Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at work inside Bahay Pangulo.

I REMEMBER I interviewed in 1992 then Cong. (now Pres.) Bongbong Marcos in Baguio City as part of my article for the “New Year Forum: Their Wish for 1993” (published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 3, 1993).

Here are excerpts: Bongbong Romualdez Marcos…remembers the Yuletide season as a time for family to be reunited, a celebration in the Christian faith and in the Filipino culture.

“As a child, Christmas was a happy time for us. Then I studied in London… When I was about to go home, to see my family, I always looked forward for Christmas and New Year, Santa Claus and the Three Kings. The same as anybody.

The president’s family with the relatives at the Presidential Residence during New Year. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina

Then came the time they first spent their Christmas and New Year outside the Philippines… “In Hawaii, we happily spent Christmas together. We attended an evening mass. The next day, we opened our presents,” he says. “We tried to make the same Christmas as we spent it before. Christmas without my father was of course sad, but Iife must go on. During the 12 months after his death, we were not able to celebrate Christmas and New Year at all because he was always there, the center or head of the family. It was somehow something different… We’re happy now that at last we’re at home, except that my father’s body is still in Hawaii. But Christmas at home without my father is still the same. It’s not something complicated.”

He reiterates that as to his father’s remains coming home. “I don’t know. You have to ask my mother… There is much to be done aside from his body. There are still problems to be confronted, to be cleared back… The elections are already over. When President Ramos visited Laoag…we accorded him the honor that befitted the president as we hope that he would accord my father, a former president of the Philippines, due respect. Forgiveness? On New Year’s, maybe, because it’s a new start.”

For Bongbong Marcos, it is high time for the Filipinos to reconcile and unite as a nation to rebuild the country’s glaring economy.

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On January 29, 2025, it will be Chinese New Year!  I randomly asked three persons (third batch) to answer two questions: (1) What are your plans/projects this year? (2) Any insights/learnings on the past year?

Here are their honest replies:

Animator Jess Espanola

Jess Espanola, the first Filipino to win an Emmy award which he won for working on “Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind”: (1) “For the meantime I have no plan for anything this year 2025. I stopped teaching at Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Pampanga last year starting August due to the distance where I live from the school. I live in Marikina now. I have a prospect with Rafael Rivera Benitez, the president and founder of EREHWON Center for the Arts about producing local animation featuring Filipino character and culture, anything to promote Filipino culture with all Filipino animators. But due to lack of resources, it remains a plan.” (2) “I have nothing to share about any insight. When I stopped teaching, I stopped everything. I have a plan to go back to studio arts – painting and sculpture, and photography – but I haven’t started it yet. I am still waiting for the right time to make it happen.”

Senate President Francis Escudero

 

Senator Chiz Escudero, a politician and lawyer from Sorsogon and holder of Master of Laws degree from  Georgetown University: (1) “As Senate President, my primary focus for 2025 is to ensure that we address as many bills under the Common Legislative Agenda as possible within the limited time remaining for the 19th Congress, which will conclude in June this year. This reflects our commitment to the welfare and progress of our nation. We will work tirelessly to ensure that priority administration measures are acted upon for the benefit of all Filipinos… As we approach the May 2025 mid-term elections, I urge all Filipinos to exercise their right to vote wisely. Let us take this occasion to elect leaders who are truly committed to genuine change and progress. Addressing the pressing issue of poverty requires leaders who prioritize poverty alleviation and social reforms. By choosing leaders who champion equity and prosperity for all, we can build a brighter future for our nation.” (2) “As we reflect on the challenges we faced in 2024, including the numerous natural calamities that battered our nation, we also celebrate the resilience and unity of the Filipino people. We give thanks to God, for it is only through His grace and mercy that we were able to overcome these challenges. Throughout it all, the resilience and deep faith of the Filipino people shone brightly.”

Chino Hansel Philyang, book author and broadcast journalist

 

Chino Hansel Philyang, book author and broadcast journalist: (1) “My primary focus this year is to bring meaningful narratives to life through various mediums. As an author, I am thrilled to launch my latest book, Second Life Sonata, on Valentine’s Day. It explores profound themes of life, death, and the afterlife, weaving lessons from classical texts like The Bhagavad Gita, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, and The Bible. Beyond writing, I aim to continue hosting programs that inspires dialogue and change. As a journalist, I plan to amplify stories that matter, showcasing the resilience and triumphs of individuals across communities. Lastly, I’m diving into more collaborations, fostering impactful connections in both media and publishing.” (2) “2024 was a transformative year filled with challenges that reaffirmed my belief in perseverance and purpose. Writing Second Life Sonata reminded me of the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. As a journalist, I’ve seen how stories shape people, inspire hope, and drive action. The tight schedules and demanding projects taught me to embrace discipline and adapt quickly, especially after earning my Harvard Teaching Certificate amidst all this. Most importantly, 2024 reinforced that success isn’t measured by accolades but by the lives we touch and the authenticity we bring to our work. Looking ahead, I’m inspired to approach 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose, creativity, and commitment to both storytelling and service.”

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Marissa Valdez Jupiter (right) during her oathtaking

 

Congrats to my friend Marissa Valdez Jupiter of Colorado who recently obtained her U.S. citizenship. Years ago, I foresaw in a dream that I would visit her in a big house in the U.S. She told me that my prediction came true and I will see her soon.

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Musician Rhap-Rhap Daigdigan

 

Rhap-Rhap Daigdigan, a very promising musician, has been patient earning income for his family through musical gigs as a bassist and drummer. He, together with his group “X-People” Band, has been performing in various entertainment places at night.

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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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