What the stars would give the country as New Year gift

American author William Arthur Ward once said, “Another fresh new year is here… Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt and fear. To love and laugh and give!”

We have just ushered in 2013. It’s definitely a new beginning for all of us. Despite some setbacks we experienced last year, Filipinos remain resilient, cheerful and hopeful. Filipinos always rise up to the challenge especially during trying times. This is the best about us.

The month of January was named after the Roman god Janus. In Roman mythology, he is “the god of good beginnings.” Like Janus, the world of showbiz has two faces: The crying masked face and the laughing one. The masks mirror both the happiness and the melancholia that happen in the four corners of showbiz and in the lives of its denizens.

The world of showbiz is inarguably fascinating. You can be dying due to lack of sleep, fatigue and hunger because of work but once the cameras start to roll, you smile and face the cameras as if nothing happens. Once you become a star, you become public property. And whether you like it or not, the public’s prying eyes are on you.

I asked some stars if they could give our country a perfect gift this New Year, what would it be and why? Here are their answers:

Bianca Gonzalez — A college scholarship for every child! Idealistic but how I wish every kid could study, graduate, get a job and pay it forward.

Sitti — I would like to give everyone peace and happiness in their hearts and good food on the table three times a day. And someone to love and to love them back, too. A heart for every heart.

Tintin Bersola-Babao — Peace. Prosperity.

K-La Rivera — If I could give a gift to the Philippines for the New Year, it would be money to all those in need, just enough for everyone to get by and be able to support their families.

Direk GB Sampedro — It would be wisdom. Our country needs a lot of this for the coming elections.

Hansen Nichols — The Christmas gift I would give our country if I could afford, are better roadways and inter-city development and public transportation. That way, families could spend more quality time with each other rather than spending it stuck in traffic. Businesses could run more effectively and we could invite more foreign investors so Pinoys can stay in the country rather than leave to support their families. It’s like a gift of keeping families together.

Jayke Reyes — If I had the money, I would buy gifts for the poor, for the needy or feed the hungry and share my blessings from God with others.

Let there be peace and prosperity for all in 2013. Here’s wishing for a vibrant, exuberant showbiz. May the Filipino artists continue to succeed in the global arena. May there be no more calamities that would damage homes, communities, properties and claim hapless lives. Let’s forgive those who have offended us. It’s better to start the year with a new heart and a new mind. And don’t forget to laugh like there’s no tomorrow.

Happy New Year!