? Work hard. Be nice to people especially the poor and powerless and amazing things will happen to you.  When people humiliate you, do not revenge as God’s vengeance will be upon him.