What are you most afraid of?

MANILA, Philippines - The recent onslaught of calamities caused heartbreak and losses for millions of fellow Filipinos. But every storm has a silver lining, and this one brought out heroes and the bayanihan spirit among us. Basketball, too, has developed athletes who keep on going, and who have enough heart to win it all. The Spirit Questors have also been dealing with criminal cases and the paranormal for more than a decade. This Halloween, we turn the tables and ask these brave people of recent days what they’re most afraid of.   

“I’m most afraid of losing everyone I love. If it was in one fell swoop, that would be worse. We’re all going to die someday but obviously, life would be unbearable without those I love.” — Lia Cruz, host and sports reporter

“Dead animals and ghosts. Dead animals phobia siguro, mahilig ako sa hayop, nung bata pa ko. Di kaya ng kapatid ko, so ako naghahanap kung saan sila pwede mag-decompose. Kaya kapag nakakakita ako ng dead animals, ‘di ko kaya. Animals are helpless, and they can only protect themselves from people but they can’t save themselves from calamities. Ghosts (also), kasi ‘di ko talaga kaya makakita ng ghosts.” — Johanna Buenavente, student; volunteer, Philippine Animal Welfare Society

“Natural disasters. Because it doesn’t spare anyone, whether you’re rich or poor, and it can hit anyone without warning.” — Elsa Pamandanan, student; volunteer, Megatent

“I’m afraid to be alone. I guess nobody wants to be alone in the world.” — Joseph Perez, entrepreneur; volunteer, Megatent

“I’m afraid for the current state of animal welfare in the Philippines. If we’re talking with regard to what recently happened, animals are silent victims. They have a right to be rescued. I think animal shelters are working hard but they don’t have enough resources so I think there should be more awareness.” — Claire Pamandanan, housewife; volunteer, Megatent

“Large, life-size statues of saints, because they seem to move. If you’re going to pass by them, they seem to step down and (are about) to strangle you. The irony behind it is, sacristan ako before.” — Ian Opeña, product head, Spirit Questor

“Dying unhappy. You didn’t take the opportunity that life gave you. Of having regrets.” — Juno Olimpo, television creative, Spirit Questor

“As a mother, it’s that I won’t be able to give what my kids want. And that my kids might become materialistic, and lose their simplicity.” — Chiqui Martinez, school directress, Spirit Questor

“I’m scared of snakes!” — Jai Reyes, student-athlete, Ateneo, 2009 UAAP Men’s Basketball Champion