PBBM OPENS UP ABOUT LIFE BEYOND PRESIDENCY, HIS LOVE FOR MUSIC 

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. opened up about his life beyond the presidency, sharing personal stories about his childhood, love for music and science, family, faith, and the hardships that shaped him.

In an interview with veteran singer and host “Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano on the podcast Unshaken with Gary V, released Monday, Oct. 5, President Marcos offered a glimpse of the person behind the public office.

President Marcos recalled one of his fondest childhood memories of playing in the rain with neighborhood children while growing up in San Juan.

The President also revealed that he once dreamt of becoming a scientist or astronaut, and initially had no desire to enter politics despite growing up in a prominent political family.

“I absolutely said that there’s one walk of life that I am not going to go down,” President Marcos said, recalling the sacrifices that his parents made in public life.

Music eventually became a major part of his life. He studied music while abroad, learned to play the flute and saxophone, and developed a lifelong appreciation for different genres.

“When I hear a song, I remember when I first heard it, what I was doing, how I was feeling,” President Marcos said, describing music as the soundtrack of his life.

The President also shared his interest in science fiction, cars, and reading, saying he enjoys taking machines apart and putting them back together and considers reading a good book one of his best forms of relaxation.

President Marcos also reflected on the upheaval his family experienced in 1986, describing it as the biggest “shaken” moment of his life.

The President said the experience taught him to deal with hardship and helped him understand the value of ordinary things, resilience, and faith.

“It made you tougher in the sense that you are able to deal with hardship,” President Marcos said.

Faith, the President added, has remained an important anchor in navigating difficult periods.

The President said his experiences also taught him humility and reminded him that whatever opportunities a person has are blessings rather than entitlements.

“You’re lucky. You’re blessed,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos said getting things right has become more important in his role because his decisions affect millions of Filipinos.

“When you see something going on, you can actually do something about it,” the President said, describing the ability to help others as the greatest privilege of public service.

“I get to help millions of people. And come on, how lucky can you get, right?” the Chief Executive added.