Read on as some personalities share with us their Christmas wishes.
ARCY GAYATIN, fashion designer: All I want for Christmas is for every Filipino to feel passion for our country, which will then evolve into a great sense of collective responsibility. And for righteousness to reign in our land, so the Philippines will finally become what God intended it to be.
BEN CHAN: All I want for Christmas is for everyone to get a copy of the CD Camp 7 by the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band. Listening to these young, talented musicians play a medley of works by Filipino masters, from Lucio San Pedro and Manuel Velez to Louie Ocampo, is a delight to the senses. It is enlightening to know that the youth have taken an interest in playing music from our recent history. It gives pride to our culture and further reinforces the fact that Filipino music is the only language that brings us together.
PACHOT S. MAPA, Old Asia owner: That the good Lord will continue to bless my family, my children, children-in-laws, and my grandchildren with the love we enjoy for each other. That our politicians will learn to love our country more than they love themselves. This is the only way our lives and our country can start to grow.
ANGELIQUE VILLARAZA, L’Oreal public relations manager: All I want for Christmas is to finally be in speaking terms with my Dad. If that doesn’t happen, then a two-bedroom, fully-furnished apartment in the Pott’s Point neighborhood of Sydney, Australia will do.
JOEY CONCEPCION, RFM CEO/president: That successful entrepreneurs will be able to inspire more Filipinos to have an optimistic view on the Philippines and reduce the number of pessimists. We must believe and we must inspire.
FORTUNE ALETA Ledesma, Consul of Monaco to the Philippines: All I want for Christmas is for my entire family – including my youngest son who’s studying in Boston, and my first apo (a Christmas gift that arrived in August) – to be around the tree on Christmas morning. Having that, I cannot ask for anything more. The spirit of Christmas lies in the togetherness of families.
ARMIDA SIGUION REYNA: Just a few days ago, I was invited to a performance of the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band. I went principally to see Gerard Salonga in action. Gerard was indisposed, but even in his absence, I was glad – no, honored – to be within live listening distance of the extremely gifted young members of the band. The experience was like opening an early Christmas aguinaldo, exactly what I feel whenever I hear young congressmen the likes of Francis Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Gilbert Remulla speak so bravely in Congress. I’m quite close to throwing in the towel and giving up on this country, but the ideals and talents of the young somehow make me feel there’s continuing reason to hope all will be well not only for this season, but for many more Christmases to come.
NERIZA MATHAY, civic-minded lady, mother, and businesswoman: Many Christmases back, I asked for the gifts of peace, love and happiness for all the days to come. After all, that’s what the spirit of Christmas is all about. This yuletide season, I ask for those three infinite gifts again, and a special wish for my dearest angel, Crissie.