10 life lessons from Louie
Louie Heredia was 18 years old when he was discovered by top composer Cecile Azarcon. At the time, he was in college taking up Business Management at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California.
But even as a young boy, he would regularly guest on Two for the Road hosted by the late Elvira Manahan and Eddie Mercado.
“I guess showbiz really was my destiny because in 1985, when I was in Manila for a summer vacation, I was again asked to guest in Two for the Road still hosted by Elvira Manahan and this time, Nestor Torre,” recalls Louie. “That evening, I was spotted by Vicor/Viva executives and soon after, I recorded my first album.”
After his first album, there was no stopping Louie, as he rose to becoming one of the country’s matinee idols. Louie then recorded many albums and received numerous gold, platinum and double platinum awards. As one of the most handsome singers in the country, Louie received invitations here and abroad to sing and entertain overseas Filipino workers. He later hosted a noontime show, Lunch Date at GMA 7, for a couple of years, appeared in many commercials, performed in concert tours and TV dramas.
When asked if he now misses showbiz, Louie replies, “Showbiz has always been a part of me, but there comes a time in your life when you want to be simple again and may I say, live a more ‘normal’ life. I live that life now... I am out of town most of the time enjoying with friends and loved ones. This pandemic has made me realize how important people are, from family to your real friends.”
Louie continues, “I have to admit that being a ‘star’ when I was younger really felt you were on top of the world! Imagine making your own money at a young age, all the adulation, perks, special treatment, etc... what more could I ask for? But at the end of the day, after all these years... I realized that it’s not really me. I remember telling a big star who is a close friend not too long ago, ‘I wished I loved showbiz as much as you... I admire you that after all these years, your passion and your energy for the business has never waned.’ For me, it was starting to be a routine and my love and passion for it was slowly disappearing.”
Today, Louie happily looks back at the fond memories of his life in show business. The friends he made back then are still his friends to this day. Louie tells us that he is just very thankful for the blessings he has received from God. One can see in his eyes that he is content where he is and shares that he can’t ask for anything more. All his dreams and wishes were given to him on a silver platter and now, he doesn’t mind when people do not know or recognize him. For this he credits his mom, the late Boling Tuason Reyes, and his stepdad, Vic Reyes, for teaching him to always have his feet on the ground.
Indeed Louie has now found his happy place and is content with his life.
Louie shares with us 10 lessons he has learned in life.
1. Never stop yourself from doing good to others, even if there is a risk that your kindness may be rejected.
2. Never lie... honesty is the best policy. People will respect you more.
3. Always be simple and humble. People who exalt themselves will be humbled and people who humble themselves will be exalted, God says.
4. Don’t try to be somebody you are not; people can see through you.
5. Always be kind and thoughtful. It touches people’s hearts.
6. Fr. Tito Caluag would always tell me that life is timing — when to say something and when not to speak up, when to do something and when not to do it. Thank you, Father Tito. I always share this with my friends and loved ones.
7. Am still learning but I guess I’ve improved a bit and want to improve even more in being patient!
8. I’ve learned to count my blessings and be thankful for all that God has blessed me with.
9. I’ve learned to be contented with what I have and I believe that people who are contented will be rich in life but people who are not will be poor in life since they will never be satisfied with what they have.
10. And finally, I’ve learned to always do my best in life, whether it be a job, relationship or anything in life. At least at the end of the day, you can always tell yourself that you did your best even if it didn’t work out. *
(We welcome your suggestions and comments. Please e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @monsromulo.)
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