TEXT VIEWS: Do you consider yourself lucky? Why or why not?

I consider myself lucky, indeed, for staying healthy, alive, helpful and cute amidst the grueling and stressful grind of daily life. – Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City

I don’t know what luck means. In my life, anything that can go wrong will go wrong, that I might as well just change my last name to Murphy. – A.M. Locsin, Quezon City

A good family

Yes, I consider myself lucky because I have a happy and intact family. – S.C. Tomines, Tarlac City

Yes, with an 88-year-old mother very much around, the light shines in our home. And though my father’s gone, he left with us the legacy of his being. Who wouldn’t be very lucky? I have five wonderful children and a wife who’s been with me no matter how rough the sailing’s been. – Cris Rivera, Rizal

We may not be wealthy but we are lucky to have a loving and happy family. – T. Manalastas, Manila

Having reached this stage in life with many things to look behind as modest achievements, many of which were accomplished in difficult and challenging circumstances, I consider myself lucky. And to be at this age, when the rest of my years are a bonus allowed me by the Almighty, I am indeed lucky. What’s more, with a wife who gave me five children who in turn gave us our nine grandchildren, two of whom gave us our two apo sa tuhod, how lucky I am! – I. Calata, Parañaque City

I see myself as lucky as I was raised by my parents as a God-fearing person. Despite many challenges, I know I can do it my way. – Johann Lucas, Quezon City

Lucky and rich are relative terms, but I do consider myself very lucky. I am not rich but my family has a roof on our heads, food on the table and, we have been healthy. I have a pretty wife who cooks well and is fond of gardening; responsible kids; and friends that meet weekly for a couple of drinks and laughs. We are one happy family. I wouldn’t exchange it for anything in the world. - Robert Young, Jr. San Juan

Lucky and God-blessed having three sons who’re all college graduates despite financial difficulties. Furthermore, I never encountered any instance where my sons got involved in illegal drugs or ran afoul with the law. I pray that my luck holds out until all of them will have their own families, enjoying good health and the comforts of life. This luck I also owe my wife. – William Gonzaga, Marikina City

Lucky in love

Sure, though my husband and I are in our twilight years, we’re still close and romantic. – Nene Biason, Las Piñas City

Being widowed after 25 years of marriage, I was lucky to see and meet again my first and true love. Wow! – Tess Pambuan, Metro Manila

For friends

Yes, for having generous ‘bayaws’ in Engr. Ed Boleno and Engr. Orly Esteves and a friend for all seasons like Engr. Ed Santos, I’m lucky. – Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan

Against the odds

I consider myself lucky because, despite my illness, I have survived. Not only does my family care for me but so does my circle of friends. – Lydia Reyes, Bataan

Of course, I consider myself lucky. Why? I still have a good and exciting life and a good job kahit na partially disabled. – Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan

Yes, despite the yucky-plucky system that we have, I am still alive and have not lost my senses! – Melchor Salom, Ilocos Sur

I’m in a valley of life right now, wrestling for my labor case I am as good a pauper at present, but my children, though hard-up, are hand in hand keeping me alive, fighting and breathing, and so of the help being given by my Masonic and Apo brethren in my hour of darkness. That should be, for me, rare luck. And yes, I’m still lucky for the all-seeing eye does not miss sight of my plight. – Elpidio Que, Vigan

Yes, I consider myself lucky because I have not been into gambling and was able to finally throw away my ashtray. Thanks for the question, I am able to tell you to follow me. – J. Pacatang, Dipolog City

I consider myself lucky because I was born and raised in a good and modest family and when it was my turn to have my own, God gave me two beautiful, loving children. My husband, well, I’m in the middle of a decision because until this time, though he’s good to me, there are still doubts. Probably due to some unfavorable and unpleasant impressions implanted in me long ago that still lingers in my mind. – Rose Leobrera, Manila

I am lucky because I still survive despite the high prices of raw materials, services and commodities affecting by my small business. – Rency Santos, Rizal

The privilege to serve

Yes, because I was given a chance to serve a larger constituency. If successful, I’d feel doubly lucky. – Ferdie Estrella, Baliuag, Bulacan

Yes, of course I consider myself lucky for imagine, at my age of 71, I am still serviceable to my fellow elderly. – Manny Gamo Sr., Las Piñas City

I consider myself lucky because I can still deeply feel the joy of giving and sharing my time, talent, and treasure without considerations. – Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte

Yes and no

I’m lucky for being able to share a family with my two children, now both professionals. I’m unlucky for living under an illegitimate President. – Jim Veneracion, Naga City

Yes and no, because no matter what situation I am in, there will always be a person lesser and greater than me. – Joel Caluag, Bulacan

What makes my day

I am lucky when I land in Inbox. – J. Sandico, Metro Manila

I’m always unlucky in love, but lucky enough, I guess, to be chosen as a regular Inbox texter. – Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City

Counting my blessings

My grandpa taught me three important things to a happy life – eat well, sleep well and discharge well. Lucky is the man who has all three. – C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City

Yes, because I eat three times a day, I have a comfortable and happy home, a loving husband and children and a God-centered life. – Ella Arenas, Pangasinan

Having a beautiful family, relatives and friends could not just have happened by chance, I would rather say I’m blessed than simply lucky. – Rodolfo Capili, Caloocan City

Yes, because I have a beautiful and talented wife, three brilliant and wonderful kids and a good life. My family is God-centered all the time. – Leonard Villa, Laoag City

