What’s your New Year’s wish?
December 29, 2002 | 12:00am
In a few days we will welcome the new year. It seems that each passing year leaves us both good and bad memories. And, more often than not, we prefer to remember that happy years and and forget the sad ones.
But before this year ends, it would be good to reflect on the year that was – recalling both the good and the bad things that have happened – before we leave it behind. Perhaps we will be able to better appreciate the lessons of 2002. I’m sure that if we do this we will be better prepared to face whatever challenges 2003 may bring.
To welcome the new year, I have asked some personalities what their New Year’s wishes are for the year 2003. After all, most of what happens in our lives usually starts with a simple wish.
Gina Lopez, managing director, ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.: That I may keep growing in love and compassion, learning the lessons that life is meant to teach me, that my angels continue to guide me in all that I do, that I may increasingly feel the joy that life has to offer and that this spills over into the lives of those I touch.
Ben Chan, owner, Bench: That the Iraq-USA issue be settled amicably – with both sides seeing each other’s point of view and therefore allowing the whole civilized world to breathe more naturally and relax from the tension of impending war.
That the Philippines inches its way towards economic recovery so that more investors would come in, thus giving many Filipinos the chance to improve their lives.
That Bench continues to be on top of the list of our avid clientele and that we may continue to expand both locally and internationally to reach out to the global market. And in the process, be able to create more jobs for Filipinos.
Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando: For our country to be prosperous and people to be awakened to the reality that we all have to help ourselves. Nobody else can help us except ourselves. For my family, good health and peace.
Joe Salazar, fashion designer: I cannot ask for anything more. The Lord has blessed me these past years and I know He will always be here to guide me and allow me to continue to use the talent He has given me in a positive way.
Rose Libongco, director for marketing, Westin Philippine Plaza: My New Year’s wish is not to have better times but to make the times I have better. Challenges will always be around and it seems they get bigger as I move on. I pray for strength to be equal to my tasks, faith to always remember that I have a lot of support from family and friends and cheerfulness to enjoy the many blessings. I am grateful for loved ones, a meaningful work and peace.
I pray for enlightenment for all our leaders and officials so that they will put personal interests and enrichment aside and not ravage the very country they purport to serve and from which they derive the prestige and power of their positions.
Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, actress: For me – my family’s good health, safety, peace of mind and closeness always. I seriously wish for world peace and for the Philippines to be prosperous and for all of us to overcome what we have to for the good of our country.
Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr.: The perception is that the Filipinos are hard up and undergoing difficult challenges today. I think it’s true but everytime it’s Christmas, kahit ano pa ang hirap ng Pinoy, I believe that he really enjoys it. That was what Fr. Acosta once said that the Filipino possesses two precious gems despite his poverty and oppression – he has his faith in God and his love for music. This is best expressed during the yuletide season. He expresses his faith and his singing of the kundiman, of Christmas carols.
There is joy in the land and there is goodwill for everybody. So my wish to all the Filipino people is for a more prosperous new year.
Joey Concepcion, president and CEO, RFM Corporation: That God bless this nation in the coming year and our Filipino brothers develop a more optimistic outlook.
Former Senate President Ernesto M. Maceda: My New Year’s wish is for spiritual healing to be granted to our leaders so they may lead the path to national reconciliation.
The problems of the nation are so enormous. This is the only way to have a chance to overcome them – forget our hurts, our pains, our anger, forgive our enemies and have utmost faith in God.
But before this year ends, it would be good to reflect on the year that was – recalling both the good and the bad things that have happened – before we leave it behind. Perhaps we will be able to better appreciate the lessons of 2002. I’m sure that if we do this we will be better prepared to face whatever challenges 2003 may bring.
To welcome the new year, I have asked some personalities what their New Year’s wishes are for the year 2003. After all, most of what happens in our lives usually starts with a simple wish.
Gina Lopez, managing director, ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.: That I may keep growing in love and compassion, learning the lessons that life is meant to teach me, that my angels continue to guide me in all that I do, that I may increasingly feel the joy that life has to offer and that this spills over into the lives of those I touch.
Ben Chan, owner, Bench: That the Iraq-USA issue be settled amicably – with both sides seeing each other’s point of view and therefore allowing the whole civilized world to breathe more naturally and relax from the tension of impending war.
That the Philippines inches its way towards economic recovery so that more investors would come in, thus giving many Filipinos the chance to improve their lives.
That Bench continues to be on top of the list of our avid clientele and that we may continue to expand both locally and internationally to reach out to the global market. And in the process, be able to create more jobs for Filipinos.
Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando: For our country to be prosperous and people to be awakened to the reality that we all have to help ourselves. Nobody else can help us except ourselves. For my family, good health and peace.
Joe Salazar, fashion designer: I cannot ask for anything more. The Lord has blessed me these past years and I know He will always be here to guide me and allow me to continue to use the talent He has given me in a positive way.
Rose Libongco, director for marketing, Westin Philippine Plaza: My New Year’s wish is not to have better times but to make the times I have better. Challenges will always be around and it seems they get bigger as I move on. I pray for strength to be equal to my tasks, faith to always remember that I have a lot of support from family and friends and cheerfulness to enjoy the many blessings. I am grateful for loved ones, a meaningful work and peace.
I pray for enlightenment for all our leaders and officials so that they will put personal interests and enrichment aside and not ravage the very country they purport to serve and from which they derive the prestige and power of their positions.
Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, actress: For me – my family’s good health, safety, peace of mind and closeness always. I seriously wish for world peace and for the Philippines to be prosperous and for all of us to overcome what we have to for the good of our country.
Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr.: The perception is that the Filipinos are hard up and undergoing difficult challenges today. I think it’s true but everytime it’s Christmas, kahit ano pa ang hirap ng Pinoy, I believe that he really enjoys it. That was what Fr. Acosta once said that the Filipino possesses two precious gems despite his poverty and oppression – he has his faith in God and his love for music. This is best expressed during the yuletide season. He expresses his faith and his singing of the kundiman, of Christmas carols.
There is joy in the land and there is goodwill for everybody. So my wish to all the Filipino people is for a more prosperous new year.
Joey Concepcion, president and CEO, RFM Corporation: That God bless this nation in the coming year and our Filipino brothers develop a more optimistic outlook.
Former Senate President Ernesto M. Maceda: My New Year’s wish is for spiritual healing to be granted to our leaders so they may lead the path to national reconciliation.
The problems of the nation are so enormous. This is the only way to have a chance to overcome them – forget our hurts, our pains, our anger, forgive our enemies and have utmost faith in God.
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