Some advice may be good for us, some may put us in a worse situation. Most advisers mean well, others have a hidden agenda. The bottomline is that it is always best to pray hard for enlightenment, keep an open mind, listen to what our friends have to say and use their advice as a guide. And hope that our advisers know what they are saying!
Geni Psinakis, owner, Mati: For both best and worst, depending on how one interprets it: Live every day as if it were your last.
Secretary Cito Lorenzo, Presidential Adviser for creating one million jobs: Best advice from my late dad: In the game of life, what matters is not how many times you win or lose; it is how you pick yourself up every time you fall, for we often lose more than we ever win.
Worst advice: Don’t get angry, get even. Vengeance and vindictiveness never satisfy the inner spirit.
Ria Romero, freelance writer: Best advice: Follow your heart but also listen to the murmurings of the mind, which knows one’s limitations. My parents always say that with God on your side, the possibilities in life are limitless; all one has to do is believe and have faith. That’s simply true.
Worst advice: When my university adviser told me that I shouldn’t go for my master’s degree because there was so little time and too much work. I looked at her incredulously and said: It’s like an athlete who has been preparing for the marathon, her mindset is for that, then you go and ask her to do just the 100-meter dash! No way!
Carina Agarao, president, Crusade Against Violence: The best advice I got in my life came from my friend, Daphne Kuok. She told me about a friend of hers whom she thinks would be a perfect mate for me. I laughed. Just the same, I asked why, she said we were compatible in a lot of ways – we both love kids. One’s weakness is the other’s strength. He’s the serious type while I enjoy making my friends laugh, etc. She eventually introduced me to this guy named Clarence. I just stood there and smiled. I never knew what she meant until I was able to watch this man up close. He courted me and I said yes. Six years later, we got married and I never regretted even for a moment that decision.
The worst advice? I can’t recall any because I don’t rely on a single person for advice. I always make it a point to consult a lot of people, put their ideas together then decide for myself. If ever there was something I did that was far from ideal, it’s not because of the advice I got. There must be something wrong with the way I analyzed their inputs. Then, I only have myself to blame.
Mary Prieto, adviser on etiquette and social graces: Best advice: Don’t play with fire, you might get burned. Well, actually, I really did get burned when I was a small girl. My mother was still burning the trash in our backyard and I was there just watching. My mother went inside, I had nothing to do, so I kept moving over the bonfire with first one foot then the other foot and finally one foot fell in and I burned my sock plus ankle. I still have the scar to prove it. I literally did burn.
Worst advice I ever received: Don’t marry him, he’s just a basketball player. And they didn’t even pay basketball players in those times and, well, I insisted and I married my basketball player. He went on to coach the Yco team for seven years in succession, and then he became the first PBA commissioner, he also became an Olympic coach for basketball. He’s still a basketball fan. And I’m still a fan of his.
Chickie Locsin, telecom consultant, MBA aspirant: Best advice: "A person doesn’t look back at his life and regret that he didn’t put in more time on his job or career. Rather, in the autumn of one’s life, a person will regret that he didn’t spend more time with his family and loved ones, and that he didn’t do the things that he enjoys doing most."
I have heard and read this recurring theme from many good friends, who have either articulated it or sent e-mail messages on the subject. I have realized the wisdom of this advice since it changed my lifestyle. I am busy with school and in consultancy, but I now have more time for myself and my family, and can travel, dance and loaf around when friends call. This is balance!
Worst advice: Whenever I don’t follow my instinct about people and situations, I often get burned or disappointed. Then I want to hit myself on the head for heeding someone’s advice instead of relying on my gut feel. I have been wrong many times, too, but the worst cases of falling flat on my face have been instances when I didn’t listen to that little voice inside me that cautioned me about people’s insincerity and hidden agenda.
Margot Osmeña, wife of Cebu Mayor Tommy Osmeña: Best advice: The line to God is never busy, talk to him!
Worst advice: Can’t remember, hopefully, that’s because I didn’t follow it!
Anton Rodriguez Mendoza: To believe in God is the best but to fear Him is the worst.