All Quotes

"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."

"You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there's nothing major major problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much!"

"One’s future is ahead of you, not behind you."

"My life is a testimony of second chances, forgiveness, and grace."

"Your past does not define you."

"He loves you despite the cracks."

"Don’t let people brand you of someone you’re not. Don’t be afraid to share your story."

"Confidence is not seen on how you carry your dress...but about the inner being, something that is not seen by many."

"“You never really retire from life. “What is that word? Wala sa vocabulary ko! (That's not in my vocabulary!) You never retire from life. You're gonna die if you retire from life. That's how I see it.”"

"“That managing is different from leading. “I learned that the hard way. I used to look at the many tasks, but it's not just about doing the tasks. It's really about setting a vision, making sure there are goals to be met, making sure that you're able to communicate that vision, the goals. You walk the talk. Kasi (Because) you cannot be walking around and just preach and not live what you say.”"

"“In times of crisis, the leader in you has to step up to the plate, and you take charge… Eventually, you gain the confidence… ‘Kaya ko ’to!,’ ("I can do this!") ‘Kinaya ko ’to!,’ ("I did this!") ‘Ah, kakayanin ko ito.’ ("Ah, I will be able to do this") Until you get that attitude, ‘Kakayanin ko ’to!’ Wala akong tatalikuran. ("I can do this! I have nothing to turn my back on.") Don’t be a quitter.”"

"That's how you continuously engage your audience because your audience is already on the digital platforms. I want to be able to still tell stories, give out my messages, in whatever form. Now it doesn't matter. It doesn't have the long-form like it used to be. Now it can be a 30-seconder, and you can give out your message."

"“Seventy… such a beautiful number. Not a count of years passed but of blessings lived. Every wrinkle, every laugh line, every scar… each one tells a story of love, courage, and grace.”"

"Since I am a storyteller and I really saw ABS-CBN (television network) as a playground for good storytelling, my driving force was the pursuit for excellence. You have to be excellent in everything that you do. So I was, ano ako eh, tinitingnan ko bawat detalye. (So I was—well, that’s really who I am—I look at every detail). Parang God is in the details talaga, don't take anything for granted.(It’s like ‘God is in the details,’ so never take anything for granted.)"

"I’m an ordinary mortal just having fun and following the desires of her heart, and just giving her best."

"I think it depends on your stage in life. When you’re young, there’s so much to look forward to. So many years ahead of you. So you aim high. You dream, you soar, and make sure you’re very clear about your goals."

"Alam mo yung values, you stand on, and then you listen to your heart. (You know the values you stand on, and then you listen to your heart.) I think that’s a good combination to guide you in life. Alam mo kung saan ka nakatayo. (You know where you stand.) ‘What are the non-negotiables for me? What are my boundaries?’ Kung sigurado ka du’n, na-define mo ’yun, (If you are sure of that, you define it,) in instances where sometimes you go through periods of self-doubt, or hindi mo sigurado (or you're unsure), ‘Do I turn left? Or, do I turn right? Or, do I go straight?’ You always have to, I think, have that stillness. Practice that stillness. Be reflective. Listen hard to what your heart is saying.”"

"At the end of the day, you make the decisions. You choose what you want for your life. Nobody else will do that for you. However… it’s when you go with the flow, that’s when you discover life e and then you choose… The choices you make, the decisions that you make will define your destiny."

"Follow your passion. When you follow your passion, you do everything. You give your best, and you’re happy no matter how tiring it may be sometimes."

"You can’t have the light without looking at your wounds e. And I think you should always aspire for seeking that light. But you have to look at your wounds, so sa’kin complementary siya e (so to me it's complementary.) You don’t stay there. You look at your wounds and don’t stay in the dark. Be sure to go through the tunnel and see the light, so forever look at the light. But don’t ignore the shadow. Hindi mo makikita ’yung liwanag ’pag di ka dumaan sa dilim. (You won't see the light if you don't go through the darkness.)"

"Make reflection a part of your life. One has to be reflective. You can’t just look at the light… take a look at the mirror also…. Tingnan mo rin 'yung salamin at tignan mo 'yung reflection na nakikita mo… You have to bring out that authentic self… Reflection is part of the integration of self… You have to dig deep, even as you are looking at the light. And when you dig deep, that’s when you see your wounds, your demons, the not-so-many good things about you, your truth that you cannot face. And it’s liberating. When you’re liberated, that’s when you see the light."

"You have to make a choice. You have to decide."

"I guess he's a selfless man, and he was very, very happy for my successess.Yung ganung klaseng asawa ay di madamot (That kind of husband is not selfish)."

"He allowed me to pursue my dreams. He allowed me to fly. Nirespeto niya yung pagkababae ko, yung pagkatao ko (He respect my womanhood, my personhood)."

"He allowed me to commit my mistakes. He still loved me unconditionally."

"“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.”"

"So I vow that I will perform 'Golden' again. And I will make sure na... it won't be amazing but it will be better!"

"Thank you to everyone [who] remembered my special day. Our home smells like spring."