Never, ever quit

Dear Ask Nanay readers,

We started “Ask Nanay” on Jan. 1, 2007.  That was more than six and a half years ago!  Wow.  Indeed time flies when you are having fun.

Today, hundreds of letters and replies later, we are in 2013 and I am about to reach my 90th birthday.  Although I am not retiring from my day-to-day job in the office, I felt that the time was right to retire my career as a writer and journalist.

I would like to thank everyone at the Philippine STAR — especially Miguel and Isaac Belmonte and my editor Millet Mananquil — for having faith in me and proving that you are never too old to start something new.  Isipin ninyo (Think about it)  I was 83 when I started writing this column!  Instead of retiring, I was actually starting a new career.  And what a fulfilling career it was!

I also want to thank everyone in my office for helping me meet my deadlines every week.  Alam naman ninyo hindi ko naiintindihan iyang mga e-mail at computer na iyan (You know, I don’t understand anything about e-mail). So my secretary is the one that needs to send and receive e-mails for me.

But most of all, I would like to thank all of you readers who followed this column for the past six years. Thank you to those who shared their problems and to those who offered their advice.  To those who opened up their lives so others may learn and to those who have offered their help. 

As you know, we tried to make this column as “interactive” as possible.  To try and get the readers involved by printing not only your questions but also your replies and suggestions. This column is as much mine as it is yours. Thank you.

Finally, I would like to leave all of you with a few pieces of advice that I have said many, many times in this column.  Over the past years, I have found that these “general” thoughts are effective solutions to most problems people face.

1. Communicate.  If you have a problem with someone, talk to them.  Nicely.  Humbly.  And most importantly, with a genuine intent to resolve the problem.  Huwag ka makipagaway (Don’t fight).

2. It is never too late.  Whether you want to start a new career (look at me!) or you want to say sorry.  Remember that it is never too late.

3. Read.  If you have nothing to do, read a newspaper, a magazine or a book.  But read.  It will help your mind and I guarantee you will always learn something new.  Remember that you should read more, know more and earn more.

4. And perhaps most importantly, something that has been the mantra of my life: never quit.  Never, ever quit.  You have to keep trying and you have to keep pushing forward.  Sipag at tiyaga (hard work and perseverance). That is the key to success in anything!

Once again, it has been a fantastic journey that I never could have imagined I would ever take.  Maraming salamat po sa inyo at mabuhay tayong lahat!

Sincerely,

Nanay

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If you have a question, email us at asknanay@nationalbookstore.com.ph or just drop your letter at drop boxes in all National Book Store branches nationwide.