Allyzza Kay Trinidad

Words to live by: Celebrities share the quotes and sayings closest to their hearts

Article (news)

Rianna Mae Santiago

In this exclusive interview with your most adored veteran and rising artists, they wholeheartedly share their favorite quotes and most cherished sayings that guide them onstage and offstage, hoping to inspire their dedicated fans even more.The ever-colorful and chart-topping OPM artist Maki begins the talk with his “It is what it is” mantra, even showing his adorable doodle-like tattoo of it on his forearm. He goes on to explain that there are things we truly cannot control in life, and once we accept that, the stress that once felt unavoidable will surely lessen.Aljon Mendoza, former “PBB Otso” housemate and now the leading man of  iWant movie, “The Last Resort,” echoes Maki’s quote, explaining that there have been moments in his life that he struggled to accept, but he has learned that everything turns out fine as long as he does his part and fights for what he wants.Keeping it straightforward and powerful is “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pinoy-big-brother-collab-v2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PBB Collab 2.0</a>” alumna and “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/what-lies-beneath" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What Lies Beneath</a>” star Reich Alim, with her reminder to “love yourself.” Gen Z icon Belle Mariano adds, “If you’re really far down, there’s only one way to go, and that’s up.”The talented “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/what-lies-beneath" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What Lies Beneath</a>” actor Jameson Blake also makes a concise and meaningful point, saying, “Do not argue what a good man is. Be one.”Marlo Mortel shares a heartfelt story about encountering many quotes, as he loves to read and learn from others’ experiences. One of his current favorites came from a recent TEDxRizalStreet guesting of his entitled “Loving Life in Its Entirety,” a quote he also holds close to his heart. Marlo then goes on to express that if one appreciates the wholeness of their life, it becomes easier to value even the small things in the world.Gello Marquez chooses “Everything happens for a reason,” while fellow up-and-coming talent Kobie Brown fondly recalls his father’s saying that inspired him: “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail,” a personal reminder to always work hard to achieve one’s goals.“Unmarry’s” award-winning stars share not only a favorite quotation but also infectious laughter from their staff, as Zanjoe Marudo, Eugene Domingo, and Angelica Panganiban all come up with “past is past.”More artists proudly show their unwavering faith, starting with former “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pinoy-big-brother-collab-v2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PBB Collab 2.0</a>” batchmates Eliza Borromeo and Marco Masa. For the radiant Eliza, her go-to saying is “Let go and let God.” Marco shares a similar sentiment, striving to do his best while leaving the rest in God’s hands.Ken San Jose cites a highly valued Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Esnyr recounts a saying he recently read, noting that it helped him become fearless, the belief that “No evil eye can overpower God’s plan.”“<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/roja" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roja</a>” Maika Rivera gives a special mention to prominent entertainment veteran Angel Aquino for leaving a mark on her professional journey with the saying, “Everything that’s not meant for you has a threshold.”The phenomenal singer Jed Madela and comedian MC Muah convey identical values in beautifully different languages, both reflecting the timeless principle and the golden rule of treating others as one would like to be treated.Iconic songstresses Kyla and Jona Viray add to the list of simple yet compelling quotes in the interview, with Kyla always reminding herself to do her best and Jona cherishing the respect that should be extended to everyone.For the promising actor from the “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pbbgen112024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PBB Gen 11</a>” batch, JM Ibarra embodies humility by working in silence and letting his success speak for itself.Another short but sweet entries from more “PBB” alumni, Kai Montinola and River Joseph spotlight the chill lines of “go with the flow.” “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/itsshowtime" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">It’s Showtime</a>” hosts Lassy Marquez and Cianne Dominguez also choose classic sayings, including Lassy’s “pay it forward” and Cianne’s “you’ll never have today again.”“<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/your-face-sounds-familiar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Your Face Sounds Familiar</a>” celebrity performer Marielle Montellano proves she’s a singer at heart by quoting meaningful lyrics from Kutless’ song “What Faith Can Do,” especially the line: “Impossible is not a word. It’s just a reason for someone not to try.”Relatable for those who can’t pick a single quote is “The Last Resort” actress Karina Bautista. She genuinely shares that, no matter how cliché some sayings may be, they prove true once you’ve faced enough of life’s challenges.“Ngayon, na-e-embody ko na ‘yung [mga] quotes,” she conveys.

Various stars share their favorite quotes and sayings that inspire them both in and beyond the spotlight.

Various stars share their favorite quotes and sayings that inspire them both in and beyond the spotlight.

Words to live by: Celebrities share the quotes and sayings closest to their hearts

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Words to live by: Celebrities share the quotes and sayings closest to their hearts

Rianna Santiago

Published January 03, 2026 12:43 AM PHT

Read More:

JM Ibarra

Fyang Smith

Maki

Aljon Mendoza

Reich Alim

Belle Mariano

Jameson Blake

Marlo Mortel

Gello Marquez

Kobie Brown

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