383 quotes found
"To succeed in life, it is important to build good relationships in your professional and personal life. Being open, positive, honest and sincere — help establish trust and rapport with your patients and their families. Always stay humble and grateful."
"To me, he was more than a father. He was a role model, a confidant, a teacher. His wisdom was never forced, but gently offered, always at the right time and always with kindness. He taught me the value of hard work, the importance of kindness, and the power of a good heart"
"No structure is too grand, or task too difficult. No dream is out of reach."
"When you give, you give from the heart. Otherwise, it’s a waste."
"Kahit yung mga failures, opportunity rin yun sa bagong magkaroon ng bagong opportunity sa lahat. [Even failures are also opportunities for new opportunities to come.]"
"Construction and development are as much about precision and heavy duty as they are about passion and heart."
"Ordinary woman lang ako. Ba’t nabigyan ng extraordinary opportunity? Bakit naman ako kailangan maging mayabang? Lahat tayo same eh. Wala naman Karen, lahat tayo equal. [I’m just an ordinary woman. Why was I given this extraordinary opportunity? Why should I be arrogant? We’re all the same. Nothing special, Karen, we’re all equal.]"
"I admire things like mountains and flowers, which only God can create. We can build bridges and buildings but only God can build a soft petal."
"This was an extraordinary opportunity to help others. I’m taking that opportunity as a blessing."
"I’ve always wanted to build a city where the standard of living for residents is above average, a city within a city that looks and feels like Singapore, where life isn’t perfect but the quality of life sets a standard in the Philippines."
"I’m very hands-on with my projects and personally visit the sites. I often meet with my clients, my engineers, and my staff in the afternoon as well, but I always make sure to be home for dinner with my family."
"I feel more fulfilled after I have accomplished something during difficult times. Challenges are really enablers for me."
"The nation was awakened by that deafening shot."
"I am not embarrassed to tell you that I believe in miracles."
"By the grace of God and the unshakeable faith of the Filipino people, I am confident we shall pull through."
"In giving, we receive; in losing, we find; and out of defeat, we snatched our victory."
"With malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness in the rights as God gives us to see the rights, let us finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and for his orphans, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
"As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it. That is my contract with my people and my commitment to God."
"None of the good that we do is ever lost; not even the light in an empty room is wasted."
"I believed that nowhere could you find more effective cures for the ills of our country — such as the habit of oppression, the inclination to corruption, betrayal of the public interest — than in the blessings of democracy: freedom; rights; transparent dealings; and a government of the people by the people themselves."
"Let us rather be grateful to the nation and to the historical moment for the privilege we had of being heroes."
"I don´t know anything about the presidency."
"During Ninoy´s incarceration and before my presidency, I used to ask why it had always to be us to make the sacrifice. And then, when Ninoy died, I would say, ´Why does it have to be me now?´It seemed like we were always the sacrificial lamb."
"For the first time in the history of the world, a civilian population has been called to defend the military."
"People used to compare me to the ideal president, but he doesn´t exist and never existed. He has never lived."
"I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life."
"I firmly believe in the freedom of the press. And I accept the criticisms poured on me, painful as they are, as part and parcel of the hazards of public service, and conducive to its honest performance."
"It is my aim to add the distinction of shepherding our democracy through its first political succession, by clean and peaceful elections."
"While my power as president ends in 1992, my responsibility as a Filipino for the well-being of my country goes beyond it to my grave. A great part of that responsibility is to do the best I can today, according to my best lights, while I have the power to do it."
"Government often had to do what pressing realities compelled it. And if the government sometimes lacked better choices, it never lacked the sincere desire to do good."
"As President, I have never prayed for anything for myself; only for our people."
"I hope that history will judge me as favorably as our people still regard me because, as God is my witness, I honestly did the best I could. No more can be asked of any man."
"This is the glory of democracy, that its most solemn moment should be the peaceful transfer of power."
"Gratitude is a virtue because we choose to celebrate rather than to resent."
"Every moment is sacred."
"The first thing I thought of was my family. I thought, will I ever see them again? All I could do was pray and surrender them to God."
"The whole experience really changed the way I looked at life and death. And the way I look at family and everything, they are like precious gifts. And it’s a second life, so you will really appreciate it more. Now, I know what salvation really means."
"I think I’m the perfect example of someone who lives in the moment."
"I like being able to play with colors, choosing which shades to use. I find it relaxes me, but the easiest thing is just going to my center, and breathing in and breathing out."
"It’s really about learning to prioritize. So far, I’ve been doing what I want to do. I went back to studying piano, giving recitals—things I had given up for a long time."
"I have said this before, and I will say it again: All things work for good to those who love God."
"I may not be a genius, but my opponents are certifiable idiots."
"I eat death threats for breakfast."
"Maybe they will be happy because on one hand I might die and then they could get rid of me. But on the other hand, I might survive and then I will get rid of them."
"This is goodbye. I shall not importune you any longer. I shall fade into the night like Batman."
"Stop molesting me, you mongoloids!"
"Eat, blank, and die.”"
"I will never quit! I will never stop! I will never withdraw!""
"This man, contrary to logic and common sense, hopes to evade criminal prosecution and public outrage over his plunder, by resurrecting campaign dirt against me which are over 21 years old!”"
"Discombobulated moral retardates!"
"No, I don’t want to watch these clowns. I die a thousand deaths every time a corrupt politician appears”"
"Entering politics is a fate worse than death."
"Why are we so poor? Everybody wants to have the money of the government in his own pocket."
