What’s one blessing you are grateful for?

Today, Easter Sunday, is a great day to reflect on and be grateful for our blessings, on the love of  Jesus Christ for mankind, and how we should appreciate the sacrifices that people who love us make. Easter is a day for celebration and thanks.

Dr. Bernie Madrid, executive director, Child Protection Network

The one blessing that I am grateful for is that God chose me to do the work that I am doing now with abused children, and gave me all I need in terms of  family, friends, talent, training, colleagues, benefactors to be able to do it well.

Eric Matti, director

I am grateful that despite the difficulties of getting personal films produced in a mainstream setting, I have somehow managed to still do my projects with enough support, creative control and manageable financing that promises a fair chance of widely releasing it to the Filipino audience. It is such a blessing in a country such as ours to be a working filmmaker, earning and making the films that matter to me.

Atty. Leni Gerona Robredo

I am grateful for the 25 years with my husband Jessie, and having raised three wonderful children with him. He was an incredibly beautiful person and even if he was abruptly taken away from us we still feel blessed to have been loved by him.

Gretchen Barretto, actress

Having a family (a solid, happy home). Knowing I have my Tony and Dominique.

DJ Sta.  Ana, news director, TV5

The best blessing ever given to me is Karen because from her came three more blessings: David, Lucas and happy family.

Irene Martel Francisco, publisher, Philippine Tatler

I am most grateful for the blessing of my family. Randy and Isabel inspire me and give so much meaning to my life. We are such a small unit but draw warmth and strength from each other. Isabel was home for eight days for spring break and wanted nothing more than to hang out together and just enjoy our home. Making ordinary days special and memorable....I am endlessly thankful!

Rep. Rex Gatchalian, 1st district, Valenzuela City

I am very thankful for being able to serve the people of Valenzuela City and the country at an early age. The people of the 1st district of the proud city of Valenzuela gave me the opportunity to serve the republic twice in congress all before I even hit the age of 35. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be an instrument of change in people’s lives. Being able to move people’s lives in a positive way is the biggest blessing bestowed on me.

Cristina Gomez, socials editor, Lifestyle Asia

I am thankful for many things in my life. But the one blessing I will forever be grateful for is my family. From the time I went up on stage for my very first play in nursery, to the time they brought me to Milan for my master’s degree, and even during times I just needed a pat on the shoulder, my family has always been very supportive. I draw a lot of strength from them and with the love and concern I am constantly showered with, I face circumstances with confidence and the determination to succeed.

Mayor Lorna Silverio, San Rafael, Bulacan

When God said in the Scripture that it is not good for man to be alone, the undertone that reverberates to me is His call to love.  No matter our age or status in life, we all can strive to love others as God loves us. We may accomplish great things in life, power, fame and fortune, but the greatest thing is to love.  If wealth is the secret to happiness, then the rich should be dancing in the streets. But only poor kids do that. If power ensures security, then officials should walk unguarded.  But those who live simply, sleep soundly. If beauty and fame bring ideal relationships, then celebrities should have the best marriages. Our best efforts, if bereft of love, are meaningless. We may bestow all our goods to feed the poor but if there is not love, it profits us nothing. For the smallest loving act can hold eternal significance. We love because He first loved us. He gave, so we can give. We love because He first touched us and He died so we can live. I am so grateful and thankful to God for blessing me with a “big heart” capable of loving genuinely. For this passion to love gave me the opportunity to serve our people as He blessed me with a very supportive, understanding and loving family and friends.  Above all, I feel so grateful for being one of His instruments here on earth.For all that we have done, or ever will do, only love endures. We depart, but love abides. Now abide faith, hope, love, these three: but the greatest of them is love (1 Corinthian 13:13).