I have been asked on a number of occasions to represent relatives at various official functions. I am sent to the far corners of the archipelago to deliver speeches and meet with supporters. Sometimes, there would be incidents of violence a week or two prior to these occasions, which would cause so much tension.  I would often joke with cousins that I am only deemed fit to represent in areas considered “danger zones” and a light banter would ensue ending with a clapback, “Begs to wonder why your husband (of 24 years) allows you to go on these dangerous trips,” followed by more laughter. The author with Dr. Jameson H. Tan, president of the Bulacan Agricultural State College
My latest “assignment” would take me to the Bulacan Agricultural State College, now renamed Bulacan State Agricultural University by Republic act 11783. Established in 1953, the university now has three campuses—the main being in San Ildefonso, and two extension campuses in the municipalities of Doña Remedios Trinidad and Balagtas. I had to address the university’s 2023 graduates of Agriculture and Education. I learn a lot from delivering speeches by proxy. Often, I end up researching the history of the town, people, and events leading up to the reason for the speech. I would also be on the hunt for ideas to engage the crowd more. I was in luck. I had been working on the books and speeches of my uncle, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, since 2021, so I know how agriculture and education had been interwoven into the late president’s plan for national development. RICE IS NICE President Ferdinand Marcos with farmers. Before taking office in 1965, the Philippines had been importing rice since 1869 (Malacañang Presidential Center)
My uncle would say that if he did not enter politics, he would have been a historian. He often studied history to give him clues to help solve national problems. When he took over the reins of government, he was looking at an aggravated agricultural sector. He soon found out there were no records in government about the efforts of past administrations. You see, the country had been importing rice since 1869. He couldn’t believe the Philippines could not produce enough rice to feed its own people. This fueled his search for solutions. In terms of education, the late President Marcos observed, “If there is anything on which all Filipinos agree, it is on the personal and social importance of education. Every parent in every Filipino barrio will sacrifice comfort, even stability, to send their sons and daughters to school. There is no debate, we all agree the priority that must be accorded to education.” PRIORITIES The late President Marcos inspecting construction of a schoolbuilding. Education, along with agriculture, was the pillar of the success of his plans for national development (Malacañang Presidential Center)
His daughter, Senator Imee R. Marcos, recalls witnessing her father “count the number of classrooms in every newly built school to ensure each Filipino child had a place to sit.” FATHER AND DAUGHTER TALKS Senator Imee R. Marcos remembers her father counting the number of classrooms in every newly built school to ensure every child had a seat to be educated (Malacañang Presidential Center)
Delivering the commencement address was such an amazing experience. It was so rejuvenating to see eager faces answering the call for greatness. Oh, the energy and vitality of youth! It was infectious. Lent the university toga in deep burgundy with yellow accents, I felt so dignified. The following day, I was told by my cousin’s staff that they would send me photos they took of the event. In the photos, I looked like a Christmas queso de bola, with colors to match! I have been so busy of late and ok lazy, then factor in menopause, that it has been eight months since I hit the gym. My body reflects it. The year is half gone and honestly, how does one stay motivated? I did hit the gym again soon after seeing those photos and asked instructors and gym enthusiasts for tips and answers to this question.

Bianca Pagkalinawan

Gym instructor at Electric Studio and 808 Studio

I stay motivated by trying something new, even just a tweak of something I normally do and that includes taking a break. I easily get bored so I constantly have to switch things up. Knowing and understanding your body take time. This is what keeps me on track with my fitness goals. I might not even reach my goals in a year but that’s fine. I’m in no rush. I notice people are quick to give up on their fitness journeys. Or they force themselves to a diet or workout, which isn’t sustainable. They compare their bodies or capabilities with those of others, especially online. At the end of the day, it’s not about the look, but feeling healthy.

Natasha Kintanar

Author, archaeologist, and triathlete

In tough times, when I start asking myself if I should keep going, I always dig deep and go back to my whys. Why am I doing this? What keeps me going is my commitment to my purpose. Dos and don’ts: Do take things one step at a time. Do commit to something you’re sure you can manage. Do always have a why. A deeper purpose will be your guiding light when you feel like giving up. People fail because they are unwilling to sacrifice or have fear of commitment.

TinTin Padilla

Program director and fitness instructor at Rave Studio and a duathlete

I believe in short term and long term goals. This applies to everyone’s fitness journey. Set a personal goal, stick to it, work on it until you achieve it. I feel like having a sense of direction with what you want to achieve not only with how your body looks but your fitness on a holistic standpoint should help keep you motivated for the rest of the year. Consistency is key to success.  You must be consistent with your diet and regular exercise. Choosing the right people to surround yourself as part of your fitness journey is also a must for success.

Lio Javier

Hair and makeup artist and fitness enthusiast

Fitness has always been a form of Mt. Everest for me. I’ve learned to sustain my fitness journey and stay motivated, I needed to make it a lifestyle. It is challenging so enjoying the workouts is a must. Do not push yourself to the breaking point. Stay Zen and keep it inward. It is your body, and yours alone. What may work for them may not work for you.

Tot Tangco

Fitness instructor at Electric Studio and Elev8 Fitness Studio

Before embarking on your fitness journey, one should identify what you want to change in your body. Then create a mindset of doable and manageable sacrifices needed to achieve your goal. Don’t use social media as your guide. Too unrealistic. To stay motivated, always go back to the “Why?” you wanted to start this journey. Stick to the plan outlined from the beginning, especially when you go off course. Surround yourself with people who are also on their own fitness journeys. You can even enrol at a gym and train with a personal trainer to achieve what you want with your body. It’s OK to get stuck. Life is full of road blocks but those shouldn’t stop us. Health is important. Investing in your health will help ensure a happier, healthier life.