"We are rich in natural resources, we are rich in people resources. And yet we hear from analysts and economists we are the poorest in Asia."
"What our country needs is a sense of shared destiny."
"My only purpose is to serve out the rest of my life."
"Sometimes a joke is much better than a punch line because it illumines the situation, gives you a worldview of the situation taking place in our country."
"You have to communicate in a certain way. You don't just enter social media for your own benefit."
"“Not just academic learning, but learning from people as well… Never stop learning.”"
"“Always remember that you’re doing this not for yourself, but for the greater number of people.”"
"In Filipino: “Kailangan i-keep mo ‘yung humility mo palagi. Kailangan nakatapak sa lupa kasi walang isang taong may monopolyo sa lahat ng talento sa mundo.” In English: “You need to always keep your humility. You have to stay grounded, because no single person has a monopoly on all the talent in the world.”"
"In Filipino: “Hindi ka lang maiintindihan ngayon pero darating ‘yung panahon na mahahanap mo ‘yung boses mo... Siguro now is not your time pero that doesn’t mean you should quit.” In English: “You may not be understood right now, but there will come a time when you will find your voice... Maybe this is not your time yet, but that doesn’t mean you should quit.”"
"In Filipino: “Mag-a-align lahat ng stars in the universe para ibigay sa ‘yo kung ano ‘yung nararapat na para sa ‘yo. And kahit walang nakikinig, magkwento ka pa rin nang magkwento.” In English: “All the stars in the universe will align to give you what is meant for you. And even if no one is listening, keep telling your story.”"
"In Filipino: “Ang Pagtatapos ay Isang Pagsisimula.” In English: “The ending is a beginning.”"
"In Filipino: "Kung gusto mong humaba ang buhay ng iyong talento, ang buhay ng iyong kaalaman, matuto kang magturo sa mga tao kasi habang buhay ang mga taong naturuan at natulungan mo, buhay din ang alaala mo. It’s not just about yourself, it’s about giving a part of yourself to others." In English: “If you want your talent and knowledge to have a long life, learn to teach others, because as long as the people you have taught and helped are alive, your memory lives on as well. It’s not just about yourself; it’s about giving a part of yourself to others.”"
"In Filipino: “Ang mabigat ay gumagaan, kapag marami ang pumapasan.” In English: "The heavy becomes light, when many bear it.""
"In Filipino: “Ang nakasanayan ay hindi laging tama. Huwag tayong masanay sa mali. Masanay tayo sa tama.” In English: “What we are used to is not always right. Let us not get used to what is wrong. Let us get used to what is right.”"
"In Filipino: “'Pag mas simple, mas sinsero. Wala masyadong palabok. Wala masyadong arte. Wala masyadong gimik.” In English: “The simpler it is, the more sincere it becomes. There’s no unnecessary embellishment. No excessive flair. No gimmicks.”"
"“I hope all the corrupt people in the Philippines die.”"
"I will be forever grateful for you taking the chance on me when nobody else wanted to take a chance on me."
"Thank you for allowing me to tell stories and thank you for allowing me to use these stories to help more people in the Philippines."
"That’s the mark of true service—we tell stories not for ourselves but for others."
"Sana mamatay ang mga kurakot sa bansang Pilipinas."
"Minsan may mga taong ibibigay 'yung mundo na bibigyan ka talaga ng chance."
"Ang success para sa akin is happiness and contentment, and ’yung nakakapagpasaya ka ng ibang tao."
"Isa akong mikropono sa mga taong walang boses o mahina ang boses."
"Pag mas simple, mas sinsero. Wala masyadong palabok. Wala masyadong arte. Walang masyadong gimik."
"Doon ko narealize na ‘Ay, ito ang calling ko’, doing stories about people living in the remote communities and showing kung gaano sila katatag."
"Gumawa ka ng maganda ngayon, gawa ka ng mas maganda bukas."
"Kapag maligaya ka, that’s when you’re the most successful."
"Isa akong tulay sa mga taong hindi naaabot ng kalsada."
"They destroyed my life. That’s why I’m going to rebuild my life now. They destroyed or ruined my name, my reputation. Now that I’m free, I’m going to work hard to redeem my name, and complete vindication is the key."
"You failed to break me. I’m still standing, standing firm. I hope you will realize that what you did to me was a big mistake."
"While I know that I am a strong person, I never realized that I could still turn out to be stronger."
"I really needed to do the daily routines to keep me strong and hindi ako mawalan ng pag-asa (for me not to lose hope). I needed to survive this."
"Would people still remember me?"
"This is not about vengeance. This is about justice finally taking its course."
"This is how justice should work—those in power must be held to the same standards as everyone else,"
"Poetic justice and also vindication"
"Today, more than ever, I am convinced that I did the right thing of sacrificing my personal liberty and even my political career."
"I will stand my ground. For when they come after me and try to silence me, they are actually coming after those who cannot speak for themselves and defend themselves. I cannot, in good conscience, let that happen."
"You can never crucify Truth. You cannot permanently stall Justice."
"No high concrete walls, barbed wires, or caged environment can silence me. I remain free in spirit and unbroken. I’m not giving up on my causes for truth, justice and human rights."
"Their perpetual innocence and purity in spirit insulate them from the cruelty and irrationality of humankind."
"I’m no longer in a hurry. I don’t rush anymore."
"It lies in the pen I hold in my hands."
"You have hurdled your law studies under challenging circumstances—as a family man, as a father to two very young children, the elder of whom has autism, as a very patient and loving younger brother to a special brother… the silently suffering son to a controversial mother, who is now a victim of persecution."
