Time for selflessness and compassion

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

Richard Yap

Richard Yap

We should all help spread the culture of positivity. Some of us may have experienced tragedy, but we should not be mourning all the time—life is not about that. The best thing to do is to pick up from where we left off and do something positive. If this would mean celebrating a joyous occasion like Christmas, then we should do that. It will help lift our spirits.

Christmas is the season to thank the Lord for what he has given, for still being alive and for being given another chance at being his instrument of change. This is the best time to turn back to him and to pray. My family and I stayed at home on Christmas Day, but we plan to celebrate the New Year out of the country. This is the only time I will get to really spend time with them. I’d rather that we had a really private time together.

Sandy Andolong

Sandy Andolong

We should all celebrate as simply as possible at home. In my family, we start by offering prayers for our country and our countrymen who have suffered and are still suffering from all the natural disasters. We saw to it that we prepared just enough food for us to consume, and we partook of them  with gratitude. We should thank God for all the blessings we receive each day, no matter how big or small. There was actually no gift-giving for our family this year. We preferred to donate to our fellow Filipinos. We should keep sharing our blessings with others for as long as they need help.

Toni Gonzaga

I think that, more than celebrate, we should learn from what has happened this year. We should reflect, and try to be more selfless and compassionate. We should also be more aware of, and involved in, what’s going on in the country. I made sure my Christmas this year was very different, peaceful and full of prayer. It was also full of hope and love, and less of material things. Marinel R. Cruz