Lessons in life from Korina Sanchez

Working with many different types of respected people in this industry has been quite a trip for me. Each one shares a common denominator: strength. One needs strength to last long in this business and to be respected.

Getting in touch with our emotions is good at times. But with our kind of work, it’s almost a waste of time. If you’re weak and can’t accept failure, this is definitely not the business to be in.

I’ve worked with quite a few "big" people in showbiz and even had the chance to exchange a word or two with them.

Most of the time, I learn some very important lessons in life and especially work from them. We even find some things in common in the way we look at this business.

It’s interesting how I somewhat feel that I’m about 10 years older than I am now. I feel like I’ve gone through so much, even with work.

A few days ago, my brother and I taped a guesting for Rated K and finally got the chance to chat with host Korina Sanchez.

I’ve always been a bit nervous to work with her because she seems so serious. The topic was about kapatid. It will air tonight on ABS-CBN.

My brother was not really in a good mood, so he was just quiet during the interview. Korina and I mainly discussed our family situation and how I’m coping with my brother.

It was a nice interview, so I really hope you find some time out to watch us.

After Korina interviewed us, I asked her if I could interview her for this paper.

In spite of her busy schedule, she gave me a few minutes and answered my questions.

I was overwhelmed while speaking with her. She is such a character, and I definitely admire her for that.

The first thing I asked her was what her ultimate dream is. For someone who seems to have achieved a lot, I still wonder if all she has is enough for Korina.

She answered, " My ultimate dream is to have a family of my own, and live a life consistent with what will make me happy… It’s every woman’s dream to experience domestic bliss. I also want to have a project that contributes to my community or the country. My ultimate dream is simple, to be a good citizen and a good family woman."

What makes her happy?

Korina simply answered, "Family makes me happy, especially now na kulang na kami. I value life more, so I value the time I spend with my family."

But there’s one simple thing that makes her happy as well: "I love flowers."

I love flowers, too!

Isn’t it just nice to receive flowers when you don’t expect it? It’s such a different feeling when someone takes time to give you flowers for no reason at all, rather than receiving flowers on events or certain occasions.

Behind Korina’s strong and serious facade is a woman who appreciates simple things like flowers.

Asked about the time when she last shed a tear, Korina’s answer surprised me.

"My parents passed away one after the other just last year. There wasn’t much tears for them because I had to be strong for my siblings and there are things to do at the same time. I think there is always a purpose for every tragedy, misfortune, or disappointment that we go through and it’s a matter of using your head as well as your heart."

She adds, " I don’t like falling victim in life. It’s all about learning how to swim and swimming the best you can. Otherwise, you drown. It’s nice to catch up with your emotions every so often, but the show must go on. Life is like one big show."

I was shocked at how much I learned from Korina! Doesn’t she just make sense? Yes, it’s true that having to stop and cry over something is sort of a waste of time. After all, the show does go on and wasting time on this planet is not very wise any way you look at it.

However, for people like me who are very emotional, following this kind of belief will be very hard, but I’ll try.

Korina is one person anyone will appreciate, not only because she has a very unique way of looking at life, but also because she has a heart for the community.

In spite of her strong, fearless character, does she still fear anything?

"Regret," Korina replied.

Korina says she is so afraid to regret doing or not doing anything. She wants to make the most out of life.

Korina is one person who taught me so much just by answering a couple of my questions. And I’d like to thank her for that.

(You can e-mail me at [email protected])