Who are your mentors in life?
Life is not always easy. High and low moments will always be a part of it. Whether it’s good times or bad times, having someone we can rely on to give us sound advice and guide us through, someone who can mentor us when we’re faced with a dilemma can make a big difference in our lives. A wise, God-fearing and trusted mentor is always a blessing!
NEDA Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr.
My main mentor was my father, Cayetano Paderanga Sr., who imparted the basic values that have guided me; my dissertation adviser, Richard Muth, who showed me that humility and brilliance can co-exist; my teachers Bernie Villegas and Jess Estanislao for showing me delegation and the minimalist approach to managing organizations; and President Cory for her example in honest, gracious and effective leadership.
Perci Intalan, FVP and head of Creative and Entertainment TV5, Philippines
Who do I consider my mentor in work or in life? At work, I’ve learned all I know from my bosses and peers. One of them was my former boss at Disney in Hong Kong, Angela Cheung. She was driven by this passion for what she was doing and at the same time genuinely had fun doing it and genuinely cared for the people who were working with her. In the entertainment industry, that’s the only way you can get the best results and not go crazy in the process! In life, my mentor would be my dad. He, too, was fueled by a passion for his craft, but he was devoted to his wife and his family. For him, life is not measured by fame or fortune, but by a sense of fulfillment and contentment that every morning, he would wake up and go to a job he enjoyed and every night, he would come home to a family who loves him. You really can’t ask for anything more than that.
Undersecretary Abigail Valte, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson
I am lucky to count a number of people who took me under their wing: my former bosses from my first law firm, Johnny Santos, Butch Abad and Edwin Lacierda from the campaign. But of all, I consider my late father, Carding Asuncion, as my main mentor as he saw it fit to provide guidance whenever I needed it. When I was in high school, he even brought home clippings of articles from newspapers for me to read and comment on. Looking back, I suppose that prepared me a little for what I now do every day.
Kin Henares, commissioner,Bureau of Internal Revenue
There are a lot of things one can learn from every person one meets in life, but the people from whom I learned a lot regarding the more important things in life that make who I am now, the principles I live with, the way I deal with and treat people, the way I view and do things are my father and mother (Mr. and Mrs. Ernesto Jacinto) and my husband, Daniel. My mentors as far as public service and the desire to do something for our country are concerned are my father-in-law Hilarion “Larry” Henares Jr. and my former boss, Commissioner Parayno.
Rep. Neptali “Boyet” M. Gonzales II,lone district, Mandaluyong City
My career as a lawyer and my duty as a public servant has been shaped by lessons I learned from my father — Senator Neptali Gonzales. I grew up in a family whose life is marked by deep involvement in public service and church life, and my father was a strong presence. By his example, he taught me to be true to my word, to value character more than wealth, to be ready to listen to and help people no matter what their status in life is. He always reminded us to guard the family’s name so well, because at the end of the day, the integrity of one’s family and character will be the best legacy one can leave behind.
Billy Crawford, singer
My dad. He taught me how to appreciate my job and be professional about it. He was never late. But even when he was the boss of his company, he treated all of them equally. I never once heard a complaint about him. He is respectful and well-respected. He once told me you make life what you want. Never let anyone decide for you. And if there’s a problem, there’s always a solution.
Julius Babao, news anchor
My father Romeo Babao Sr. was my mentor in all aspects of my life. He taught me all values in life that made me who I am today. He was loved and respected by his family, relatives and friends because he lived by example.
Jon Santos, comedian
My mentors in life are my parents. As for my work, my technique, my style, and my work ethic — pure Tessie Tomas! In love, my mentor is my spouse and partner West Stewart.
Baron Geisler, actor
My mentor in work is (the late) Johnny Delgado. I used to call him Dada. He gave me an acting book, Being & Doing by Eric Morris, and he was always happy to see me reading it. Every time we did a scene together, we applied what’s written in the book. He taught me how to act on impulse and not be too dependent on the script, and also not to care if I looked handsome or not. He was like a father to me on the set and off. I love him for teaching me the secrets of the trade. He is, and always be, my best actor.
