GMA’s 10 most valuable life lessons

Growing up, I was very much fascinated by politics particularly with the career of former President and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA). I am in awe of her intelligence and how she always gives her best in every position she holds.

From the time she wasappointed by then President Corazon Aquino in 1987 as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry to her promotion to Undersecretary and Executive Director of the Garments and Textile Export Board, there was no stopping her rise to power as she ran together with my father Alberto Romulo for the Senate and was re-elected in 1995, this time topping the senatorial elections.

(Front row) Juan Alvaro Bernas with Ignacio Rufino and Diosdado Miguel Luis Arroyo; (second row, from left) Mikaela Gloria Arroyo, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and husband lawyer Mike Arroyo, Eva Victoria and Marie Angelique Arroyo; (last row, from left) Luigi and Luli Bernas, Mikey and Angela Arroyo with Dato and Kakai Arroyo. Photos courtesy of the office of Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

In 1998, she was elected Vice President and served in a concurrent position in the Cabinet as DSWD Secretary. Then in 2001, she became President and is at present the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

It is public knowledge that Arroyo’s career in politics is like a roller coaster ride. But in spite of everything that has happened to her, she has always come out a smiling winner.

I remember visiting her a couple of times when she was under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Center. During that time, she was always so calm, at peace and always with a positive disposition.

If there is one person we can all learn from in life, it would be GMA. Read on as she shares with us her 10 most valuable lessons in life.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo receives a warm welcome from residents of Brgy. Northbay Boulevard South-Proper, Navotas City during a medical mission.

“Many of my 10 most valuable lessons were from my parents.  Indeed, wisdom is timeless,” she said.

1. My father always used to say, “Do your best, and God will take care of the rest.”

2.My father also said that no matter how dark the world around you may seem, “brighten up your own corner of the world.”

3. Something I learned from my father’s rise from poverty: Education is all important.

4. Something I learned from my mother: “You can live simply, but with dignity.” I might add, even with tasteful elegance.

5. Something I learned from my political career: Loyalty is important.

6. If any of my grandchildren aspire for public service, I will repeat what was said of my father during a eulogy: “Politics can be an honorable profession.”

7. Something I learned from global economics: You must be competitive.

8. Something I learned from my own career: You must work hard and you must be persistent.

9. I was reminded recently of a line from Rudyard Kipling, “If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same.”

10. Most important, something I learned from Jesus: You must love God with all your whole heart, and you must love your neighbor as yourself.

With granddaughters Evie, Mika and Monique.

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