What are you most proud of?
Looking back at the times that made me feel proud never fails to lift me up when I am feeling down. Happy moments are easy to create but moments that will make us proud are more precious because they’re harder to make it happen. Proud moments are something you have had to work hard for which makes it more valuable because it is not an experience that everyone can simply have. Read on as friends share with us their proud moments in their life.
BOBBY YAN: First was when I won as councilor in 2004 running for the first time. I finished No.1 and my parents were there at my oath-taking. To see the smile and pride on their faces made all the sacrifices and adversity I had to go through all worth it. The other proudest moment came at an ironic time. It was the burial of my grandfather, Gen. Manuel T. Yan. As a former chief of staff of the AFP, he was accorded a burial given only to a select few who ever reached the position. It was straight out of a movie. Hundreds of uniformed soldiers, present and past generals of the AFP sent him off at Camp Aguinaldo and hundreds more received his casket, drawn by a military jeep, at the burial site across town complete with military honors. A helicopter flew for an hour or so circling just to drop flower petals as my grandfather was laid to his final resting place. I have always been proud of my grandfather — I just was not expecting such honor given during a burial. After all, how many times does anyone bury an AFP chief of staff who happens to be your grandfather?
PEPPER TEEHANKEE, columnist: I am really happy and proud to have a lot of friends. I have a lot of acquaintances but have, through the years, developed more than a handful of true friendships. People say “one is lucky if they can count their true friends on one hand.” I believe I’m lucky enough considering I can count my real friends needing more than my 10 fingers.
MICHELLE LAO, customer development specialist: Just the other night my seven-year-old son said to me, “I love God! He’s my No. 1, you’re my No. 2, mom!” That he gets it, this is what makes me most proud and happy!
EBOL ADORABLE, breast cancer survivor: I’m most proud of my grandson Gabby. He is so smart and already acts like a young man even if he is only four years old. When he was one-and-a-half-year-old, he could point out the various states on the US map. He loves cars so his ABC is not the regular version: it’s A is for Alfa Romeo, B is for BMW, and so on! Needless to say, I am also happiest when I am with him or just thinking about him.
Representative RUFFY BIAZON, Muntinlupa: My proudest moment was when my first son was born, which to me is a fulfillment of a duty given by God, that of bringing life into this world and nurturing him into his full potential. The moment that the nurse handed him into my arms straight from the delivery room, I immediately felt the honor of being God’s co-creator. When I endowed my son with a name, I felt the responsibility that I was assuming.
Architect LOR CALMA: Makes me proud to be an old man. When you have gray hair, that’s wisdom and a sign of experience. I am proud of what I have done for the past 50 years, being a practitioner of art.
CHRISTINE BERSOLA BABAO, Children’s Hour author, host and creative director of Parentin.TV: I am most proud and happy when the goals I have set out to do in life are fulfilled. My brainchild, www.parenTIN.tv was launched on July 21. I take pride in it because it is the first Philippine online parenting show. Cyberspace has revolutionized our lives and the world in profound ways. It is clearly the now and the direction of the future. I am harnessing the power of this portal to make a difference and make my dreams come true. I am happy because www.parentin.tv came at a perfect time, I am now three months pregnant.
JOSEPHINE DEL GALLEGO, English literacy advocate of Balaytique Elementary School: I am very fortunate and grateful to have lived a life enriched with innumerable proud/happy moments. So when I read your question, the first thing that came to mind was this... I raised my former stepson, Seth Knox, during all the summer and winter holidays while we were living eight years in Milano I would read to/with him and share my passion for history, culture, language, Italian cuisine and travel with him. During one of our trips to the US at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, the tour guide asked, “Does anyone know what the flag below each window in this dining room represent? “ Ten-year old Seth raised his hand immediately and replied, “It is the flag of the 17 contrade (districts) in Siena.” I can still remember his beaming smile and how proud I was of him!
NINA YNARES CHIONGBIAN, businesswoman: I have no one single proud moment to mention. Every time I am with my family, I feel blessed and proud. In a busy world such as ours, my parents always made time to give us the parental support and guidance every son/daughter needs to succeed. We always felt that we were their priority not only with their reassuring words but with their time, actions, unconditional and unwavering love. And of course like every mother’s proud moment: Whenever I see my son, James Roy III, laugh and when I notice him doing new things. These are my most cherished and valued priceless proud moments.
CARLA ABELLANA, actress: My proudest and happiest moment was when I was told that I was chosen to play the lead role in GMA-7’s Rosalinda. I mean, there I was, a virtual newcomer, and all of a sudden I was being given such a big break and was being thrust in the limelight. It’s a dream come true! Up to now, I still can’t believe how it happened so fast.
HECTOR CALMA, San Miguel Beer team manager: Right now I still am high from the championship of the San Miguel Beer team in the 2009 PBA Fiesta Cup. It was a well-deserved win. What I am most proud of is that I am able to bring up my children with better opportunities than I ever had. I have also been able to set a good example to my children by keeping away from vices, and by being there for them always, not only as a dad but also as a friend.
BRILLANTE MENDOZA, best director, Cannes Film Festival 2009: I’m proud of my daughter Angelina because she’s a very focused person and independent.
CRISTINA PECZON RODRIGUEZ, interior designer, former broadcaster: My proudest day was the day my son Aiden was born! There is nothing that can compare to the emotions that fill one’s heart that first moment you become a parent! I was in labor for 20 hours, only to have an emergency C-section — I was extremely tired and spent from the ordeal! But the first moment the nurses put Aiden in my arms and he locked eyes with me and became calm, I was so overcome with pride and happiness! I can only compare that happiness to one other moment — and that was the day that I exchanged vows with my husband Joty!
CRISTINA S. MACAPAGAL, entrepreneur: Recently, I was most proud and happy at the end of this school year because my son Wendell graduated from prep school with honors, while my daughters Sophie and Victoria were accepted into the junior school that they really wanted to study in. Ever since my children reached school age, a lot of my pride and happiness have come from their progress in their education. So far I am fortunate that with God’s grace, they are growing up to be well-behaved and appreciative of the value of education. I can only thank God for the blessings He has given my family, such as a loving and healthy environment for my children to grow up in.
BANANA CRUZ, businesswoman: Fulfilling both a professional and personal goal at exactly the same time: Successfully completing a two-year masters degree in international finance and policy at Columbia University and having my wonderful daughter, Alexandra.