"Democracy is the power of choice; and that power belongs to the Filipino people. The true value of that power of choice is its ability to address and solve the real conditions, problems and challenges that are facing our people."
"Every lie, every piece of fake news, every form of propaganda that is manufactured and shared by people is like a disease or a poison that will kill everything that is good and just about our beautiful nation."
"Blood money is what that is. Some people might not think that there is anything wrong about making money by making up stories, but they cannot be more wrong."
"Nations are weakened by false information."
"Remember, fake news is like a drug: it makes you feel good by making you see or hear things that you badly want to believe are real; but, in reality, it is a form of poison that will destroy from within."
"It doesn’t end with one campaign. But this win—this hard-earned, against-the-odds win—proves that even in a system built to discourage idealism, idealism can still break through,"
"We made space where there was none. We proved that truth, even when battered, can still make its way forward"
"But it had something more powerful—people like you"
"I lost my freedom, but I held on to my voice,"
"Irresponsibility must not become a culture."
"Hold accountable those who must be held accountable no matter how high the power so that corruption, violence and poverty no longer become a cycle in our country."
"I am a symbol of past injustice, hoping for a future where accountability reigns."
"There have also been many opportunities for cooperation in the field of cultural and heritage preservation; but nothing can be more pronounced than our joint initiative on climate action,”"
"Seize the moment? No. Create it."
"Culture is not mere adornment; it is a vital engine of livelihood and economic growth."
"Culture is what binds us as a nation."
"What we choose to preserve today—our knowledge, our traditions, our stories—will ripple through time, shaping lives long after we are gone."
"These terraces endure because of the quiet brilliance of a people who, long before the world had the language for it, understood sustainability, engineering, and balance."
"We need to invest in blue carbon initiatives that will help protect our coral reefs, seagrass beds, lush mangrove forests, and other coastal and marine sources. Let us implement Philippine environmental laws in our efforts to bring back the bounty and restore the ecological integrity of our bodies of water."
"The risks are rapidly growing not only for those in coastal communities, as climate change drives rising sea levels, warmer oceans and increasingly ferocious cyclones. We need to recalibrate our strategies on climate change adaptation, invest in blue carbon initiatives, and embrace the available solutions that nature presents to us."
"This has always been one of the challenges of the department. It's already the 2023 budget and it's still a challenge. My question is, will there be a time when we will no longer have backlog?"
"Let it be a lesson to those doing the budget — whether you’re a big department or a small bureau or commission — you present it to the DBM. You think about it for one year."
"The Supreme Court has now spoken with clarity on the matter of the ₱60 billion withdrawn from PhilHealth pursuant to Special Provision 1(d), Chapter XLIII of the 2024 General Appropriations Act, and Department of Finance Circular No. 003-2024. The Court declared the provision unconstitutional and directed, and I quote: As a consequence of the unconstitutional transfer of the subject PhilHealth fund to the National Treasury pursuant to Special Provision 1(d) of the 2024 GAA and DOF Circular 003-2024, the remitted funds amounting to ₱60 billion to PhilHealth must be returned to the coffers of PhilHealth."
"The bicameral conference must confront the question of whether this satisfies the Court’s directive to ‘return’ the full amount to PhilHealth."
"These practices—though indirect—operate in effect as fund diversions similar to what transpired in 2024. I will file a bill to ensure that sin tax earmarks and the statutory shares from PAGCOR and PCSO are automatically appropriated and released to PhilHealth, strengthening the integrity of its funding streams,"
"I’m not lecturing. No, it’s true because I was there for five years and sometimes hanggang last minute, they submit in the bicam. Why should they submit in the bicam? Pag-isipan nila ang kanilang NEP. National Expenditure Program, the President’s budget. That’s why ayaw na ayaw namin may insertions sa bicam."
"This is a gift of safety for our families and a gift of care for nature. Let’s search and clean drainages, let this be our collective offering as we close 2025."
"Every flood reminds us of what we failed to do. Let us not wait for another disaster to act. This should be our responsibility, starting at the barangay level."
"Barangay leaders and residents must work together to map canals and waterways, conduct regular clean-ups, strictly enforce the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and mobilize monitoring teams to check drainage before and after heavy rains"
"I also call for community education campaigns to remind households that throwing trash into canals is both illegal and dangerous."
"This confirms the urgency of my appeal. Barangays are our frontlines of disaster prevention. No national plan will succeed if canals at the community level remain clogged with plastic, household waste, and construction debris."
"As principal author of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and the Climate Change Act, I have always said that laws are only effective when implemented at the grassroots level. Every barangay that cleans and protects its drainage system is enforcing these laws in the most direct, life-saving way."
"This role is about securing lives, livelihoods, and our future. We must build a force that protects and empowers,”"
"With the PDUS, we can build a new generation of national security leaders who are ready not only for today’s problems, but also for the challenges of the future."
"Security goes beyond arms; it is about trust, preparedness, and shared responsibility."
"We will continue to foster a transparent and responsible work environment, grounded in the public trust that we are privileged to serve."
"Let us work continuously, conscientiously, and collectively - moving and transforming our nation and society from a state of fragility to one of agility."
"I would be doing Filipinos injustice if I did not work hard to be able to address their concerns, respond to their needs and protect their rights and welfare."
"To unsettle the comfortable who can look upon suffering and remain unmoved. And to reach those who hold fast to their humanity, that they may know they do not stand alone in defending what gives life its worth: dignity and justice."
"We are a nation that tells its children: Ang edukasyon ang pinakadakilang daan tungo sa pagkakapantay-pantay (Education is the greatest path toward equality)."
