What do you look forward to in 2009?
As we look back at the year that was — the happy times and the trying moments that we thought we wouldn’t survive — we also welcome the New Year and the hopes it brings with it. Personally, I am truly grateful to our Lord for all the abundant blessings he has given my family and me.
For the new year, I am looking forward to spending more quality time with my parents who have given me so much, trying to help those that I can in my own little way, and simply trying to be a better person for others. If we Filipinos change our frame of mind — from thinking of what others can do for us to what we can do for others — then for sure our country will survive the global crisis that has been threatening to hit us.
DAPHNE OSEñA PAEZ, TV host, jewelry designer: I’m looking forward to seeing my babies grow, thrive and be healthy in the new year. My five-year-old daughter Sophia is going to start prep in a big school this year. My two-year-old Lily continues to gain independence and learn new tricks that keep us laughing. And my other babies — my own brand of bed linens in Our Home, my jewelry designs in Accessory Lab Rockwell, and my TV show Urban Zone — for them to continue to thrive and make a difference in a business landscape that is a bit challenging.
LYN SUNICO, owner, Makati Skyline: I am looking forward to starting new ventures and having more time to relax and enjoy life with my family!
KAREN DAVILA, TV and radio personality: The TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men and Women award) was such a wonderful blessing in 2008; for 2009, I want to be able to be of service to more people, be of help where I am needed, and be of positive use to our country both on television and in my personal life.
PAULA TAYLOR, Thai actress and model: I’m looking forward to all the new opportunities and challenges I have yet to conquer! In 2008, I got the ball rolling and I have no intention of letting it stop.
KARYLLE, singer and Bench endorser: I’ve never been so excited about a new year. Everything this past few months led up to the biggest promise of a new year. Never has life looked this good and I had never felt this great. I’ve learned so much, I’ve been praying so much, and I’ve been getting so much love from all around.
DTI Secretary PETER FAVILA: Let’s bring in opportunities for the
dispossessed, generous laughter for the depressed, fewer fireworks in the socio-political scene and keep the explosions in the confines of one’s imagination. The year 2009 can be more than empty promises and pretty words. It will not be instantaneous. It will be, ultimately, a change for the better.
Senator CHIZ ESCUDERO: Good health for our people, jobs, enough income for every family, and affordable prices. For our country, peace and stability.
LUCHI CRUZ, journalist: So much of my time was suddenly freed up this year and so I am looking forward to spending that time in 2009 getting to know God more, relishing the joys of family, and doing things that really count in eternity.
Senator KIKO PANGILINAN: I am hopeful and optimistic for 2009. I look forward to witnessing the proven resiliency of the Filipino spirit and the coming together of millions of Filipino families here and abroad in order to face the difficulties expected from the global economic downturn.
Cebu Governor GWEN GARCIA: I look forward to paving more roads, building more bridges, bringing flowing water to more households and lighting up more far-flung sitios. Above all, I am looking forward to 2009 because in our united province of Cebu, there is hope. This hope will nurture us and sustain us through the expected challenges and difficulties. And it is this hope that will continue to propel Cebu to even greater progress and growth.
