Death is a reality we avoid talking about, but knowing that it can knock at our door or just pull us out of this earth at anytime can help us set our priorities, give importance to people we care about and, most of all, try to do what is right at all times. It is best to always be prepared so that when this moment comes, we are ready to face our Creator and hopefully hear Him say, “Congratulations for a job well done.”
If you were to die soon and had only one phone call to make, who would you call and what would you say?
Bernadette Sembrano Aguinaldo, reporter, newscaster, TV host
My husband Orange. I trust him with all my habilin.
John Fernandez, businessman
If I were to pass on ahead of my mother, then I would call her. Simply to thank her for the gift of life and all she has done to make me the person I am today until the day I die. I would also ask her to forgive me for the times I hurt her as a son and request forgiveness from my children as well for not being the greatest father I ought to have become. Most importantly, however, I would ask her to watch over the spiritual growth, maturity and faith in God of my children, Isabella and Alessandra, who I know will take care of them much more than any parent can.
Avel Bacudio, fashion designer
Minsan natatakot tayo pag pinag-uusapan ang sa kabilang buhay, pero lahat tayo dadating kung saan tayo nagsimula. Ang kakausapin ko ang pinakamayamang bansa at pinuno nito na tulungan ang ating bansa at dahil kahit anong gawing paghihirap ng ating pamahalan matatagalan tayo bago bumangon, isa itong makabayan at makataong mensahe at bago man ako pumanaw may nagawa ako sa ating bansa.
Former Governor Robert “Ace” Barbers, Surigao del Norte
Firstly, I would call my wife and reminisce with her over our sweetest moments together. I would recall the times when it was just the two of us, talking until the wee hours of the night. We always laughed at ourselves and at the same time shared our dreams with each other. Then, I would call my sons and reminisce about our fun times. Playing with them and horsing around the house on Sundays are my most memorable moments with them.0 I would tell them how proud I am to be their father. I want them to remember happy, loving and intimate memories with me. I want to celebrate with them our lives together before I would be leaving them.
Mary Anne ‘Me’anne’ Alcordo-Solomon, president, ICANSERVE Foundation
If I was to die soon and had only one phone call to make, I would call my priest friend so I could confess and be given the rites and blessing. Since I would know I was dying, I know that my loved ones like my husband, children, close family and friends would be by my side already so I need not call them.
Barbara Gonzalez, writer
Nobody. I want to die alone.
Rep. Sonny Angara, lone district, Aurora
I would call my wife. Tell her I love her and the kids and that things would be okay and that I would keep watch over them all the time. Ton Ocampo, realtor
I would call my son Joaquin and leave him with this which I have discovered in life: Accept whatever life has to offer. At some point in your life you will experience sorrow, hurt, pain, despair, frustration, anguish, betrayal, etc. Experience it but do not hold on to anything that will weigh you down, let go of anything negative. Whether you are happy or unhappy, respond joyfully and cheerfully. Be prayerful at all times. Work hard, persevere, do not depend on anyone but only yourself and God. Be mindful of others, be thoughtful, kind, loving, generous and gracious to everyone. Be thankful in all circumstances. Hold on to only what is good and avoid anything that is bad. You will only know God’s will for you by belonging to the Lord. At some point in your life, you will also make mistakes, big ones and small ones. That’s okay. It is part of our journey. Learn from your mistakes. Be patient with yourself. Always trust yourself. Trust God. Do not conform to the standards of this world but let God’s spirit change and transform into a new person and live through you. We are constantly being challenged in every point and chapter of our lives. Everything has a reason and a season and we are never in control of things. Someone always is. Just rest your confidence with the thought that He makes everything beautiful in its own time.
Ria Yujuico, head of corporate affairs, JAKA Investments Corp.
I would call my mom, Dinggay, and tell her that I love her and thank her for holding my hand and walking by my side through all my trials and tribulations. She’s my inspiration and my guiding light.