"Kung patas ang talino, dapat patas din ang pagkakataon (If talent is equal, opportunity should be equal as well)."
"Ang tunay na tagumpay ay ang makita ang ating mga kabataan na nakapagtapos, at nakahanap ng landas tungo sa isang marangal na buhay (The true measure of success is seeing our youth complete their education and build a path toward a dignified future)."
"Kung walang pondo, walang pagbabago. At ang katumbas na halaga ng tamang pagpopondo nito ay higit na mas mababa sa kabayarang dulot ng kakulangan—hindi lamang sa mga pangarap na naudlot, kundi sa kinabukasan ng ating inang bayan (No reform is possible without funding. And the cost of adequate financing is far less than the burden imposed by neglect—not only in the loss of dreams, but in the erosion of our nation’s future)."
"The State must strengthen the educational and developmental foundations of children from birth through Grade 3, as this is considered a critical period in learning and development of cognitive skills."
"When students fall behind in the early years, they face mounting difficulties in grasping more complex lessons in higher grades, and many never fully catch up."
"The measure directly responds to the urgent need to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional development during the critical years of Kindergarten to Grade 3, so that no child is left behind at the very start of their educational journey and early deficits do not turn into lifelong disadvantages."
"Let us act with urgency. Let us act with resolve. We cannot allow this crisis to persist."
"We cannot allow another generation to be lost. Every year of delay means more children reach higher grades carrying gaps that could have been prevented in their earliest years."
"The learning crisis already affects productivity, employability, and social cohesion; addressing it at its roots is a matter of justice and national interest."
"Times are changing, and our defense institutions must be able to keep pace. The threats we face today are no longer confined to land and sea, but now include cyber intrusions, disinformation operations, and other ‘gray zone’ tactics that test our cohesion and national resolve."
"The harassment experienced by Filipino fisher folks in the West Philippine Sea and the shadowing of Philippine vessels signifies the fact that national security concerns have entered everyday conversations among ordinary Filipinos."
"We need a Department of National Defense that can respond to the future, with the professional civilian capability, legal authority, and funding tools to do its job well"
"We also need an Armed Forces of the Philippines that is not burdened by outdated planning cycles and bureaucratic constraints, but is able to adapt swiftly to rapidly evolving technologies"
"I rise today to sponsor a measure that seeks to give long-overdue recognition, protection, and dignity to the individuals who form the most accessible arm of our public health system"
"Barangay health workers are the first to knock on doors, the first to identify health risks, the first to guide mothers and children, and the first to respond to emergencies in communities where formal health facilities remain distant or limited."
"This vital workforce deserves a law that recognizes both its history and its future. It is for this reason that as early as the 14th Congress, I filed a Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers, grounded in the belief that Universal Health Care cannot succeed without those who make health care work at the grassroots."
"In every community I visit, I meet BHWs who serve out of commitment rather than compensation. They monitor pregnancies, track immunizations, care for the elderly, and mobilize whole barangays in times of disaster. Yet many continue to work without clear tenure, standardized benefits, or adequate institutional support"
"The minimum wage should be a living wage. It must not only cover food and shelter but also provide access to education, health care, and social participation."
"Our cultural heritage is not a commodity to be traded or exploited. It is a shared legacy that defines who we are and gives tangible expression to the historical experiences, ideas, and exchanges that have shaped our communities."
"It demands our collective effort to protect, preserve, and pass on to future generations."
"When the very law meant to protect our heritage becomes an instrument for its exploitation, we must act decisively to repeal it."
"Every artifact, every historical site, every archaeological find tells the story of who we are as a people. When these are destroyed or taken for profit, we lose more than objects; we lose our identity, our history, and our shared heritage."
"You cannot defend cultural heritage with one hand and sign off on treasure hunting permits with the other. This bill closes that contradiction and asserts that our laws stand firmly on the side of protection, not extraction for profit."
"The preservation of our nation’s built heritage is not merely a matter of aesthetics or nostalgia. It is a duty to safeguard the tangible expressions of our collective memory, identity, and history,"
"Our built heritage is often lost not to neglect, but to unaffordable upkeep. This bill eases the tax and cost burden on owners who meet conservation standards, making restoration feasible."
"The bill recognizes that heritage protection cannot rest solely on regulation and enforcement. It must be supported by positive incentives that mobilize both public and private stakeholders toward a common goal: the preservation of our built heritage for future generations."
"When farmers lose, the entire nation suffers."
"Why allow importation at the height of harvest? The result is farm gate prices collapsing while market prices remain high. Traders profit, but farmers are left behind."
"If we do not dismantle the monopoly over cold storage and import permits, this crisis will repeat every year. Government must buy directly from farmers and build farmer-managed storage facilities so they can compete fairly."
"Relief must be responsible. We can ease the burden on ordinary families without draining government funds. This reform lowers VAT where it matters most, on everyday consumption, while ensuring that those who can afford luxury and premium goods continue to contribute fairly"
"Why should basic goods and luxury items pay the same VAT?"