I am lucky, I’m alive and texting. – Noel Diaz, Manila

Having a good family, a stable income and company of good friends, yes, I can say that I am lucky indeed. – Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City

My wife has a new business, we moved to a new house, I have a new son-in-law, I’m healthy, I meet with my Columbia’s tobacco buddies weekly with SMB. What more can I ask for?  – Vic Alim, Caloocan City

Yes, because of good health. As they say, “Health is wealth”’, plus the fact that I have a loving wife named Juliet. – Romeo Caubat, Masbate

I consider myself lucky because upon retirement, my health is still quite good to enjoy life (with wife) within our means. – Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City

Lucky, of course! Still living in this world and having lovable persons around me, isn’t that enough to consider oneself lucky? – Julie Alejo, Metro Manila

I’m lucky and blessed. I have smart kids at Ateneo, a caring and loving wife, and a nice city to live in away from all the pollution and noise. – Loi Castillo, Davao City

Reap what you sow

I found that the harder I worked every day, the luckier I got. When I gambled and caroused, I became unlucky. I prefer being lucky. – Patrick Moser, Metro Manila 

I don’t consider myself “lucky” kasi di naman ako anak ni Ate Vi. Gerii is my dad’s name, not Edu. He he he! Life is what we make it. – Sheldon Calupitan, Quezon City

I’d say I’m lucky enough to have had work and retired comfortably. – Ed Alawi, Davao City

There’s no such thing as “luck”. Everything is guided by “karma”, the “law of cause and effect”. If any “good luck” comes to you, that is the result of the “good karma” you sowed. My kumpare owns 10 cars. He won a $49,000 car last Dec. ‘07 with a raffle ticket he bought for P500. He’s selling it for P1.5M, so he could build 30 GK homes! Mabait eh. – Gerii Calupitan, Mandaluyong City

I’m not lucky but I think my family and I survive because of a little bit of diligence, humility and an abiding faith in God. – N. Campaner, Tacloban City

Thank God

Not lucky but very blessed because everything good that comes my way comes by the grace of God and not by luck. – Debbie Genato, Quezon City

Of course! I am lucky because I am alive and have family and friends beside me. We should give thanks to God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. - Alfredo Carballo Jr., Negros Occidental

Yes, very lucky. I am the luckiest among people of the world today. I do not belong to an affluent family. My father died early and my mother is a housewife but these scenarios pushed me towards the fulfillment of my goals and dreams. I am imperfect. Such imperfection that made me realize how God has given me the chance to change. Now, I am a teacher after I graduated magna cum laude in a prestigious university in Mindanao. I was the only one among my siblings who experienced college life due to poverty. I am already helping my family and its extensions. I am also helping my community. I am peaceful and happy. Though I am not having the greatest life on earth, I am joyful that I am nurturing today’s children. Thank you Lord! - Joewel Saba, Mindanao

Lucky in some, unlucky in other things, but grateful, happy, and thankful for God’s constant love. – Myrna Militante, Quezon City

Yes, others are hopeless and desperate when hooked on drugs and vices, while I’m at peace with the only true God. – Gerry del Cano, Tarlac

Being alive, at my peak, and free of major illnesses is already enough to consider myself lucky. Having and raising bright kids is invigorating. The ever-energetic hubby, handling multiple roles and applying the full force on all courses, is tireless in providing the much-deserved comfort zone. Add to this the mutual love of siblings, and my life is already rainbow-colored. Being a member of the mighty Inbox “girl power” (brigade) adds the ultimate shine. Can’t ask for more, thanks to my Creator, who is always there for me. – Imee Aglibot, Rizal

I consider myself blessed. God is with me and He provides for my needs. – Esmie Olaes, Cavite City

Also lucky because God blesses the work of our hands so that we are sufficient in our needs. Being lucky has different implications to different people. At my age, now a senior citizen, I consider myself lucky. – Ludwig Aguinaldo, Digos City

I am lucky to be able to live up to now. I’m very lucky that our Father, God Almighty, gave me the privilege to serve Him. – E. Linsangan, Isabela

Luck’s always associated with gambling, lottery. Indulging in these once in a while, I don’t consider myself lucky. If we’re fortunate in life, we must have driven ourselves to be so, or we’re counting our blessings. Then we praise Him. – Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City 

I’m lucky, together with my wife, we are way above the average Filipino lifespan. Also thankfully, we live in contentment and, above all, in God’s peace and love. – Justo Cammayo, Isabela

I have many misfortunes and failures in life but I am lucky, too, as I always overcome them and avoid frustration. I am still hoping for the best to come. I am healthy and look younger than my age. Most of all, I have peace of mind because I pass on to Jesus all the burdens I cannot bear. – Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City

REACTIONS

To Mr. Rey Ibalan: Is it true that you will provide jobs to jobless heads of the family? Sana isa ako sa matulungan mo. – E. Viray, CSFP

To Manuel Abejero: Mr. F. Pascual is wrong because our Constitution bars all elected presidents from running again for the same post. – Romeo Caubat, Masbate

To Mike Sayat: Mali ka. Nung si Erap president, nakabayad tayo  utang, mura ang bilihin at gas, walang dayaan sa government bidding  di tulad now. – Arlene Go, Manila

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

NEXT INBOX QUESTION: Are we capable of implementing a reliable national ID system?

To send your views and comment to INBOX, simply text:
philstar<space>fb<space>your view/comment, name and address
and send to 334 if you're a Smart subscriber or 2840 for Globe or Sun Cellular