We all have our favorite gifts from Christmases past — things that we needed most or things that we ourselves could not afford. Or it could be as simple as somebody’s presence or as important as finding out you’re free of illness. Just as we have received, may we also be the giver of someone else’s most memorable gift.
VERONICA SCOTT, singer, Kitty Girls: Anything sentimental is a perfect Christmas present for me because the thought of the gift means more to me than the actual gift itself.
DR. KING ENRIQUEZ, opthalmologist, Lasik Surgery Clinic: A mountain bike. When I was a kid, all my friends were riding expensive bikes and I had to borrow one from my cousin. I dreamt of having one of those flashy bikes, unfortunately no one ever thought of giving me one. Last year, I decided to just buy myself a bike. So the best Christmas gift I received came from me.
DR. VIVIAN SARABIA: Before, I was very focused on material goals and would sacrifice my peace of mind. Four Christmases ago, on December 14, God gave me the gift of life when my doctor joyfully informed me that it was my last chemo session for cancer. Since then I have decided to devote myself to simply living life peacefully and being involved in projects that benefit others.
KARREL MAY SINFUEGO, student: The best Christmas gift I’ve received is from Papa Jesus, when I found out my mom was totally healed of cancer. Jesus is so good. Now Mommy can take me to school every day.
RENNA CONCEPCION ANGELES, vice chairman, Concepcion Durables Inc.: It’s being able to live through 365 days of the year having a healthy and energetic life, free from major illness. With good health, I am able to work and live life happily with my husband, family and friends. Health surpasses any form of material thing. In short, health is wealth. Life is too short; make the most out of it.
CRISTINA HENSON, events associate: I have two favorites. My parents gave me my first US trip alone for Christmas last year. I had to live on the budget they gave me for three months and it was the first time I traveled on my own. I went to Las Vegas, Seattle, New Jersey, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco to visit all my friends and family. It’s a gift I surely will never ever forget and will never stop talking about. My other favorite gift is from my special someone, Mark, who gave me a charm bracelet last year. He took time to pick each charm out, putting meaning to the gift. Each charm means something, and up to this day we still add charms to the bracelet. It’s a never-ending “project,” just like our relationship.
PENK CHING, cake stylist: My dad’s gift: my very first foreign trip, when I went to Taipei for a month-long vacation with my grandpa. I was able to meet my relatives and go sightseeing, which was very educational. As a child, that first plane ride is a dream come true.
CRISTALLE HENARES, managing director, Intelligent Skincare Inc.: I’m getting my best Christmas gift this Christmas! I’m always at my grandmother’s house to take watercolor painting lessons from her mahjong friend, Nitoy Ventosa. My mom says it’s always “such a production” whenever I’m there — a table is set up and my art materials are scattered everywhere. That’s why she decided to renovate one of the rooms in the house and convert it into an art studio for me. It has been my dream to have one so I wouldn’t have to stash my arts and crafts materials in a box! She even got Marlon Rivera of Publicis Manila to design the room. I can’t wait to move in.
MARISSA ANDAL ZAMORA, author, Creative Me: The best gift I’ve received at Christmas is a phone call. Keeping in touch with my loved ones is definitely a priority and very much appreciated. That’s how I feel when I get a call from my brother in the US, so Christmas could be every day for me.
RAUL MANZANO, editor in chief, Metro Society: The best gift was a Panerai wristwatch from my partner. It was a total surprise as we promised each other that we would just give inexpensive token gifts for Christmas.