"Poor households spend a much larger share of their income on food and essential needs. When we tax survival and luxury at the same rate, the burden falls disproportionately on those with the least capacity to absorb it"
"Electricity for basic household use is not a luxury; it is a daily necessity that keeps our homes functioning and our children studying"
"If we are serious about easing the burden on Filipino families, we must ensure that the tax system does not unnecessarily inflate their power bills"
"These amounts are already contributions of our citizens to good public causes, missionary electrification, cleaner energy, and lifeline rates for the poor. Let us not increase the burden by taxing these contributions again"
"Lower VAT for ordinary Filipinos, stable revenues for government, that is the balance we are striking…In a time of rising costs, we must cushion families wisely and sustainably"
"This year’s Women’s Month calls us to move beyond recognition into integration, to ensure that equality defines how our institutions, schools, and workplaces function every day"
"When women are economically empowered, families thrive and communities become more resilient. Supporting women’s enterprises means investing in the future of sustainable development"
"Women are frontliners of climate action and guardians of resilience. When we invest in women’s capacity to lead, from barangay councils to national policymaking, we fortify the nation’s defense against climate and environmental risks"
"Our women preserve our culture, nurture our youth, and ensure harmony in communities. They are the teachers who shape values, the culture-bearers who keep our heritage alive, and the community leaders who bridge differences and nurture unity."
"Recognizing their leadership is not only an act of equality, but it is also an affirmation of the nation’s strength and identity."
"The strength of our nation lies in the empowerment of every Filipina. When women are protected, supported, and given equal opportunities, progress becomes stronger and inclusive."
"What are we doing differently from before, and what concrete steps can we take now to improve literacy and numeracy?"
"How do we take out the load, administrative duties of teachers, not totally, just so that they could focus on teaching and not the admin stuff."
"Why shouldn’t our rich literary heritage and diverse voices be celebrated alongside the world’s best?"
"This opportunity allows us to shed the constraints of colonial frames and celebrate our rich heritage on a global platform. By reclaiming our heritage and sharing it with the international community, we can showcase our vibrant and authentic narratives to foster greater understanding and appreciation."
"Receiving this Guest-of-Honour scroll is more than symbolic — it represents our stories, transcending borders through the universal language of literature."
"Our presence here (at the Frankfurt Book Fair) is a testament to the collaborative efforts of passionate individuals, institutions and government agencies."
"The Philippines is a nation of storytellers just like Rizal. This is where the oral traditions of our ancestors seamlessly blend with the written works of our contemporary authors."
"To speak of foresight in this context is not an academic exercise. It is the most practical expression of survival and the most strategic expression of leadership."
"Environmental diplomacy and cultural diplomacy are not separate pursuits. They are converging forces that give nations both the strength to endure and the power to inspire"
"You are the torchbearers of foresight. You bear the responsibility of anticipating change, of preparing with discipline, of envisioning with courage, and of listening with humility"
"The 12 percent VAT on basic food items, the ones low-income families and the poorest households actually consume, is a levy on the poor"
"Corruption in government always presents itself as normal and regular. Corruption always wants to hide in plain sight."
"“Your lives will be richer if you include people who are not like you. Reach out to more people. Get out of your own circles or silos and echo chambers.”"
"“In spite of everything, survival, after all, is an instinct. It is what we are wired to do. And when you are on the edge of danger or death, when your life is on the line, you need to draw strength from other people. Don’t let even one person lose heart, or all of you will give up.”"
"“Be disruptors for good! The status quo is not okay. The system is broken. We need to keep asking the hard questions. And if dreaming is free, we should also be free to ask questions!”"
""Be like the sunflowers blooming now… follow the sun!"
"I am aware of how the world constantly changes. I know the way things are done so we need to keep up as well. You cannot keep a dinosaur mindset because you want to reach more audiences."
"They say it's not a good time to be a journalist. The attacks on journalism in general are disheartening but I think we need more journalists. We really need to stand our ground. We need to continue our mission to be truth seekers to combat misinformation or fake news."
"“The market is the best place to be if you want to feel the vibe and pulse of a place and its people. The best stories are there too. About politics, the economy, culture, food and the environment if you bother to talk and listen to the sellers, the farmers and fishermen and the middlemen.”"
"Earn your stripes. Show up for work even on bad days, especially on bad days."
"“I’ve always said that journalists like us are not really the most important ones—the story we are covering is. We are actually incidental to the story, except perhaps for those rare times when we ourselves become part of the story.”"
"“When you are already working, I hope you also value your coworkers—from those in smaller roles up to the bosses. And never, ever take advantage of those who are weaker and smaller among us!”"
"“There is no small story. Every story has heart. And that heart is what we bring to the people.”"
"Your story or content should standout and matter in a good way."
"How do you know that your story has made an impact? If it elicits a strong reaction or emotion."
"Guard against sensationalism"
"May I please urge you to use technology for good? I-focus niyo rin ang inyong mga camera sa mga isyu sa komunidad o lipunan. (Focus your cameras also on issues about the community and society.)"
"If I have to live my life all over again, pipiliin ko pa rin maging journalist. (If I have to live my life all over again, i would still choose being a journalist.) Basically, because I love telling stories."
"Sa lahat ng mga assignment, trabaho, at programa na ibinigay sa akin, wala akong masasabi sa sarili ko na hindi ko itinodo. 100% or more. You're not the story. Ang importante 'yung story. (In all the assignment, job and program given to me, there is nothing I could say to myself that I did not give my all. 100% or more. You're not the story. What is important is the story.)"
"Alam ko, medyo gasgas nang salita ang hardwork. ["I know the words 'hard work' sounds like a cliché these days.”] But in my case kasi, iyon lang ang naging formula ko: Work hard and everything will follow. ["But in my case, that was just my formula: Work hard and everything will follow."]"
"We believe in the power of stories."
