As we eagerly await the papal visit, I cornered some celebs and asked: If there’s one thing you could ask forgiveness for from God through Pope Francis, what would your act of contrition be like? Mine would be for loving so much, that I forget to love myself.
This topic reminds me of a funny quote: “We pay for all our sins, so always ask for a receipt.” And this one: “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.”
After the holiday revelry, it’s time to be still. May we become less worldly to be more worthy of heaven’s abundant gifts.
Martin Nievera
I would ask him to forgive me for taking up his entire visit to the Philippines, listening to me enumerate the things I need forgiveness for.
Christine Bersola-Babao
Dear Pope Francis, please ask God to forgive me for not being able to forgive some people up to now. They have wronged me and have not apologized.
Jose Javier Reyes
[I’d ask forgiveness for] the arrogance of my youth, the recklessness of my more vulnerable days, my shameless materialism, but even more for mistaking my career for all of who I am (now I know that having a life goes so much further than merely making a living). Most importantly, [for] my lack of patience for people who should not matter in the order of my life today.
Joanna Ampil
JOANNA Ampil says sorry for environmental neglect.
I noticed while living in Manila that we lack environmental awareness. It’s evident in little things, like cleaning up after yourself in a fast-food resto or throwing rubbish in a bin, let alone segregating recyclables. We’ve been made stewards of these gifts by God and we need to show a bit of respect, love and care. It saddens me that I haven’t done enough to rectify this, but I know it takes more than just one person. It is an issue I am very much aware of, but all I can do is get even more frustrated and infuriated. For this, I apologize.
Wency Cornejo
If I were not agnostic, I would probably ask forgiveness for not being more conscientious about attending church.
Suzi Entrata-Abrera
I would ask the Pope forgiveness for thinking ill of other people.
John Arcilla
JOHN Arcilla prays for an end to corruption.
richard reyes
I’d ask Pope Francis to bless our country so that corruption would be eradicated—not just among politicians but among all of us. There would be no corrupt officials if we did not tolerate them in the first place. We are guilty of the sin of collaboration. We are part of the vicious cycle. If corruption were healed, it would ease poverty. May the Pope forgive every Filipino [including me] for allowing corruption to flourish in our country.
Rita Avila
RITA Avila is certain Jesus knows what’s in her heart.
Jesus knows.
Ronnie Lazaro
It is something so private, that only Pope Francis and my God would know.
Kim Atienza
I’d ask forgiveness for being selfish all these years, thinking that life was all about my fulfillment, my dreams and my success. Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior taught me that I live to worship, period. As I seek His kingdom, all I need, plus extra [things] are added! Life was never about me; I am totally powerless. His grace is all I need. Thank You for Your mercy and overflowing blessings, Lord!
Boots Anson-Roa
I would ask forgiveness for spreading myself too thin—multitasking and forgetting that I am an aged “Wonder Woman”: I wonder where I left my keys; I wonder whose number I dialed; I wonder what the thread around my finger is for.
New Year blast
My kids and I had a blast at Discovery Suites’ New Year’s Eve countdown party, “Remember the Time (A Tribute to the King of Pop).” Since I am Michael Jackson’s imaginary widow, I went gaga over the hotel’s MJ-inspired décor.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart to my good friends Chris and Clarisse Tiu for the tickets. Special thanks to Sabrina Sy, Eric Laygo, Myra Jabson and Leeds Trompeta for making us feel so welcome.