So we asked our respondents: What is the one thing that you wish you did but never did, and what is the one thing that you regret doing?
Maan Hontiveros, media personality: Getting to know my mother much better, spending more quality time with her, and listening to her life‘s stories before she died. (Why was I always in such a rush in those days?!)
What I regret doing? Nothing much...it’s the sins of omission that I regret. What I have done, I can pretty much stand up for.
Tessa Valdes, interior designer: Regret...going to a friend’s wedding in a designer gown with full bouquet and all. I think I totally made the bride insecure.
Regret not doing ...learning a second language. Playing the piano or any instrument. Not taking my ballet lessons seriously, not taking growth pills.
Chito Vijandre, interior designer and owner, Firma and Fidel Bistro Lounge: Regrets? Become a nun! Seriously, I wanted to become a painter because when I was in La Salle grade school I was in the art club. In fact, I was sent to Mexico in 1968 to represent our country in the children’s painting exhibit. So that’s probably my greatest regret – not pursuing my inclination. Instead I went into designing clothes because at that time I felt it was commercially the right thing to do.
Regret doing? Come to think of it, nothing. Because I’m a very calculating person. In other words, a segurista.
Senator Juan M. Flavier: I wish I made my children go into music. They didn’t like music then, so I didn’t force them. Now, they are complaining why I didn’t force them. They say that I should have spanked them when they refused.
Regrets: Running for the Senate because I preferred staying in the Department of Health. I’m basically an action person and all the debates in the Senate are somewhat boring me. But now that I’m a senator, I have committed to become a useful one by doing my work diligently and attending the sessions and committee hearings. This is my way of saying that the people did not make a mistake when they voted me to this office.
Malu Maglutac Chiongbian, homemaker: First of all, I don’t believe in regrets. In everything I did there was a lesson learned for me that made me move on.
But if there was any, maybe it’s that I didn’t pursue my TV career which I left when I was 31. Maybe if I continued my TV career back then I would have made it. But I don’t really feel bad about it. I chose to be a housewife. I chose family over career. I have no regrets. I’m very happy and content with my life now. All I ever wanted was to have a family and a daughter which I have now.
I don’t look back. I made a lot of mistakes in relationships but these mistakes are what strengthened me. I’m happy that I don’t have to work, though I miss being on TV. I’m blessed that I have my five-and-a-half-year-old daughter Anara who‘s the one biggest, utmost, awesome thing that ever happened to me.
Leah Puyat, writer and entrepreneur: The one and only regret in my life was lying to my family about a relationship. It’s a terrible feeling to hurt your family and I would rather be an old maid than be with an unsuitable man.
What I regret not doing is taking my French seriously. I love French magazines, movies and books and wish I could read French fluently rather than just figure out the gist.
Gary Valenciano, singer: What is something I regret I ever did? It still happens every once in a while. It’s when I say things that I know hurt the people I love the most.
Something I regret I never did? Pursue my desire to be a good all-around athlete.