A year of highs and lows

AS 2013 comes to a close, Asian Journal would like to look back into the most significant events that have ensued in this Year of the Snake.
2013 had its share of highs and lows, with immigration reform still on top of mind. The recent request made by the Philippine government for Temporary Protected Status for undocumented Pinoys in the US (a humanitarian act in the wake of the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan)is  still awaiting approval from President Barack Obama.
The Filipino-American community was faced with remarkable challenges this year: the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol to relatives back home; the complexities of enrolling for the mandated Affordable Health Care Act; the adverse effects of a 16-day US government shutdown; the multi-billion pork barrel scam; and the continuing territorial dispute between the Philippines and China, to name a few.
But in the midst of all these challenges, Filipino-Americans and Filipinos across the globe, as well as the global community at large also showcased the best of humanity — providing much-needed aid and relief to the typhoon victims back home.
2013 also resurrected the glory of the Philippines’ most beloved boxing champ, Manny Pacquiao, as he reclaimed his spot in the boxing world, after beating Brandon Rios in a 12-round fight via unanimous decision in Macau, China.
However, his victory would prove short-lived as the boxing champ/Sarangani congressman now faces tax woes both from the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
2013 also marked a historical moment in US history, as the Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional, allowing same-sex couples to finally marry (in some states) and to become eligible for benefits such as social security, health insurance, retirement savings and immigration benefits.
2013 also welcomed a new Pope in Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina (who is now known as Pope Francis). Nine months into the papacy and Pope Francis has already been chosen by TIME Magazine as its Person of the Year.
2013 saw the historic crowning of the first Filipina Miss World, Megan Lynne Young; Bea Rose Monterde Santiago winning the Miss International pageant; and Mutya Johanna Datul being crowned as Miss Supranational.
This year also saw the passing of remarkable human beings: Nelson Mandela, the beloved first black president of South Africa and Madiba to his people; Fast and Furious actor Paul Walker, who died in a tragic car accident in the midst of raising funds and assistance for the Typhoon Haiyan victims; Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher;  and June Keithley-Castro, the voice of Radyo Bandido during the 1986 People Power Revolution, to name a few.
While 2013 proved to be a challenging year, it also fortified our courage, vigilance, resilience and hope as a people, in the face of adversity.
Here’s hoping that 2014 will be a better and brighter year for everyone.
Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!
(AJPress)