From her sheltered years in Assumption College to her award-winning life in media and her influential role as a lawmaker now, it would seem that Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda has lived a fairy tale life only others can dream of. However, she is the first to tell you that there's no great success without hard work and failures along the way.

Looking back, Loren said she's had a lot of disappointments and dreams which she was not able to attain, like working in an international news organization. During her career on TV, there were also times she was fired or suspended. And of course, there's her much-documented failed bid for vice-presidency of the Republic, where she even filed an electoral protest against a fellow broadcaster.

Loren noted that the ability to deal with failure and rising up strongly after every fall are very important traits to have in this pandemic when there is a general feeling of misery and hopelessness.

"Hindi lahat ng bagay sa ating buhay ay makukuha natin. Ang importante buo ang loob mo at meron tayong panaginip, meron tayong disiplina. Hindi natin makakamit ang gusto natin pag hindi tayo magsisipag, pag wala tayong panaginip. Allow yourself to be sad with every failure, that's part of it. Ang mahalaga, bumangon tayo at sumubok nang muli," Antique's lone lady representative pointed out.

The lovely Loren, who is running again for senator in the 2022 elections, is ever-busy with her numerous advocacies even while mostly based in her farm these days due to Covid protocols. In her lush farm, she lives on the simple joy of hearing the birds chirp or feeling the fresh wind blowing against her face. She has no TV, radio or Netflix. She has Spotify, but listens mostly to hit songs of the 70s and 80s.

While in her hideaway, the congresswoman gets busy with recycling projects like making chandeliers out of broken bottles. She is also in constant communication with weaving community leaders who create beautiful native bags out of indigenous materials. Largely known for being a climate champion, Loren's other advocacies are those pertaining to education, employment and entrepreneurship, particularly those supporting micro, small and medium enterprises.

Loren is actively bringing her causes on social media. In collaboration with the Climate Change Commission, she conceptualized and hosts "Stories for a Better Normal" which is shown to audiences via Facebook Live. This online show aims to promote environmental consciousness and climate-adaptive practices. It seeks to change the mindset of individuals, families and communities by seeking ways in which a "better normal" can be realized through working together.

In coping with the new normal, Loren advised to be "contented with what we have and never lose hope. And those who have a better status in life must share what they have until it hurts. Let's try to always look at the glass half full. I am an eternal optimist. Wag po tayo mawawalan ng pag-asa.Palagi pong sisikat ang araw pagkatapos ng madilim na gabi," she closed.