As we grow older, we become more appreciative of time well spent with family and close friends. As we move on to the future, we aim to make more and more beautiful moments with our loved ones, moments that we can look back to, moments with happy stories that can be shared with everyone. They say a convenient memory is a powerful thing. Do not train your brain to see the negative; teach it to see the positive. In the end, having positive thoughts and beautiful memories will make one’s life a happier one.
Read on as personalities share their best beautiful moments.
Dr. Joven Cuanang
My most memorable moment was when I renewed my oath to Hippocrates, as a physician, in the temple of Aesculapius, God of Medicine on the island of Cos in Greece.
Isay Alvarez Sena, actress
Going up to Mt. Kitepan in Sagada was quite a beautiful moment or time in my life. Robert (Sena) and I went there to catch the sunrise. I never realized that seeing the sun slowly coming out from the dark skies was like seeing the face of God. I was trying to capture it using my camera. But tears were rolling down so I just stopped. I praised and thank God for His creation and for allowing me to experience it.
Dr. Hayden Kho Jr.
The most beautiful moment in my life would have to be that moment when, after having accepted Christ as my Savior and my Lord, my life began to move towards the right direction. It’s as beautiful and touching as that moment when a prisoner who hasn’t seen his own face for decades finally takes hold of a mirror and sees himself once again for the first time. Christ revealed to me who I really am and made me into a new creation, with a new purpose and a new direction.
Karel Marquez Santos, TV personality and businesswoman
My most beautiful moment is when I share with the world the real me. Mind to mind. Skin to skin. I learned not to care whether they would appreciate me or not — as long as I was 100-percent real and happy. If people try to deny it, ruin it, hate it or love it, it won’t change the fact that this, honestly, is what makes me who I am and shine. You can’t fake what is real, after all. When you’re beautiful inside, the rest will follow.
Giorgio Umali, Kia Motors, PBA player
Nothing beats the thrill of being appreciated and recognized for my athletic abilities, and my being drafted to the best pro basketball league in the Philippines for the very first time is definitely a very memorable moment for me.
Chris Banchero, Alaska Aces, PBA player
Being chosen as the number five pick in the recently concluded 2014 PBA Draft was definitely a memorable moment for me. All the training and hard work paid off, and it’s both an honor and privilege to play in the PBA and be part of sports history.
Cecilia “Iya” Guingona
Lagdameo, director, Plana Forma; owner, Iya’s Jumbo Pastillas
Ironic as it may sound, my most beautiful moment was right after my second child was born. Very different from the first in the sense that you know what’s coming and you are better prepared. I was able to appreciate the whole process of bringing life into this world with more maturity than the first. The beauty in being that instrument — no words can express. I’m sure other mothers out there can relate.
Cyrene Dela Rosa, food columnist, Chowbuzz at Interaction TV 5
There are two best moments in my life.
First was meeting Pope John Paul II in a Mass he officiated in the Vatican, circa 1997. We were invited to the Mass by one of his monsignor aides then, Monsignor Paul Gallagher, who used to be based in Manila and a former tennis buddy.
Second was being able to watch the whole Beijing Olympic Games live as the project manager of the Official Broadcaster of the Olympic Games in the Philippines (Solar Entertainment Network). I was in tears five minutes into the opening ceremony, while watching in the International Olympic Family Box, less than 20 seats away from all the world leaders and presidents that were seated in the box right beside us. I also saw my tennis idol Rafa Nadal in action, plus my numero uno crush David Beckham in person at the closing ceremony.
Carmen Jimenez Ong, founding partner, B+B Studio, Philippines; managing director, Menarco Dev’t. Corp.
Feeling overwhelmed with the multiple demands of life, I left Manila for a quick breather — seeking balance — wondering where God was, asking for a sign of His goodness to strengthen me and let me know that my perceived hardship was just for a season. While taking a walk along a path to clear my mind, I chanced upon this magical, perfectly imperfect, peacock feather. I breathed better knowing that He was and is watching over me. This life and this world is so beautiful — we just sometimes have to stop, get out of the rut and take time to find our feathers to help lighten the load.
Dennis Lustico, fashion designer
There are a lot of treasured and memorable moments in the past but I would like to mention the most recent one. Oct. 12, 2010, Red Cross Ball and my first fashion gala. A fervent wish came true on that special night. We worked for three months to come up with a 45-piece collection and the show was done in 30 minutes. I remember the night but I remember more what I gave up to thank God for that special gift. I stopped smoking because that was what I promised and I’m keeping it up until now.