Things to be thankful for in 2011

MANILA, Philippines - It was generally a horrible year. There were those global tragedies. Down south in the Philippines, the people continue to suffer as a result of Typhoon Sendong. Even the Bukidnon folks were threatened by flooding middle of this week.

There were still good times, of course. As we end this year, let us be positive and give thanks to those good — and, maybe even the bad, because that’s how we learn in life.

Here are some of the reasons we think we should be thankful for in 2011:

• The more substantial entries in the still ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

• The onscreen participants who braved the crowds along Roxas Blvd. last Dec. 24 during the Parade of Stars. There are families (some even from the provinces) who troop to the parade route to see their favorite TV-movie stars in the flesh. That makes them happy and completes their holiday treat.

• MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino for bringing the deliberations back during the selection of winners. I wish I could also thank him for democratizing the process of choosing the winners by allotting slots to the so-called “regular people” as part of the board of judges. Unfortunately, call me elitist, but that is not necessarily a good thing. You don’t develop taste overnight. A whole afternoon of film appreciation seminar just won’t do.

• The sales clerks who attend to customers with a smile even if their feet are already killing them after a long shift in the store. Sales ladies are always prone to having varicose veins as the years set in.

• The celebrities who remember to say thank you even during this dizzying holiday season for a nice word or two that the press writes about them. On top of the list is Marian Rivera (even her fans are the most thoughtful), followed by Ai-Ai de las Alas, Helen Gamboa, Angel Locsin, Gov. Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, Dawn Zulueta, Aljur Abrenica and Iza Calzado even if she is in mourning (her beloved father, Lito, passed away only last month).

• The officials of the Department of Health (DOH) for constantly reminding the public to stay away from firecrackers and simply make the fireworks display a community affair that may be controlled by experts.

• The media men who help relay the message to the public regarding the dangers of fireworks. If you lose a finger or heaven forbid, an entire hand or arm during tonight’s celebration, DOH and media had not been remiss in their duties to remind people to be careful, careful. Since the beginning of December (maybe even earlier), all the morning shows on television had been interviewing DOH officials to warn the public about firecrackers. Whatever happens tonight is your call. But what about innocent bystanders? Think about it before lighting a firecracker.

• The doctors, nurses and hospital attendants who take on New Year’s Eve shifts in case of emergencies. They give up happy family bonding because that is the call of their profession.

• The reporters, anchors, cameramen, lights men and video editors who are on standby in case of a breaking news that has to be shared with the public. 

• The security people who stay on duty to make sure we are safe, especially those living in high-rise buildings and subdivisions. We hope barangay tanods also do the same in non-gated communities. Send them part of your media noche feast.

• The volunteers who continue to take part in the various Sendong relief operations in affected areas in Mindanao. On television, we saw a female volunteer who willingly stayed behind in the evacuation center to help out in the rescue operations — away from her family this Yuletide season. 

• Of course, the Lord Almighty for allowing us to live through another year that hopefully becomes fruitful and productive for all of us.

Happy New Year!