Sylvia’s holiday ritual

Sylvia Sanchez

Actress Sylvia Sanchez traces her roots to Nasipit, a third-class municipality in Agusan del Norte. For the past 18 years, she and children, Arjo and Ria Atayde, have been visiting her home province during Christmas season to reconnect with her relatives and neighbors in Barangay Punta.

“This year is special,” the actress says, “because I brought my two younger children—Gela and Xavi—with me for the first time. We crossed the river to spend time with my neighbors and their children. We ate and played parlor games. We gave them food, clothes and grocery items.”

Carlo Orosa

Carlo spoils ‘balikbayan’ mom

Talent manager Carlo Orosa says he is determined to spoil his US-based mother, now that she is in Manila to spend the Christmas holidays with him.

“I would gift my mom with an entire day of pampering. I’m grateful that she has come home for the holidays,” he points out. “But more than spoiling her, it’s about quality time well spent with her. It’s the most special thing anyone can give to another person to show love, care and affection.” —MARINEL R. CRUZ