The Silver Linings Breast Cancer convention in Davao, the Cancer Support Community Cancer Summit in Washington, DC, and the Carewell Fifth Anniversary Celebration in Manila. These three events are reminders and milestones that encourage me to remain committed to my work in supporting all persons affected by cancer.
I will most remember Mae, Marisa and Moonyeen—three lovely, classy, courageous and just oh-so-wonderful women! Remembering them will always inspire me to continue with my work at Carewell.—Robert “Bobbit” A.S.Suntay, co-founder and executive director, the Carewell Community Foundation
I will remember 2011 for the Japan earthquake, trips and time spent with good friends. I will remember that this year, my daughter Stina started going to school, my son Liam started to walk and talk, and my husband Martin had his first solo art exhibit. I will remember this year for my husband, my kids, and our friends Carlo and Sandra Ratilla, missionary friends who taught us so much this year (that’s technically five people, but I can’t help it, hehe).—Barbie Almalbis, singer and songwriter
Top three events: The fact that three women won the Nobel Peace Prize; the royal wedding, because how could you have escaped that? The Christmas Village at the SM City Cebu North Wing, which was for a most worthy cause, the cancer-stricken children of the Kythe Foundation.
Top three people: Sarah Burton who, for me, was one of the stars of the royal wedding; Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, because the woman has balls; Steve Jobs because his death only emphasized that he was bigger than life.—Arcy Gayatin, Cebu-based fashion designer
Top three events: 1. The amendment of the Animal Welfare Act, finally underway after 13 years, thanks to the combined efforts of the Animal Kingdom Foundation, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), and Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA). 2. Convictions secured for cases like Joseph Canderas, the University of the Philippines student who stomped a cat to death, and the six-month prison term imposed on Christopher and Gilbert Babe of Rodriguez, Rizal for killing an aspin named Kevin. The law may need amendments, but at least we were able to get justice for some animals and teach animal offenders a lesson. 3. More animal advocates and animal groups sprouting up, volunteers as young as nine years old helping out at the PAWS animal shelter this year, showing that more and more people are becoming concerned about the way animals are treated.
Top three people: (PAWS founder) Nita Lichauco or “Tata” to us at PAWS. She laments that she is too “old” for animal welfare work, but always amazes us with her youthful energy and the spunk to speak her mind, especially when it comes to protecting the voiceless, the animals. In June 2011, she was honored with a lifetime achievement award by animal welfare groups all over the world for her work for Asia for Animals, a conference on Asian animal protection that she started in 2001.
Then there’s PAWS veterinarian Dr. Wilford Almoro, because of his dedication to his work. He was able to spay/neuter 1,200 dogs and cats this year for PAWS. He broke his own record of 1,107 animals fixed last year.—Anna Cabrera, program director, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
Top three events: First, the Mideo Cruz controversy that just went to show how incredibly reactionary the church, our politicians, and the public can be. The controversy showed how easily we can be swept away by hysteria and our own immaturity. Sabagay, controversies like these are as old as the hills. Caravaggio had to deal with the same bigotry when he used ordinary folk to model for his altar pieces.
Second, the influx of foreign productions is a trend in the theater that will continue through 2012. Filipino audiences support them wholeheartedly, and it is a choice that must be respected. Why is this trend so memorable for me? Because in the face of overwhelming odds, local theater continues to thrive and create our own stories.
Third, two years ago I wrote “Fake.” This year, it got produced by the UP Playwright’s Theater. Tony Mabesa and Joel Lamangan went on to win awards for their work as director and lead actor. And I still have people come up to me and say how moved they were by the show. It was a small production, no songs, it was talky, it was about ideas, it was non-commercial. And it worked.
Top three people: 1. The Japanese, who in the face of apocalyptic cataclysm, have acted with dignity, perseverance, and nobility. This is how a nation should suffer. This is how a nation reveals its true character.
2. Piolo Pascual, who in the face of judgement, scorn and malice, has chosen to remain a gentleman. I hope he never subjects himself to the indignity of a tell-all. Whatever the preference that has made him so controversial, he has kept his dignity as well as his mystique, a quality rare in artistas these vulgar times. And suddenly, the once-golden KC seems so self-entitled, naive, and yes, common.
3. GMA, of course. That face! Framed by metal braces! Rigid and unmoving, like a sphinx or a gorgon, amid the hysterical mob. Is it karma? Is the lack of any sort of loyalty or support indicative of how much she is hated? Her stoic, unmoving face suggests her deepest strength: her flat-out refusal to give a hoot what you think of her.—Floy Quintos, playwright and director
Top three events: 1. The world teetering on the brink of financial collapse, especially Europe and the US; 2. Philippine internal political struggles; 3. The deaths of Osama Bin Laden and Moammar Gadhafi.
