What is your guiding principle in life?

It was in grade school that I always heard my teachers tell us that it was good to have a “guiding principle in life.” Guiding principles become our gauge in living our lives. Growing up, seeing my dad in public service taught me that selfless service to others gives meaning to life. And I am grateful because it was doing service for others that eventually helped me cope with the pain I had when my marriage broke apart. Read on as our friends share with us their guiding principles in their lives!

Rep. Kimi Cojuangco, 5th district, Pangasinan

I once prayed for a more meaningful existence. I got what I prayed for! To do this, I try to live less for myself and more for others.

Billy Esposo, opinion writer, recipient of Legion of Honor, Commander Rank

Inculcated by my Jesuit educators at the Ateneo, I am guided by the principle of living life for others. This has been reinforced by my Focolare immersion with the commandment of Jesus Christ that whatsoever we do to the least of our brethren, we do unto Him. I do believe that when the day comes and we face our Lord to account for the life we lived, a lot of weight will be placed on how we treated the least of our brethren. It won’t be based on how much you shared — a sinful plunderer could easily donate P1 billion to “erase” his sins — but how much you loved. What you shared or donated must emanate from love and not as a means to buy redemption. We will be made to account for how we used the talent God gave us — did we use it for feeding the cravings of our human side or did we use it to bolster our spiritual side?

Bienvenido “Donnie” V. Tantoco III, president, Rustan Supercenters, Inc.

Every team must strive not only to be among the fittest who survive; but also to consciously protect and uplift the weakest members of our society. A leader harnesses and gives purpose to the goodness and greatness that exists in every one.

Toni Abad, managing partner, Media Room Inc.

My guiding principle in life is written in Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It particularly became my mantra after I survived breast cancer because apart from Him who gave me back my life, I’m nothing. I’m in constant gratitude to Him because He brought me back to life. I’m now in a position to face all of lives challenges because He enables me. The Lord is my fortress, my rock and my guiding light!

Senator Loren Legarda

You reap what you sow. Do good and you will never go wrong!

Zsa Zsa Padilla, actress, TV host

What calms me when I get overwhelmed are Dolphy’s words: “Steady ka lang.” He knows I have a habit of overthinking and he would tell me jokingly, “Don’t panic.” So when I find myself over-thinking about a situation, I try to imagine him saying these words to me.

Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada, former beauty queen

My guiding principle in life is never to do to others what I don’t want others to do to me.

Senator Miguel Zubiri

When it comes to my actions in life, I am guided by the golden rule: Do unto others what you want others to do unto you. Don’t do unto others what you wouldn’t want them to do unto you. It’s universally applicable and following this principle has allowed me to make many good decisions and, best of all, gives me peace of mind at the end of the day.