“Anchored in Him: The Reads That Strengthened My Faith”

2. NAIKAN Self-Reflection for Happiness and Success by Norimasa Nishida

And they say you can tell a lot about a person by the kind of books she reads — and honestly, I agree. Who I am today, and who I’m becoming, have definitely been shaped by the books I’ve read. So I wanted to share my 5 favorite reads with you:

1. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

Every time I get the chance to be in Manila—whether for work or vacation—I always make a point of visiting a bookstore. Back in 2019, this particular book caught my eye while it was displayed at the entrance of one of my favorite bookstores. The word “GRIT” on the cover immediately piqued my curiosity, so I picked it up and read the blurb. This line convinced me to buy it: “The secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls ‘grit.’”

What I truly love about this book is how it taught me that grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it—or in Angela’s words, “doing what you love, but not just falling in love—staying in love.”

These past few years, doing the things I love hasn’t always been easy, especially when unexpected circumstances got in the way. But I’m grateful that God keeps reminding me to use the talents and skills He’s given me, and that He’s surrounded me with friends who continue to support and encourage me to take that first bold step toward the things that matter—and to stay persistent.

So for me, 2025 is definitely my “Passion Year”—a year of falling in love with the things I’m passionate about, and most importantly, staying in love in the years to come.

3. Legacy Now: Why Everything about YOU matters by Phil Munsey

Back in April 2018, I stayed at the Toyoko Inn Cebu Hotel for an overnight trip. In my room, I noticed two books—the Bible and another one I’d never seen before. I was busy on the first day, so I only had time to read it the next morning before checking out. And honestly, once I started, I couldn’t put it down.

I tried to buy a copy, but the hotel staff told me it wasn’t for sale. I left the hotel feeling a little heartbroken because I really wanted to bring the book home with me. I searched for it online, asked friends who were traveling to Japan to look for it—still nothing. But I didn’t give up. As a last resort, I emailed the management of Toyoko Inn in 2021. And finally, the request was granted. After three years of searching, I got my hands on the elusive book!

In it, the author shares how naikan completely transformed the direction of his life. He wrote the book to introduce the naikan method to others so they could experience that same kind of change. And you might be wondering—what exactly is naikan? It’s a practice of self-reflection that helps you better understand yourself. A thoughtful and intentional way of self-discovery.

And true enough, this book changed my life. It helped me develop a more open and generous outlook—something I still carry with me today.

Last but not least—the Holy Bible. I grew up in Sunday School, and memorizing Bible verses had a real impact on my life. Basically, I was exposed to the Bible from an early age—at home, in church, and at school. But it wasn’t until I left home for college that I developed a personal relationship with my own Bible, a gift from my mother. It became my constant companion while I was away from home.

Living a faithful Christian life isn’t always easy—sometimes it feels impossible—and I’ve needed God’s Word to guide me whenever I felt myself drifting. Honestly, I don’t think I could live without this book. It’s my best friend and my guide to living the life God intended for me. Over the years, the Bible has been—and will always be—my “lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.”

At the end of the day, these books aren’t just stories I’ve read—they’re reminders of how gently and powerfully God works in the background of our lives. Each one found me at the exact moment I needed it, shaping my character, deepening my faith, and pointing me back to the path He prepared for me. If even one of these books speaks to you the way it did to me, I pray it brings clarity, comfort, and courage for the season you're in. Keep seeking, keep growing, and keep trusting that God will place the right words—and the right wisdom—in your hands at the perfect time.

4. The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life by Bruce Wilkinson

Every time I travel out of town, I make it a habit to bring a book. I’d much rather read on the plane than stay busy on my phone or laptop. I actually bought this book at a thrift bookstore the day before flying to Manila in November 2023, so that I’d have something to read on the plane. And honestly, I feel so blessed that I picked this one out of all the books on the shelf. It’s a gem. I truly encourage anyone—teenagers, single adults, parents, even senior citizens—to read it.

One of the reasons I do things the way I do (even if not everyone understands it) is because of this book. It taught me to be intentional—to do things with purpose and to live in a way that builds a legacy that lasts: today, tomorrow, and for future generations.

I was in one of the darkest moments of my life. I was losing my zest for life and felt like I was on the brink of giving up. I desperately needed a transformation—I wanted to become all that God had in mind for me—but at that time, it all seemed impossible and bleak.

Then, one ordinary day, God led me to a Christian bookstore. As I wandered the aisles, I noticed a lone book quietly sitting on a shelf, almost as if it was waiting just for me. The book was about “what happens when ordinary Christians decide to reach for an extraordinary life.”

This book has been with me for more than a decade, and even now, it never fails to remind me: “It’s only what you believe will happen—and what you choose to do next—that will release God’s power for you and bring about a life change. But when you act, you will step up to God’s best for you.”

5. Holy Bible