Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Noli Eala–"A successful PBA-backed national team to put the Philippines back on the road to basketball glory. More unity and genuine brotherhood in the PBA to make a more exciting, entertaining and stronger league. More quality time with family and loved ones."
Bowling Hall of Famer and four-time World Cup champion Paeng Nepomuceno–"No more tragedies this holiday season. Healthy for my loved ones. For people playing badminton to spend some time bowling, too."
Rep. Monico Puentevella–"To host the Southeast Asian Games 2005 successfully regardless of medal ranking. To win the overall championship for the SEA Games 2005. To win a medal, not necessarily gold, in Beijing 2008."
Philippine Basketball League (PBL) commissioner Chino Trinidad–"Gusto ka sanang magkaroon ng one basketball body na binubuo ng mga ‘tunay na Pilipino’ na mayroong katapatan at pananagutan sa kanilang panunungkulan."
Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Mike Barredo–"For peace and prosperity in the world, especially in the Philippines. For a united effort towards the betterment of sport for all in our country. For the overall success of the SEA Games and Asean Paragames in 2005."
Incoming Philippine Olympic Committee secretary-general Steve Hontiveros–"First, wishing you and your family the best this coming year. Second, praying for our success in Philippine sports and third, my family will be blessed by God."
Former PBA coach and import Norman Black–"Good health for my grandmom who is ill in the US. Continued working relationship between ABC 5 and the PBA. Choice of national coach to be respected and supported no matter who is chosen."
Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association and National Chess Federation president Go Teng Kok–"For our track athletes to win at least 15 gold medals and our chess players, six gold medals in the SEA Games. For me to spend more time developing our athletes kasi I wasted so many years fighting for reforms, tuloy hati ang panahon ko, but now, things are on track. For a successful SEA Games. For FIBA (International Basketball Association)-Asia to award the Philippines hosting rights of the 2007 men’s championships."
Philippine National Shooting Association president Art Macapagal–"Permanent peace throughout our land. A moratorium on partisan actions by our political leaders (administration and opposition) and reach a consensus on what to do to move the country forward. Media projecting wins rather than defeats to help bring hope and confidence to the people."
Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) secretary-general Graham Lim–"I wish the BAP and PBA will achieve their goal for international honors. I wish peace in my heart for those detractors trying to destroy me as a person. I wish to be humble with God’s will."
International boxing matchmaker and promoter Jun Sarreal–"For Rodel Mayol’s successful defense of the Oriental title against Phalangchai Sor Vorapin on Jan. 29 and for him to follow in Manny Pacquiao’s footsteps to become a world champion next year. For more government and private sector support for sports, particularly in boxing where Filipinos can excel. For three or four Filipinos to reign as world champions at the same time like before. I have not promoted for over a year because of lack of material but I am encouraged by Mayol."
Referee Ferdie Estrella, who earned plaudits for working the recent Pacquiao-Fahsan bout–"For more Filipino international boxing champions. For Pacquiao to beat (Juan Manuel) Marquez on Feb. 26. For more fans to patronize boxing in general, not just Pacquiao’s fights."
Sports medicine specialist Dr. Raul (George) Canlas–"I would want one quiet time during the holidays to spend with my family, recovery for the typhoon victims and success in the international scene for our sportsmen."
"Sports Unlimited" TV host and sports news reporter Dyan Castillejo–"That our whole family spend it (Christmas) together as it is so so special and enjoyable when we’re complete with my parents, their five kids and now three grandchildren (my two sisters and one brother live in the US). That our 2-year-old son Matthew will always overflow with joy, cheer, enthusiasm and sweet love with he so generously shares with my husband Anton and me every day. He is God’s daily Christmas gift to us. Thank you, Jesus. That all who are sad, hurting, sick, troubled, in need, alone, depressed and confused this Christmas are helped by at least one person sent by God to turn their situation around. May all the negatives be replaced by hope, strength, courage, joy, love and support in 2005. May we be the answered prayer for someone this Christmas."
More Christmas wishes from your favorite sports personalities in this Tuesday’s column.