Kian Co with Judy Ann Santos in a movie poster for “Espantaho.”
I GOT randomly the innocent opinions of eight kids of Christmas (December 25) by asking two questions: (1) How do you spend your Christmas? and (2) What is your idea of Christmas? Here are the kids’ replies:
Kian Co, 11, Grade 5, who is part of the cast of Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Espantaho”: (1) “We’ll be going to the church, then we’ll eat outside and later my mother and I will go to the cinema to watch a movie.” (2) “For me Christmas is the birthday of Papa Jesus so we’ve to visit Him in the church with our family.”
Elia Ilano (left) photo; Natalia Rosen Orsal (right photo)
Elia Ilano, 14, Grade 9, is this year’s FAMAS best child actress: (1) “I spend my Christmas with my family and loved ones po. Usually, we go out of town before Christmas but on Christmas Eve we spend it in the house after going to Mass. On Christmas Day, we go to my grandmothers’ houses… I prefer to spend Christmas with the most important persons in my life.” (2) “My idea of Christmas is spreading kindness, continuing our family tradition and a moment of gratitude. It is a time to share your blessings to others, to be with my loved ones on this very special day and a time where we reflect and thank God for everything He gave us po.”
Natalia Rosen D. Orsal, 9, Grade 3, is the daughter of photographer-writer Noel Benesisto Orsal: (1) “My family and I always spend it in my aunt’s house in Bulacan. We buy gifts for each other, play games, and sing along. My cousins and I also play with our new gifts.” (2) “Big Christmas tree with lots of ornaments, gifts under the tree, and lots of decorations around the house. The birthday of Jesus. Lots of food. And baby Jesus in the manger.”
Sofia de los Santos Mendoza
Sofia D. Mendoza, 8, Grade 3, is the granddaughter of Oly delos Santos, wife of the late PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Napoleon delos Santos Jr.: (1) “Open gifts, play and pray.” (2) “Sleep, go to church, eat… I am just a kid. I don’t know so much about the world.”
From left: Luis Jaime, mom Lheng, Lowella (with flowers) and Lara
Lowella Jamima D. Gonzales, 13, is a Grade 8 student at St. Paul College Paranaque: (1) “I spend my Christmas with family and friends.” (2) “My idea of Christmas is the season of giving, it’s the time to be with your loved ones. It is also the time to give back and be thankful for the blessings God gave us.”
From left: Stephenie Anne, Mark Deniz, Princess Denisse and mom Christina
Mark Deniz Cansino, 13, Grade 8, is a Philstagers actor: (1) “I spend Christmas with my family.” (2) “Experience the magic of Christmas.”
Sisters Sheanne and Michaela in a New York City Times Square billboard (left photo); Sheanne Pedroso (right photo)
Sheanne Marie Faye Pedroso, 8, Grade 3, is the daughter of Salvie Collado Paparon, golden awardee of the 2nd Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award: (1) “I spend Christmas at home with my family.” (2) “Giving gifts and feasts.”
Alyssa Domilyn Aquino, a brave cancer patient
Allysa Domilyn Aquino, 12, is a leukemia patient from Pangasinan: (1) “I spend my Christmas with my family.” (2) “To have food as long as we’re together, to play games with cash prizes of P10 or P20 or biscuits and candies, and to sing and pray since it’s the birthday of Jesus.”
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Chino Hansel Philyang, a writer of children’s books
For Chino Hansel Philyang, author of 18 books on children, this is his Christmas viewpoint on the two questions above: (1) “I spend Christmas as a time for meaningful connections and as acts of kindness. Apart from celebrating with family and friends, I dedicate part of the season to bringing joy to children through the gift of books. Visiting communities, schools, or charities to share storybooks has become a cherished tradition. There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing a child’s face light up when they receive a book — a gateway to imagination, learning, and inspiration. This act not only spreads joy but also plants the seeds of knowledge and creativity in young minds.” (2) “For me, Christmas is about embodying the spirit of generosity, love, and hope. It’s a season to reflect on what truly matters and find ways to touch the lives of others, especially children. Gifting books during this time symbolizes more than just a present — it’s a gift of opportunities, dreams, and empowerment. Books can transport children to faraway lands, teach them about different cultures, and inspire them to achieve their goals. By giving books, we’re not only spreading holiday cheer but also leaving a lasting impact that resonates far beyond the season. Christmas becomes a celebration of stories — both shared and created — that enrich lives and nurture the next generation.”
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Camille and Christian Ong | Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina
Camille Coronel-Ong’s education at De La Salle College of St. Benilde has equipped her with the necessary skills to become a better person with a clear purpose and a drive to spread positivity in her endeavors. The school has instilled in her an open-minded approach towards life, enabling her to view situations from various angles and make well-informed choices.
“The diverse learning opportunities at Benilde have exposed me to a multitude of ideas, beliefs, and cultures, expanding my knowledge and understanding of the world and its diverse population. Through my education at Benilde, I have developed into a responsible and respectful individual, valuing the perspectives of others,” she told this writer.
Camille took Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management major in Culinary Arts. “My time in college was truly memorable and among the happiest days of my life… Whenever our class gets cancelled, we would often head to Tagaytay to relax and unwind. I feel incredibly fortunate to have formed strong bonds with some of my friends during college. Most of them are now living abroad, pursuing their studies or careers, yet we remain in touch,” she revealed.
She could not forget her prof, Chef Anton Gomez, who imparted culinary knowledge and life lessons: “Even after our classes, he would take the time to talk to me and my boyfriend (who is now her husband) about being wise in life. I heard he left Benilde and is now teaching in Madrid.”
Another prof is Chef Joel Erfe (“He had a way of making our classes enjoyable and uplifting, always reminding us to focus on the good things in life.”). Lastly, Chef Sabrina Gan who supported her during her internship in Italy. She studied Italian Food Style Education in Turin, Italy and had her internship in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Isola d’ Asti, Italy. After college, she started as a baker and later became a sous chef in a known steakhouse restaurant. Now she is running her own cake business, “Tsokoñata,” known for its chocolate piñata cake in the Philippines.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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