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 Katrina Legarda's life lessons below:
Welcome to Life Lessons, a series of interviews with different peronalities about their inspirations, insights, struggles, and challenges in life. 
A prominent Filipino lawyer who specialises in family law, Katrina Legarda has handled many a famous case and is a staunch advocate of the legal rights of women and children. She is the founding chair of the Child Justice League, president of UP Women Lawyers’ Circle, and a faculty member of the Child Protection Unit Network. Nowadays, this Parangal Ng Bayan awardee enjoys teaching and spending time with her grandchildren.
Can a man/woman really have it all?
Gender stereotypes are still in play in the 21st century, so, no. The roles of men and women hark back to the caveman era, when the man goes out to kill dinosaurs and the woman remains in the cave looking after the children. This is a “burden” she bears: before she leaves for work, she needs to ensure that they are fed and sent off to school; when she gets home, she has to cook, clean, do laundry, and ensure the children do their homework. She stays home with a sick child. She attends the PTAs. I do not speak of the wealthy here.
I speak of the ordinary woman. It is interesting that the Philippines is ranked 7th in the Gender Gap Index, and within that Index, we are ranked 1st in health and education—yet 107th in the workplace. And we are more educated!
What gives life meaning?
Following my passions: spending time with my grandchildren, pursuing my advocacy for the child, teaching the law, creating training modules for the judiciary and other sectors, and travelling! I find joy in these pursuits. It is joy that gives life meaning.
What does integrity mean to you? Can you name a few who have integrity?
Living with a good conscience. I hope I have integrity. The members of the Board and folks who I work with in the Child Protection Network have integrity. So do my closest of friends. Most of the Family Court judges have extraordinary integrity—those who are forced through the judicial system can trust the Family Courts. I am so proud of them.
What’s something new you learnt about life? About yourself?
I learn something new every day! My grandmother was right: be careful what you pray for.
What troubles you the most?
Corruption. I can’t stand it.
At what age did you finally feel comfortable in your own skin?
Oh, maybe when I turned 50. I decided to retire from the active practice of law and realised that I really didn’t care about what people think about the way I look or the things I may have inadvertently said. I apologise if I have hurt anybody by these!
What’s the best/worst decision you have ever made?
Best decision was having children. Worst decision? Too many to count! Thank God that my faith helped me through my misadventures.
What’s the best advice you would give your younger self?
Be kinder to yourself.
What would you want your legacy to be?
That the work I have done continues to benefit the future generations.