What’s one thing you can’t live without?

I was watching Oprah the other day. It was about what life was like 400 years ago – much, much simpler than it is today. People on the show said it’s because there were less distractions from stuff like TV and computers. It was a time when each family member had to help around the house. Today, life is no longer like that. Many times we have to set aside a day of the week when we can get together as a family to catch up on how each one is doing. Yet, in spite of how difficult it is to make time for my family I know that the one thing I can’t live without are the people who are close to me who make my life worth living.

KRISTA RANILLO, actress: I can’t live without my faith because it keeps me grounded, it gives me strength whenever I’m feeling low, it’s my source of hope and inspiration. Another thing I can’t live without is love because it’s great to wake up in the morning smiling and knowing that I have someone to love and who loves me in return.

TIPPI OCAMPO, fashion designer: The one thing I absolutely cannot live without is a pencil (preferably Mongol No. 1). I can doodle when I’m bored, sketch when inspired, journal write when I’m enlightened. I can scribble notes, draw out patterns, mark out alterations, write poetry, note appointments, vandalized walls, make lists – and because all what I put down can be removed by an eraser, I can always go back and make improvements.

MARJORIE BARRETTO, actress: Can’t live without a water bottle. I bring it with me everywhere, even to the mall or movies. I take a sip of water every 10 minutes.

LUKE JICKAIN, Bench model: Peanut butter!! I love it more than any other food! If eating peanut butter were a paying job I’d be a millionare.

ANNE MARIE ROBICHEAU-SAGUIL, owner, Mosaic: I don’t think I could live without my address book. My address book helps me feel close to those dear to me.

MANNY AYALA, businessman: I can’t live without some quiet time to meditate because it helps keep me grounded.

MARITESS TANTOCO-ENRIQUEZ, Philippine honorary consul to Morocco: My cell phone is one thing I can’t live without. I use it to keep in touch with my business contacts and friends. And I use it to remind me of all my appointments.

ALEXANDRE CHARRIOL, artist: Laughter, because life would be boring without it.

RAUL MANZANO, investment banker/ associate editor, Metro Society: It will be my rosary. I carry it with me every day. Am lost without it.

ROD CORNEJO, assistant to the president, GMA 7: Since my wife and the cell phone cannot be mentioned that leaves 498 more thing in my list. Short listing them to 10 which includes, among others, toilet paper, the TV, and the credit card, I choose the PC. Why the PC? It’s my communication link to humanity.