"Is it all worth it? Sulit ba ang lahat ng aming pagod, hirap at sakripisyo?” Pero ako, if I have to live my life all over again, pipiliin ko pa rin maging journalist.” ['Is it all worth it? All the hard work, the struggles, the sacrifices?' For me, if I had to live my life all over again, I would still choose to be a journalist."]"
"Fact-check, cross-check."
"Effective storytelling is a key lesson"
"Content will always be king or queen. A story should have substance and depth"
"Gospel truth po sa amin ito. Sacred. To always get the other side of the story; to give the other person a fair shake. ‘Pag may inakusahan, kunin din ang kaniyang panig. (If somebody has been accused, you have to get his/her side of the story.)"
"If you have to be hungry or thirsty about anything in life, that’s knowledge, information, experiences, wisdom. And much of that you can get from books, newspapers, online posts, or readings,"
"No bullying. No bashing. Criticize if you have to, but always on issues, not so much on personalities. No name-calling, no body-shaming, no below-the-belt attacks."
"Tonelada, Rachelle (November 21, 2025). "Ahtisa Manalo Is Miss Universe 2025 Third Runner-Up—Here's How She Did It". Cosmopolitan Philippines."
"Castelo, Sean III (May 2, 2025). "How Ahtisa Manalo Became Miss Universe Philippines 2025". mega-asia.com."
"https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/pageants-beauty-queens/2025/11/8/ahtisa-manalo-highlights-education-advocacy-in-beyond-the-crown-video-0013"
"Golden Girl Ahtisa Manalo Shares What She Whispered in Thailand Ahead of the Miss Universe Competition. ABS-CBN. Retrieved December 17, 2025."
"I'm happy and content. I did my best. That's all I can do."
"There are more things to life than pageantry,"
"As a public figure, you’ll always get unsolicited advice or opinions and I’m used to it. It’s nothing new. I just hope that when people give these pieces of advice, that they remember to be kind"
"I'm standing as Miss Universe, because I was able to get myself out of any situation, because I was hardworking, I was persistent, and I fight for what I want."
"I want our leaders to have self-knowledge, to understand if they can actually do the job they’re applying for because it's a position of public trust. So they got to be trusted, they got to know what they are doing, and they got to make sure that they have the capabilities to do the job that they area applying for"
"Pageantry became my life’s vessel, fueled by the love and the support of those around me"
"When I sing, I give my all."
"I learn from everything that happens every day. We never stop learning. I thank The Lord for every new day…that He allows me to be still here, singing, and to be happy at this time of my life."
"Problems will always be there. Sometimes solutions are instant and sometimes they take time."
"“I can’t just stand still while singing. Bending helps me hit high notes. It helps my lungs expand.”"
"“I offer my songs to you, Lord. Take care of me and my voice.”"
"“Bring as little as you can! That’s easier said than done. I have a tendency to bring more than I need. But you have this por se acaso or just-in-case moments — like what if I need another pair of heels—then you’re already on the wrong footing. Besides, anything you need is available abroad.”"
"I know I did my best and I have lived up to my purpose. I hope I made you proud again Philippines. [It’s an honor, my beloved Philippines]."
"When I took my oath of office, I said to myself that my loyalty is not to the appointing power but to the Constitution, to justice and to the Filipino people."
"We shall be judged by history…not by what we want to do and can’t, but by what we ought to do and don’t."
"Grandiose acts are not the measure of greatness; it is the small things that we do in the name of love and service to God, country and fellowmen that really counts."
"My loyalty is to the Constitution, to justice, and to the Filipino people."
"A beautiful irony which cannot be overlooked."
"When matters of conscience are at issue, one must be prepared to espouse and embrace a rightful cause, however unpopular it may be.’"
"There rose before my eyes this gruesome specter of one, a hundred, a thousand civilian Filipinos being dragged by the mighty arms of the military before its own created and manned tribunals…for offenses, real or imaginary…."
"Marcos’ referendum to legitimize martial law can be of no far-reaching significance as it is accomplished under an atmosphere or climate of fear."
"I asked myself, how can I best represent the whole Philippines? But against all odds, we won. I am now your queen. I know I only assumed the crown. But I am forever grateful that I was given this chance to represent the Miss Grand International organization."
"We could not stay as bystanders."
"We were forced by sheer necessity to give a face, a voice to the community’s trauma and fears."
"Peace is a condition where people can work effectively together, understand one another, regardless of race, creed, beliefs and tradition."
"Sinophobia and racism is dangerous and unfortunate."
"Chinese Filipinos have long been part of the social fabric of the Philippines, contributing to its culture, economy, and progress. We share the same dreams and aspirations as every other Filipino, seeking peace and prosperity for our nation."
"Chinese Filipinos are Filipinos at heart. Our loyalty and love for the Philippines run deep. We cherish the harmony and unity that define our nation, and we firmly believe that peaceful dialogue and cooperation are the paths to resolving any disputes."
"The success of integration is when Tsinoys no longer separate themselves from mainstream national concerns."
"There is and should be no contradiction between being comfortable in our primary identity as Filipinos, yet recognizing our Tsinoy roots and heritage."
"Our blood may be Chinese, but our roots grow deep in Philippine soil, our bonds are with the Filipino people."
"Diplomacy is the only way to solve the disputes."
"Waging war is not the way to go about it."
"Sovereignty is non-negotiable."
"The Philippines is our country where we were born and for which we will proudly die."
"Chinese Filipinos kami (We are Chinese Filipinos). We are all Filipino who happen to be a Chinese descent."
"Senate should focus on the issues that aid legislation."
"Even if I had paid that much, even if we did have that much money, it is our choice, and our freedom to do what we want with money that we earned."
