What can you live without?

We are of-ten attached to people, things and situations in our lives that we think we simply can’t live without. Have you ever thought about what you can live without? Personally, I can live without negative people so we can all work together in harmony, peace and live happily ever after.

Joy Ortega, actress/executive assistant

I can live without electronics. My best memories are my childhood days where I spent much of my time playing hide and seek, patintero, tex, biking and piko with my siblings. Nobody had a reason to stay indoors tinkering on iPads, computers, cell phones and PS3s! If we had a good public transportation system, I could also live without cars. I super enjoy taking the train, which gets you to your destination faster without the problem of parking and walking, which is beneficial to our health and allows us to savor the beauty of the city!

Petronila P. Garcia, Philippine ambassador to Israel

I can live without bitterness, hate and regret. As I look forward to the new year, I embrace the future with my cup half full. I realize that life is too short to waste any moment regretting anything I may have done in the past or anything that may have been done to me. I will fill each day counting my blessings, and being thankful for what I have. I can’t believe how quickly time is just relentlessly whizzing past. It seems like only yesterday that I was a young mother of two energetic boys. It was all I could do to keep up with their inquisitive minds and boundless energy. The sleepless nights with nappies, teething, and childhood illnesses that came one after the other. Then the teenage years, questioning authority, finding their boundaries. I did not even have time to exhale and savor the moments as they passed quickly by.

Much to my surprise, they are now young men, finding their own way in a world full of possibilities. With more time for myself, I miss the hustle and bustle of motherhood. Now, more than ever, I have come to realize that one must seize the day and fill it with happy memories. Keep the good and release all the bad.

Lorna Galang Lopez, mom and executive

Not to be confused with excitement, I can do without volatility. It’s comforting to know what to expect, to prevent unpleasant surprises. Character and humor are appreciated, but there’s a thin line between being interesting and needing a shrink. I prefer dealing with steady, calm, even-keeled and positive people who create a manageable environment.

Len Nepumuceno, designer

There are three things I can live without, actually. One: Sneakers and or rubber shoes. I don’t own a single pair of sneakers/rubber shoes. Two: leggings; somehow leggings belong to the tall and thin, and the young who are blessed with extremely shapely long legs. Third: the gym; I have always envied those who go to the gym to work out but I tried going once and I got sick and had pneumonia after, plus the fact that I might have to wear leggings and rubber shoes is already making me rethink about going back.

Alvi Siongco, filmmaker

Along with everyone in our country, I can live without corrupt politicians. They set a terrible example to everyone as far as morality and decency are concerned. They are also the main cause of poverty to Filipinos. If even just one corrupt politician is convicted and made an example of (and, hopefully, not given amnesty by misguided presidents), then I believe there’s hope for our country.

Ria Tanjuatco Trillo, news anchor

I can live without people who are closed to new ideas and new ways of doing things. Historically, it’s always been the people who were considered crazy, misfits or rebels who brought about positive change in the world. And who doesn’t want positive change?

Dalah Pia, entrepreneur

First thought that comes to mind is stress! I’ve seen how stress can affect a person physically and emotionally. It’s one thing I really can live without. But if it has to be something material, I’d say I can happily live without makeup and cosmetics! Less is more and natural is always the best.

Raul Manzano, editor in chief, Metro Society

I can live without the fake people in Manila. I have learned to simplify my life during the past few years by surrounding myself with real and genuine people. That’s why I have only a few close friends — I can actually count them with my fingers. In Manila, you can’t really tell if people like you for what you are or what they can get out of you.

Denise Aquino, owner, Tokyo Posh

I can live without plastic and paper bags. One Christmas my cousin Christine gave us envirosax or reusable eco bags. I admire how she goes shopping without having to ask for the store’s paper bags and just dump everything inside her reusable bag. Being a shopaholic that I am, It’s amazing how many paper bags I can save each time I visit the mall! It’s only recently that I’ve started doing this and I must say its more convenient to carry along just one bag than a couple of big, heavy paper bags and I feel good knowing that I’m doing something for the environment in my own little shopaholic way.

Isabel Martel Francisco, student, ISM ’12

I can live without suffering and poverty. It doesn’t seem fair that some people are forced, subjected to a life filled with both physical and mental pains. It is unfortunately a sight that we Filipinos are accustomed to due to the status of our country’s economic situation. Every day we see countless persons outside our very car windows and along the streets. An image so provoking that it makes one seriously question the reasons behind such things.

Laly San Luis Etroit, mother and businesswoman

My cell phone because before we could have face-to-face conversations without interruption; we could make telebabad without the phone burning your ear.

Vanessa Figueroa, businesswoman

An answer popped straight away into my mind: a man! I can live without a man. I feel complete as a single person that a man or a partner is simply a bonus in one’s life if and when the right one comes along. Some people cannot function alone or they get very lonely being alone. That’s not me. The time in between dating is the time I feel much liberation in being able to do so much at my own pace, whim and time.

Camille Farinas Mathay, wife and mom

Apathy and jealousy. Come on, where is the love? Seriously though, I think I can live without a laptop! I had one before but ended up selling it. I have an iPad and my phone to send e-mails and browse the Net. When I get home I have my PC. I’m not really a techie person so, yes, I can live without a laptop.