Though it’s easier said than done, we should always try our best to consciously make an effort to dwell on the good things rather than the negative incidents in life.
SANDY JAVIER, businessman: Is there anything good about 2003? The best thing that happened for me was that I was able to set up Dokito Frito, a new line in all our Andok’s outlets. In spite of the hard times we are able to sell chicken at an affordable price.
BAYANI AGBAYANI, comedian: Sa akin yung madadala ko ang nanay Inday ko sa Amerika bago matapos ang taon. Nakuha ko siya ng US Visa. Ipapasyal ko siya at ipamimili ko siya ng mga gamit niya. Balak kong mas matagal pa siya sa Amerika para makapagenjoy siya ng lubusan. Isa pa, naging recording artist ako dahil sa kantang Ocho ocho. Hindi ko naisip na makikita ko ang sarili ko nagre-record sa studio.
JOJIE LLOREN, fashion designer: Having met all the stressful deadlines and surviving all the deadly pressures. Yes, I think they make up the best of my 2003.
SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA LEVISTE: I can think of three things. I have been going around the country for the past five years and there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing my effort, hard work and dedication bear fruit, literally and figuratively. First are the seedlings that I planted, under the Luntiang Pilipinas, which I started in 1998 and are now fully grown. Just look at the forest parks in the South and North Luzon Expressways. Aside from this, my book-giving program under Libro ni Loren has helped the young, especially in the far-flung areas, learn more about things in life. Lastly, I was able to spend 10 happy, stress-free days – such enjoyable "bonding" moments with my two sons, Lanz and Lean, last October.
KARMINA CONSTANTINO, newscaster, ANC: 2003 was filled with so much love affection and peace. Every single day went by with lessons learned, love shared, love received, discovery and rediscovery. And through it all, peace reigned in my heart.
ROSEBUD ONG,crusader against crime: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s determination to wipe out drugs. The arrests of big time drug lords, the raids of drug warehouses in cindestine labs vindicate me. I may be forgotten, people don’t remember that once upon at time my revelation in the Senate 2001 led to a new Dangerous Drugs Law, and awareness of Pinoy. I testified in the Senate that in a drug pipeline, druglords deal 500kgs a week, 2,000 kgs. a month. I also said that ephedrine are smuggled to the Philippines and shabu are manufactured here.
I also testified that small-time drug pushers go to jail, bigtime are protected by police and governments officials.
In a priviledge speech of Ping Lacson, he branded me a liar and that I have arithmetic problems. He said that I am all illusions. Now look who’s lied? He lied in his privilege speech, and he will keep lying.
DR. VICKI BELO, plastic surgeon: The worst thing that happened to me in 2003 was that my father suffered a stroke.
The best thing is that he survived and is still in the best of health, and that my family is still intact and interacting with each other.
More precious than money or success to me is my family. Every Sunday in my house my beloved family – my two children, Quark and Cristalle, my parents, Enrique and Nena Belo, Toy Cancio, Joey Santos, Atom Henares and my father-in-law Larry Henares – gather around the luncheon table for our weekly get-together and repast. It’s funny how the passage of time has deepened our relationship, matured our emotions and judgments and made us more understanding and relevant to each other than we were in the past. Around the table we discuss politics, business, tell jokes and catch up on all the news about each other and everyone else. These are really the happiest days of my life and I am confident the best is still to come.