I’ve been told that one of the foundations of a nation’s progress is love for country. It is where malasakit comes from, a genuine concern for the welfare of the nation. I wish we can all work together to show our love for country more, envision the future, strategize our strengths, move forward and upward, and improve the lives of all Filipinos. —Ben Chan, founder, Suyen Corporation
Above all, I wish for peace and prosperity all over the world, for the Filipino to find strength in diversity, harmony in differences, that will lead to a collective path toward a brighter, more sustainable future. Here’s to a 2024 filled with progress, compassion, and enduring warmth of the Filipino spirit. Mabuhay! —Nedy Tantoco, chairperson, Rustan Group of Companies
Happy New Year! I’m feeling thankful for the year behind and enthusiastic for the year ahead, where I hope for a less divided world and a sense of safety and security for everyone in the world. I wish for Filipinos to have a healthier, happier year, one full of opportunities for self-realization and fulfillment. May this journey in 2024 be filled with joy and success in all that we do. We should always try to be true to ourselves and follow our hearts. We have what it takes to make our dreams come true. —Ching Cruz, owner and CFO, Pacific Cebu Resort
The intangibles. These are the ones that make life better. To begin, I wish for more of the gentle to seep through the cracks of every day, if only to cushion the hard parts of a life. That can mean different things to different people but, yes, that.
Time, too. The gift of time. Spent with each other, at mealtime most especially. So many families sit down to enjoy a meal together but spend most of it glued to their smartphones. It is more than just a little bit sad, I think.
The small things are the big things. We cannot solve the world’s woes but there are all these little ways that we can enrich our lives, no matter the circumstances. —Lucy Torres Gomez, mayor, Ormoc City, Leyte
As we approach 2024, my fervent wish is for a year of extraordinary achievements, innovation, and, most important, unity. May 2024 be a testament to our collective dedication to progress but also care and mindfulness to others, not only for SM but for our entire nation. Let us rise above challenges and differences, foster a spirit of togetherness, and create a legacy of excellence that will inspire generations to come. —Steven Tan, president, SM Supermalls
As we turn the page and welcome a new year, I’m excited to witness the spirit of resilience and unity flourishing among us Filipinos. The challenges of the past, though daunting, have paved the way for growth, strength, and unwavering determination.
In 2024, I wish for our nation to continue striving for economic growth and stability, creating more job opportunities for our fellow Filipinos. I hope to see advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, ensuring that every Filipino has access to quality services and resources. Furthermore, I wish for a society that values inclusivity, diversity, and respect for one another. Let us foster a culture of understanding and empathy, where no one is left behind, and everyone’s voice is heard. —Marga Nograles, COO, Tourism Promotions Board
For the good of all Filipinos, I wish for more climate-resilient infrastructure, a breakthrough in the agricultural value and supply chain that ensures affordability, supply and food security, and as always, economic inclusivity, which creates opportunities for all and promotes the wellbeing of the entire population. To bring all these about, I also hope for further empowered institutions in the coming year. —Alice Eduardo, president and CEO, Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corp.
I wish that more people realize and acknowledge how powerful food can be and can put that bit of knowledge to good use. Like how one’s excess party food can feed a family that hasn’t properly eaten for a week. Or how nostalgic food can improve a person’s emotional wellbeing, the same way regional food can help someone find his sense of belonging, or raise awareness and funds for health and social issues. Food does more than just nourish. It bridges differences and gaps as well as foster relationships and understanding. This 2024, I plan to explore these aspects and I wish I can inspire many Filipinos to do the same. —Angelo Comsti, entrepreneur, restaurateur, culture advocate
My wish is for our fellow Filipinos to venture out to explore our islands, support our local destinations and buy local products as they enjoy time with family and immerse in the kindness and grace of the Filipino people. A successful tourism industry strengthens the Philippine economy, and supporting domestic tourism supports Filipino families. —Christina Frasco, secretary, Department of Tourism
I wish we would all remember how grateful we are for God’s blessings, appreciate the successes, and learn from the failures. We all have different experiences, strengths, and weaknesses, so continue to share and learn from each other. Let us continue to support Filipino products and services for the progress of our nation. —Stanley Ng, president and COO, Philippine Airlines
As we step into the New Year, I wish for a brighter and more prosperous 2024 for all Filipinos. My hope is that we can collectively work toward a year filled with unity, progress, and resilience. —Puey Quiñones, designer
I wish for all of us to go beyond the surface value of things and find more meaningful ways to express ourselves. I wish for Filipinos to support each other more, to choose to be happy for each other, and to go above and beyond in helping push our country to the next level, where it deserves to be. —Tim Yap, eventologist, culture advocate
I wish for the Philippines to have a true culture of compassion. We are a kind and generous people by nature but true compassion is different. In Buddhist philosophy, it’s the desire that all living things be free from suffering. From this viewpoint, it entails really putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes, taking the time to understand their struggles and pain. It’s so very different from philanthropy, charity, or even generosity, where the simple act of giving can be a Band-aid solution or driven by subconscious desires of vanity or feeling good about oneself. On a grand scale, I wish for our country to have a truly compassionate government, where structural reforms and benevolent policies can happen for the good of the Filipinos, regardless of who is in power. On a much more intimate level, I wish for deeper human connections, for us to culturally go beyond superficial interactions, and to cultivate cherished relationships and friendships with each other. I am hopeful! Our beautiful country is filled with beautiful souls and I believe that 2024 is the year we no longer shy away from difficult conversations and dedicate time to introspection and reflection, to build more meaningful and compassionate connections with our community, our loved, ones and ourselves. —Stephanie Zubiri, wellness advocate, editor, host