The year 2020 is finally done, and with all that has happened, celebrating the New Year surely has a new meaning to it!
Here are some heartfelt messages from industry leaders in the Philippines that should remind us to bring with us and keep with us a lot of faith, a lot of hope, and a lot of precious lessons learned as we emerge from this year of constant challenge. Happy New Year to all!
I am almost sure everyone will wish for the end of this pandemic to come with 2021. It’s what we should all wish for, for each other. Wish that we are able to get back to normal, not to be afraid of touching and hugging each other to show affection, especially to family members. We must never take anything for granted. It’s the biggest lesson from the pandemic. Nothing is sure, so always be prepared. But it is God’s gift to us, the strength we need for as long as we depend on Him and put our trust in Him. Survival is the key. As Jack Ma said, “Just to survive this pandemic is already success.” —Nedy Tantoco, chair, Rustan’s Commercial Corporation
As with any of life’s obstacles, let us not allow this incredibly challenging year to end without drawing important learnings from it. Let us remember that we withstood and overcame this year’s hurdles together. Our Bayanihan spirit, in a way, saved us. We supported one another, lent a helping hand wherever needed, and worked as one to rebuild what was lost. If anything, let this year remind us to always hold dear what matters most: the health and safety of our loved ones and time spent with them. With faith that better days are ahead in 2021, I wish everyone a meaningful, peaceful, and happy New Year! The pandemic spared no one. It is the great equalizer. The duality of the health and economic crisis brought Filipinos to heel in 2020. —Berna Romulo-Puyat, secretary, Department of Tourism
This unique and challenging time has reminded me of the value of hope and the power of books. Reading has served not just as an escape or comfort, but also a way of improving my skills and expanding my knowledge while at home. I know that even after this pandemic, I will continue to make time to read. Despite everything we have faced, I truly believe we will emerge from this pandemic with many lessons learned and with a new perspective on how we live our lives and what we prioritize. I am praying for and looking forward to a better 2021 for all of us. —Xandra Ramos, managing director, National Book Store
After a life-altering year, we really do not know what is ahead of us. We need to keep evolving, to have faith despite the challenges. Positive developments came out of 2020, placing health and safety protocols as the primary drivers of any plan. One is the use of technology that will move us forward to the next decade. The sudden shift to the digital platform has made life at home and at work more flexible. Transactions are now cashless, even in shopping for anything that includes the grocery, the seafood market in Dampa, and takeouts, all delivered using apps on the mobile phone. Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo have brought theater performances from the Cultural Center of the Philippines to a larger audience, giving much hope to those who are displaced. As theaters open when permitted, I remain optimistic that it will be a variation of a live performance environment. Zoom has kept us close and engaged with family, friends, and colleagues. Relationships are important and valued friendships will continue through 2021 as human connection advances remotely. This pandemic taught me that time is important. It must be managed with every moment cherished because tomorrow might not happen. Christmas 2020 was special because it brought out the best in all of us. We are kinder and more generous. Let us be grateful and look forward to a better year ahead. —Margie Moran Floirendo, chair, Cultural Center of the Philippines
Amid all our well-laid-out plans, life is full of surprises and uncertainties. We just have to be resilient, flexible, and optimistic to be able to meet these challenges. This is a lesson we should take with us into the New Year. —Tessie Sy-Coson, co-chair, SM Investments Corporation
#manigongbagongtaon2021
