Jackie Lou Blanco

"I’m glad I was able to start it when I was younger kasi kumbaga it’s a habit na. Parang I don’t feel good pag hindi ako nag-exercise."

"You have to recognize na you are in that specific stage and accept it. You have to be aware of the signs and signals para you can do something about it. Get yourself well informed. But, for me, it’s really acceptance so you can manage it. You cannot deny it. Also, listen to your body. Like ako, kunwari I will work out today then parang mafi-feel ko, ‘Uy, parang medyo strange feeling ko sa lower back ko.’ Hindi ako magyayabang na it’s nothing. It’s either I would rest that area and train tomorrow, or I’ll do something else na hindi ito mai-strain. You have to listen to your body. Be kind to it.’"

"I wouldn’t want to be 50 and look like 20. I want to be 50 but maybe look like 40. I mean, if you have a few gray hairs eh di few gray hairs, di ba? That’s natural naman. I think when you’re relaxed about your age, you age gracefully."

"I don't know, by God's grace, by God's love. I take it a day at a time, which is the same thing I tell my children: 'Let's take it as a day at a time, there will be a day where it's okay, the next day where it's not okay, and it's okay. There is no shortcut to grief."

"We are just trying to draw strength from each other and we are praying for God’s strength that we are able to go through this together."

"Our bodies change as we age, and we need to make adjustments."

"Age is truly just a number. We just need to be consistent with our workouts and eating healthy should be a habit."

"This situation has made me more appreciative of what I have, even of what I don’t. It has made me humble enough to ask for help when I need it. It’s okay to admit you can’t do it alone. We need each other."

"It may be a kind word you say to someone, a smile, a prayer for even those you don’t know. I am a spiritual person, but this pandemic has made me rely more on my faith and on my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

"He never promised a life without struggles but He did promise He would be with us as we are going through it. I wake up each morning and thank Him for a new day, another day I can be blessed, another day I can be a blessing, another day I can offer to Him, another day of hope and joy despite what we are going through."

"Our situation is temporary and in His perfect time, all will be well."

"I always loved writing down my thoughts. I think in my younger years, I just called it writing what I felt on paper. Now there is a better term, [journaling]."