New Year Thoughts

For Asians, 2008 bodes well numerically.  For Filipinos, in particular, it is like any other year:  promising new hopes somehow, yet carrying over the unfinished business and disappointments of the previous year.

Cebu is doing quite well economically vis a vis the national performance, this according to a noted national financial consultant Ruben Almendras who writes a column in this section.  That should put us in a celebratory mode for the New Year.  Even on the bleak picture presented in the international economic arena, analysts predict that the banking systems in the top western nations will bail themselves over the present crisis…in time.  The human spirit continues to hope for the better and strives to do what needs to be done NOW.

If the celebrations in December reflected the economy of Cebu, then we believe the rosy pronouncement of Mr. Almendras. We were deluged with invitations to parties, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas get-togethers, launchings, wine tasting soirees, weddings, wedding anniversaries, etc.  Of course, all the feasting manifested in the gain we got in our avoirdupois.  Yet, one could never refuse in that season of good cheer.  That was what it all meant – a deployment of joy in celebrating Christ’s coming 2007 years ago.

Come January 2008…and reality abruptly sinks in. Another year to hurdle; another 12 months of going after goals and finishing targeted accomplishments.  For as long as we have dreams to weave, aspirations to mold, wishes to keep and the future to uphold, we must brace ourselves for the New Year with enthusiasm and dedication. Make that New year resolution list, but take to heart the thoughts of Archie Modequillo in his Por Vida.

New Year means a new beginning – that too we take to heart.

Happy New Year to all our loyal readers! God bless each of you in His infinite kindness and boundless love.

Marlinda Angbetic Tan

Executive Editor