"I've been so honest about the privileges I've been given, and the privilege that I have in my life."
"I have the freedom to dance to the music I hear, regardless of whether people can hear it too."
"I never really did social media for money. I did it for fun, self expression, and community."
"I, a singular teenage girl, am not responsible for the wealth disparity in the Philippines."
"Advocate for those in need, or you can also volunteer, volunteering is free. I've done it."
"The bullying convinced me I was damaged, inadequate, and worthless. But now, I see how wrong I was."
"I now understand how much I have to offer. I know who I am, feel secure in myself, and am no longer swayed by others’ opinions."
"2024 was a whirlwind of ups and downs. But as I step into 2025, I can’t see a reason not to live."
"This crown just does not belong to me and it [does] not belong just to myself but to everyone here right now. Miss Universe Philippines has always been more than just a competition, it's a celebration of passion, dedication, and the beauty of dreams coming true."
"I think what really matters is family in the end."
"I guess my outlet was to dress up and look like this [laughs] and it snowballed into being weirder and bigger."
"My passion is life. When I do something, I’m super all out there. I cannot single out anything."
"For people to call me out na parang ‘bat ganyan ka?’ I’m not the one telling people: ‘bat ka ordinaryo?."
"I don’t have to justify what I do. I’m only answerable to God and my family"
"Women nowadays are the most empowered ever. We are in this generation that women don’t have to justify themselves. We can do anything we want."
"Women rule!"
"I’m a shopper, but I’m a smart shopper, so I go for high-quality products."
"I express myself as an androgynous woman or person...And it's so much better. I'm happier. I'm comfortable and I feel confident and I don't think--there's nothing wrong with that."
"If you like dressing up as masculine, I go for it...I have days that I feel very feminine and I literally go for it."
"Yeah, I am black. So what? What has my color to do with what I can offer to the world?"
"And you’ll pray like you’ve never prayed before."
"https://entertainment.inquirer.net/338162/cherry-pies-advice-to-those-who-have-a-hard-time-forgiving"
"Oo nga naman, (Yes indeed) how can I ask for forgiveness if I can’t forgive?"
"You always have to be responsible, and be able to stand by your decisions."
"Take your time. Everything has its own process."
"It’s OK to feel pain and anger."
"Pray. Nothing beats that."
"And amidst the pain and anger, don’t lose sight of what you are grateful for and the recognition that everything is a gift."
"Trying not to think about it."
"As long as the spirit and the heart feel young and choose to be happy, then all is fine."
"I can say I am blessed. It can be happier to have someone who can take care of your heart and someone to take care of."
"I hope people will never forget what we learned in the pandemic. We really have to balance everything."
"The harder it gets, the more you learn."
"I'm still against death penalty."
"Around the world, we need more love, we need peace."
"Why do we kill people who kill people to show killing people is wrong?"
"Drugs will really destroy the society. That evil is there…we should be vigilant. We should continue to pray."
"In His time, I God's time."
"I just hope we can all be reminded of love, of compassion and forgiveness."
"I hope we can all be reminded of caring with other human beings."
"It would be better to have somebody, to have a companion, but if it is not meant to be, I can use myself, my being for a greater purpose. Maybe I am out there to help people, to be for other, not only to be for one person."
"I cannot depend my happiness anymore on somebody else."
"I may have my mistakes but I am not an evil person."
"Sexy is in the attitude. It's sexy when you are comfortable in your own skin. It doesn't have anything to do with your shape or your physical appearance."
"Time has a way of sorting things out."
"We must bless and not curse. Thank you and God bless you all."
"Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day - unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear."
"You slipped away like a quiet song, but your melody still plays in everything - in the light, in the breeze, in the love you left behind."
"I don’t know if there’s a certain secret or a formula but I just try to do the things that I know are right to do. I do get along with everyone, I try to treat people special, try to treat everyone equally, whether they are in the highest position in the company all the way down to the janitors. I treat them special and treat them as a person, as a human being."
"So, that's what I try to do, I try to pray, I try to meditate, and be surrounded with positive people, positive vibes."
"But if I'm not going to do it, I won't be able to know, I won't be able to find out. The only way to find out is to do it"
"That’s probably how I want to be remembered: Lani Misalucha who sang a story"
"Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything,"
"Success is not just about winning in life but setting goals, achieving smaller goals and your dreams and working hard for everything you want and always looking up to God and being thankful for everything."
"Keep pushing to be the best version of yourself by always looking up to God and being thankful for everything."
"This crown is not just for me, it's for all of you, and a representation of what we can achieve as a nation."
"I would like to make a difference in a small way, I guess. Hopefully I can partner with the Department of Education."
"Traveling gives you that exposure to different ways of life, diverse cultures and history. And that only enhance one’s knowledge of the world."
"Our nation has gone through many stages from being colonized by the Spanish for almost 400 years and afterwards, the Americans and Japanese for a shorter period of time. So we really are a true fighters when it comes to adaptation and change."
"Doing this for free is really not a big deal."
"They say when you get to the top, it takes a village, and that is so true."
"The mind can do so many things."
"Filipino women, we are very strong."
"What's the essence of a woman? Her power to overcome pain that feels like death but in turn births life. The power to do whatever it is she puts her mind."
"A woman is an ocean of her own."
"A woman giving birth isn't experiencing waves, she is like the ocean; the waves are a part of her."
"One should live by example and not by opinion."
"It's not very competitive towards other women, it's competitive towards yourself."
"If you don't fit the role, you won't get the job."
"Succeeding in life is the best revenge against bullies."
