HOLIDAY CHEER: Priceless gift of family

Winwyn Marquez

MANILA, Philippines – We asked the stars: Why should we celebrate Christmas this year after a string of disasters in the country?

Geneva Cruz

I believe that we all have to go forward despite any disaster. Tragedies are a part of life that we will never be able to get away from. I think we must keep Christmas simple by sharing our blessings with the needy and by celebrating it with our loved ones. We must realize that the most important things we have in life are priceless: Christ’s unconditional love for us and the gift of family.

Winwyn Marquez

Yes, and I think it’s great that even though it’s Christmas season already, people are still traveling to devastated areas, volunteering, helping and giving hope to the people there. And I hope that inspires the survivors to keep holding on.

Markki Stroem

Markki Stroem

I think we all need happiness in our lives, especially in these trying times. The destruction caused by “Yolanda” brought us closer together, and I think Christmas is a good way of acknowledging this sense of family.

Marian Rivera

If those of us who were spared from devastation find it hard to celebrate, what more [in the case of] those who were affected by the calamities? But life goes on and we must move on, too. Let us remind our countrymen of the true spirit of Christmas, which is love and sharing. My friends and I are planning to donate bancas (fishing boats) to deserving families in Cebu. Giving back their source of livelihood will help not only the breadwinners, but their children, too … because they can use the boats for 15 to 20 years.

Marian Rivera

Jennylyn Mercado

We should celebrate Christmas because it will give hope to our countrymen—hope that there will always be something good in this world to look forward to.

Valerie Concepcion

Valerie Concepcion

Let’s celebrate Christmas because this is the perfect time to diminish the sadness that we all experienced due to Supertyphoon “Yolanda.” The spirit of giving will inspire and remind everyone that, through the ups and downs of life, rest assured, someone will be there help us.

Bayani San Diego Jr., Marinel R. Cruz and Allan Policarpio