If your life were a book…

We all go through different moments in our lives. Each new day, month and year that comes and goes fills our hearts with lots of stories we can pass on to our family and loved ones. These stories are like chapters in our lives that can fill a book with happy memories and lessons we can learn from.

Read on as some personalities share their thoughts on the chapters that make up the book of their lives and what they’d call it.

Senator Manny Pacquiao, world boxing champion

If my life were a book, I’d probably be at a chapter that I would call “Fighting New Battles.” I have proven my worth as a world-class boxer, but I feel equally challenged with my new responsibilities as a public servant, and I am now doing my best to take up the cudgels for my countrymen and for those who deserve justice. Despite having worked hard to make my lifelong dream a reality, I feel that I have a more compelling mission to fulfill, and I hope that other people will feel inspired to do the same.

Avel Bacudio, fashion designer

I am in a chapter where I am grateful for the comforts of life, for the things I have learned, both with every hardship I endured as well as the triumphs. Of course, life continues to test me, to throw curve balls all over the place but it is because of this and all the lessons that my life has grown better and better. This chapter is full of adventures, risks to be taken, lessons learned and really, really wonderful people (I give serious thanks to them). I have faith that everything that is happening in this chapter is an opportunity to propel me forward. There is so much more in my book — more learning, more growing, more opportunity to rise to the occasion, more experiences, more character chiseling (and a whole lot of other indefineables — all in the pursuit of living my best life.

Diether Ocampo, actor

The closest I can think of would probably be “Comeback.” I never really left. I just deserved time for myself. I just had to do something that I should’ve done earlier. I don’t think reinvention is the right word. “Evolve” would be an understatement. Because I think everyone is constantly growing, and one has to be very aware of that growth, otherwise you won’t know what exactly happened from this point to where you are. When you’re growing, you have to make use of whatever knowledge you have. So, now that I’m back, I want to make sure I do what I want to do. I can put it this way: we all have time that we get to stay in slumber. So, at some point you awake and have to do something — get up, get involved.

Bianca King, actress

I could call it “Starting Over.” After taking a temporary hiatus, I’m very lucky to have been given another chance at my showbiz career when ABS-CBN offered me this really great role for their new teleserye, Pusong Ligaw. And now that I’m back, I’m so grateful for so many wonderful blessings, challenges and opportunities. In hindsight, there’s so much wisdom to be learned from allowing life to unfold at its own pace, devoid of ego and desire.

Ara Blanco Dabao, student

I’d be at chapter 4 — “Searching.” At this point in my life, I don’t really know what career I want yet and there are still a lot of things I want to learn about myself. I still want to travel a lot and meet different people.

Ambassador Mario de Leon, assistant secretary for Financial Management Services, DFA

If my life were a book, it would now be in the denouement part.  I have faced challenges in my relationships and career. But this time. I believe I have found my real purpose in life, which is to serve one’s fellowmen by constantly working for the common good.

Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica, 4th District, Bulacan

If my life were a book, I feel I am now in its concluding chapter entitled “Unexpected Gift.”  A late bloomer in the field of public service, fulfilled but still going strong, I would rather leave to my constituents several alternative endings for them to pick how best to end my life story.

Alliah Dimaporo Cimafrancia, former congresswoman/businesswoman

“Embracing Life.” At this point in my life, I’m diversifying. As a consultant, I’ve taken on different projects to expand my skill set and test my abilities in varying arenas — arts and culture, business, agriculture, political organization, social development, and others. I’m meeting more people, making new friends, seeing different places, sharing ideas, and enjoying each moment. Life is a learning process best lived when embraced.

Ana Amigo Antonio, businesswoman

My chapter title would be “The Blessing of Borrowed Time.” At this chapter of my life, I would be towards the end of my first book and looking forward to the sequel. And because I went through such a life-altering experience, my outlook on life is unique because I see it with a rebirth of my appreciation for the important and essential aspects of life — love, family, friends and relationships and true happiness are of greatest importance.  The journey the world seems to impose like wealth, status and material possessions are important but secondary to the real treasures our hearts should hold.