At times, we find ourselves seeking a good dose of inspiration, especially when we are in need of a push. It is only natural that we turn to others—people we look up to—in search of newfound learning. Know more about Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo's life lessons below:
Welcome to Life Lessons, a series of interviews with different peronalities about their inspirations, insights, struggles, and challenges in life. 
With a film and television career that has spanned over three decades, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo has certainly become a household name for many Filipinos. She broke onto the scene in the mid ’80s, turning in critically-acclaimed performances that would earn her several awards, including Best Actress for the 19th Metro Manila Film Festival in 1993. Still active in the entertainment industry, she is a devoted wife to former representative Antonio Lagdameo Jnr and a loving mother to their two children.
What does integrity mean to you? Can you name a few who have integrity?
Integrity means being whole, honest. I’d like to think that it also involves being magnanimous. It’s quite hard to find people of integrity.
What’s something new you learnt about life? About yourself?
I’ve learnt about paying it forward— that the universe rewards in kind. And through the years, I’ve seen it happen time and time again. Karma is real. I’ve also learnt that I no longer have tolerance for drama—not meaning my genre of work, of course. I just don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. I’m much more understanding of people and their idiosyncrasies, as well my own.
What troubles you the most?
What troubles me most is how humankind, with all its intelligence, may eventually be its own undoing. This is in the context of fields such as science, technology, and medicine, where we have gained so much momentum in just the recent 200 years. It is exciting and daunting at the same time.
At what age did you finally feel comfortable in your own skin?
I finally felt comfortable in my own skin when I hit my late 30s. I became more self-aware, and I relaxed about a lot of matters that used to worry me.
Are you hopeful about the future?
Yes, I am hopeful about the future. I used to be wary of it, but my children have inspired me to make strides towards embracing positivity. They’ll need it, after all.
What’s the best/worst decision you have ever made?
Best decision I’ve made was to learn how to take care of myself, in mind, body, and spirit. The worst was allowing the wrong people to dictate me, forgetting I had a mind of my own.
What’s the best advice you would give your younger self?
Chin up; there’s a lot of good coming just around the corner if you’re well-meaning and patient.
What would you want your legacy to be?
The best legacy I perhaps can leave behind would be my children. That I hopefully can continue raising them, imparting invaluable gifts that will serve them well. Hopefully, they can utilise these learnings in the future.