What’s the most meaningful Christmas present you’ve ever received?

One of the most enduring short stories about Christmas is O. Henry’s "The Gift of The Magi," wherein a husband and wife sacrifice their treasured possessions to be able to buy one another a gift. The wife sells her hair to buy her husband a fob chain for his watch, while he sells his watch to buy her combs for her hair. The gifts that make it to our list of most meaningful may not have such dramatic backgrounds, but they are precious just the same – worth remembering and talking about through the years. One cliché that still holds true is that it is always the thought that counts.

MARTA MATUTE, cake designer: This year, my family will be all together for the first time in 10 years. This will definitely be the most special present I can ever have!

JIM FUENTEBELLA, businessman: My most memorable present was a complete set of Voltes 5 robots from Japan way back in 1978.

ARLENE DE CASTRO, chairman, Bayan Productions: The best Christmas gift I’ve ever received was my engagement ring from Noli (de Castro). We were both struggling employees at ABS-CBN back then. Hinuhulug-hulugan pa ni Noli yun ha! He has given me more expensive gifts but that ring has a special place in my drawer and every time I see it, it brings back all the happy Christmases we spent together.

MARGARITA FORES, chef, Cibo/Pepato: When my son J. Amado was eight years old, I was so surprised and touched to receive a modern, whimsical peppermill from him. He wanted me to have a special one in my collection that would remind me of him. It is my favorite one and it stands out in my collection of about 150 pieces. To this day, it is my most memorable Christmas gift.

CHARISSE CHUIDIAN, director of communications, Mandarin Oriental Manila: A set of books on literature and journalism from my parents and chosen by my father when I was in my teens. These shaped and developed my interest in the field of communications. 

KRIS LAWRENCE, Star in a Million champion: My most precious Christmas memories were spent with my good buddies Jay-R and Jimmy in the States when we were still struggling musicians trying to find our niche. We would be happy with the simplest things, and that’s when we realized that such memories are priceless.

DINA BONNEVIE, actress: Every year the most meaningful Christmas present I receive is the gift of salvation that the Lord Jesus Christ brings. No present can surpass the joy I cherish knowing that love, peace, happiness and prosperity are bestowed upon me as a child of God. Yes there will be trials along the way, but I know He will guide me and lead me accordingly. Every year, Jesus renews His offer to be "of service" to us; to drive as we ride. All we need to do is to obey Him, just like we obey the laws that govern the land. Isn’t it great to have a Master who worries about everything, who loves you and helps you prosper? You need not pay Him, and He will not deceive you or take advantage of you. Of course, as a sign of gratitude, you must love Him back and try to reciprocate the service He rendered you. He has destined a purpose for each one of us, which is to serve mankind with the particular and distinct gifts He gave us all. For me, life with Jesus at the center is the greatest gift. Through Him, I began to live life with a purpose. I am grateful that my children share this same belief and outlook in life.

PAOLO BALLESTEROS, host, Eat Bulaga: The most meaningful gift that I received was getting a chance to have a long vacation and spending Christmas in the US with my dad.

PAOLO CABALFIN, commercial model: The best gift I receive every Christmas is that my family and friends from abroad come back home.

DEREK RAMSEY, actor/commercial model: When my nephew was born.