The Reagans were dear friends for many years, even when he was governor of California. Nancy appreciated a lot of Philippine-made things.

When they see me holding fish, they can see that I am comfortable with kings as well as with paupers.

I'm like Robin Hood. I rob the rich to make these projects come alive... not really rob. It's done with a smile.

They need a role model. They need a star!

Beauty is not extravagance; beauty is life.

Filipinos don't wallow in what is miserable and ugly. They recycle the bad into things of beauty.

It is shallow people who think beauty is frivolous or excessive. If you are bringing beauty and god, you are enriching the country. Rice feeds the body, books feed the mind, beauty feeds the soul. It is one thing I can really be proud of and stand tall in the world.