"Listen to yourself-that is very important."
"If somebody's bullying you...first, calm yourself down."
"The winning of the war is the only question before us. Nothing else matters."
"I cannot, in good conscience, receive ... Government assistance when so many of my less fortunate sisters and their children are not yet taken care of."
"I feel that on account of ... countless war widows and orphans ... I should waive collection of a pension."
"I'm also surprised that many people still know the songs, even the younger generations."
"Since [the songs] are still alive today, even with this generation, this kind of compelled me to accept this offer to do a concert and [to collaborate] with new artists."
"It feels like my career as an artist has a new purpose over there. Because I feel like once you bring the music scene to life, you also bring the Filipino community to life — you bring Filipino restaurants, businesses, beauty parlors to life… so I feel like that was my purpose living in Spain."
"I'm a hands-on mom, I take care of everything,"
""But even before I got married, there was a time when I felt like I wanted to concentrate on songwriting, there was a season like that — creating, recording."
"It's like I'm just focused on the creative side of the concert, I just want to have an excellent concert,"
"That's the hardest thing for me. I really limit the time I spend away from them,"
"mixing genres and creating moments that are totally unexpected, something fans definitely haven’t seen from me yet.""
"You have to be good friends with everyone.”"
"I think that's where I really went deep. My faith in God, it will really be tested in a good way.”"
"I'm the one who's a little soft with kids."
"Since I'm aware of that, I really try my best to be like...to put my foot down if I need to."
""I don't force them. I don't force my son."
"Only now has my fear disappeared because of your love."
"It's OK to feel sensitive kasi parang hindi ka nag-iisa. You can be vulnerable with all these other women and it's OK. No one’s judging you for that."
"It's really such a blessing to be encouraged by these women and, as they say, 'When women unite, it heals the world.'"
"As we celebrate Women’s Month, let’s forget about the numbers that pressure women. Remember, you are worthy of love, no matter your insecurities."
"People's reaction when I performed Mandarin seemed louder, compared to the 'Say Something' performance, so I felt like, 'Oh my gosh, maybe my ranking is lower than rank six.' It's really unpredictable, huh."
"If ever I wasn’t given the opportunity to win X-Factor or even be given the opportunity to audition, I still see myself as an artist today."
"“The pressure of being a parent is really heavy on a mother. You’re not just carrying a child, you’re changing yourself. Even though you’ve given birth to a child, you are completely changed as a person — physically, spiritually, and mentally.”"
"I said earlier, I don't want to be a mother because I'm already under pressure."
"“It’s so heartwarming. They’re using our song to take the next step in their lives.”"
"I honestly don't believe in mirroring coldness just because someone chose to forget, ignore, or not show up."
"It’s not resentment that sets you free. It’s the quiet, steady peace of knowing you’ve already forgiven them, even if they never asked."
"You let go not because they deserve it, but because YOU deserve peace."
"Take care of your soul, not your ego."
"Keep choosing light. Keep choosing love. That's where true healing lives."
"Kindness isn't for them, it's for YOUR soul."
"It's not what other people think about you, it's what you think about yourself."
"I care about what I think, about myself. I also don’t wanna act like I’m perfect."
"We don’t have everything."
"But more than anything, as a friend, I just want to make [Wurtzbach], my team, proud. But more than them, I just want to make the entire Philippines proud. So for her to believe in me means the universe."
"Having my friends, and my team, and my family, and a lot of the fans come out and show their vocal and very public support, it really meant the world to me to know that I actually had the capabilities to do it, and in a massive support system behind me. So it was definitely encouraging and, definitely, that one last and final push that I needed to announce my joining and candidacy."
"I just want to encourage women to one, always uplift and support one another; to always believe in yourself and never underestimate your capabilities, and know that we are the best in everything that we do and the world would not exist if it weren’t for us, so never forget that!"
"You shouldn’t be scared or worry too much about pleasing everyone. Sometimes, you wonder about the applause after your performance. As long as you give your best, that’s all that matters."
"My biggest dream in life has always been to build a family I could call mine."
"To love, to fight, to stay. But now, we're learning to let go."
"Together, we're releasing that dream… so we can finally allow a new kind of peace, growth, and healing to enter."
"Thank you for holding space for our story. This is us, stepping into a new chapter with love, respect, and no regrets."
"Letting go doesn’t mean we failed, because what we had was real. And it gave us the greatest gift...Our Felize."
"To focus not on our pains and traumas individually, but we will start communicating properly about Felize, the setup with Felize. To eat together as a family, play with her, spend time with her, to make an effort to be there for her, the both of us, with her…"
"He worked hard. And now, he deserves to rest."
"I know how serious he was about his sworn duty. He did everything for the Filipino people."
"I'm happy that I have seen him. And he's okay, but he's so thin. Skin and bones. Like in this picture."
"“The essence of the sport of beach volleyball is toughness combined with beauty, and I think our tournament lives by that code.""
"Well, I always believed that we all come from some kind of influence. I definitely have a lot of influences and my music came from that."
"To this day, I just feel really blessed to even have gotten here. Whether it’s music I create or consume, it has brought me so much healing. So, it will always be an honor and a privilege knowing that the words I wrote down in my notebook during days I needed an outlet have brought comfort to people’s lives."
"I almost changed direction until I realized spring means growth, and growth is often uncomfortable. … What was supposedly a seven-track album is now eighteen [tracks long] and counting. … But it’s almost sprouting. And I can’t wait for you to hear them all."
"You're entitled to your own opinion but you cannot be entitled to your own facts."