to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy… and to laugh along the way
I was a young Army captain then, newly married, and newly assigned to Manila – at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo, to be exact – after 7 years of risky field service in the hinterland areas mainly in war-torn Mindanao. Those 4 days of February would become heady days for me, my family, my relatives and friends, as we all gathered at EDSA – the epicenter of it all – in that busy portion of the highway between Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo.
As we welcome the new year, I pray that we learn to bring love into each other’s hearts. Let us practice empathy before judgment; let us be present rather than perfect; let us extend grace in moments of frustration; let us express gratitude for everyday acts of goodness; and uplift others with encouragement and genuine praise. Let us learn to listen more than we debate, let us strive to learn more than we assume, and let us endeavor to love more than we fear.
As we move into 2026, my resolve is to steward these blessings with gratitude, to continue nurturing the growth of the companies I have been entrusted with with integrity; and to honor the trust of those who have joined us on this journey. May we all be mindful of the gifts around us, extend generosity to others, and carry forward a spirit of hope and resilience in the year ahead.
The Filipinas stood tall under the most intense spotlight, converting their penalties and denying Vietnam’s final attempt. Olivia’s heroic block sealed a historic, emotional accomplishment. The Philippines is now the SEA Games women’s football champions for the first time. Among the Philippines worthy gold medals, this was the one to savor most, ever so sweetly.
Our country’s ranking in the regional Southeast Asian Games will give us a sneak peek on the country’s future. Not just in sports, but in its overall standing in the community of nations. Our place in the regional games will reflect on the type of people we will have at the helm of our country in the decades ahead.
The PVL is turning bright beginnings into lasting legacies, carefully weaving athletic excellence with a culture of accessibility, respect and trust. The stands are not full by accident; they are the visible heartbeat of a sport growing in confidence and reach. The PVL has been successful in providing a great venue for mostly local talents to shine. In turn, they have gifted us all by becoming very accessible, very friendly, very real.
Color My World 