Top three people: Steve Jobs as tech, lifestyle and philosophical enabler; Noynoy Aquino as our president; Manny Pacquiao, the champion evolving. —George Siy, president of Marie France, Facial Care Centre and Svenson
Top three events:
1. I enjoyed all the traveling I did this year. I usually travel a lot, but this year, I flew more often than usual, visiting both old and new places (Paris, London, Brussels, Antwerp, Somerset, Exeter, New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Hong Kong, Beijing).
2. The weddings of Will and Kate, and Kim and Kris. I wasn’t really caught up in the hype of either, but Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding was the royal wedding of my generation and it is a significant part of history. Kim Kardashian’s wedding to Kris Humphries was a great show, but disappointing to her brand and to her followers. We always knew reality TV wasn’t real, but her televised wedding followed by a 72-day marriage ruined the illusion of “reality” that they were trying to sell.
3. The success and attention that the Azkals are getting really put Philippine football/soccer on the map. They are showing the world that there’s a new sport that Filipinos can be great at, in addition to basketball, billiards and boxing. I’m so proud and happy for the time that they even got to play with the likes of David Beckham.
Top three people:
1. Elizabeth Taylor. The last of the great icons passed away. It feels like the end of an era.
2. Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. She’s no longer president but still managed to grab headlines with a very delayed arrest.
3. Apl de Ap from the Black-Eyed Peas. He’s done a great job with his schools in Pampanga this year and a great example of how a person with disability (he’s legally blind) can achieve success, and even with that success, he hasn’t forgotten his roots, his background or his country. I’m proud to be his friend!—Aziza Mondoñedo, restaurateur and jewelry designer
Top three events:
1. W/17, a new home and lifestyle store we put up with my partner, Andy Vazquez Prada, which promotes locally made beautiful home furnishings. More importantly, the store supports several livelihood projects and groups from all over the country and especially Taguig, making everything from fine linens to our packaging products, providing jobs to residents of a number of marginalized communities.
2. The Red Ball. This was my third year organizing the Red Ball with Tessa Prieto-Valdes, and it truly gets better each year. The commitment and time the entire team spends in the project year after year is so incredible, and the results really reflect this.
3. Abilympics Philippines. I have always supported livelihood projects in Taguig, and this year I was invited to join the board of this foundation, which supports skills training for disabled individuals. Board members attended the 2011 Abilympics in Seoul, and seeing so many differently abled individuals engaged in different crafts and skills, has made me even more determined to support this group.
Top three people:
1. My husband, Freddie Tinga. He really is one of a kind, first as a husband and father, but also in whatever position or job he holds. His commitment in making the world a better place never fails to motivate me to become a better person. He is working on some amazing programs that put together information technology, education and social entrepreneurship. I think you will be hearing about them very soon.
2. The Bantay Bata Advisory Board including Audrey Zubiri, Nanette Medved Po, Dawn Zulueta Lagdameo, Lisa Chan, Jackie Hess, Manny Padilla and Carla Ramsay. This year marks my third year with the Board, and we organized our biggest fundraiser yet, Mothers for Others. The teamwork and dedication the board put in was so inspiring. Can’t wait for Mothers for Others 2 in 2012.
3. My sister, Kristine, who was involved in an unfortunate accident while on vacation here from New York, causing her, an extremely independent and capable woman, to be sidelined for four months. Her spirit and attitude throughout the entire ordeal of her operation and recuperation made me take a second look at myself, she kept her humor and high spirits throughout the whole experience when others would just have been depressed and felt sorry for themselves.—Kaye Tinga, civic volunteer and co-owner, W/17 home store
Top three events: The earthquake in Japan, the Philippine Volcanoes billboard, the iPad 2.
Top three people: Shamcey Supsup, Kate Middleton, Elizabeth Taylor.—JC Buendia, president, Fashion and Design Council of the Phils.
Top three events:
1. Flood in Thailand. It is the worst flood ever in Thailand. Many thousands of people have lost their homes, but in the meantime, we have received helping hands from both the Thai people and foreigners. Also, a number of the Philippines’ organizations have rendered assistance regarding this matter. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
2. Tsunami in Japan. This reflects the fact that even one of the most powerful countries in the world cannot avoid a natural disaster. At the same time, it makes me appreciate my life more.
3. My life in the Philippines. My first year in the Philippines has been so impressive. I feel very thankful for the warmth and kindness of the people. They really make me feel at home.
Top three people:
1. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand: It’s the 65th year of his accession to the throne and his 84th birthday. He is a thinker, a doer and a giver. His love and devotion to his people and his country are so strong and unconditional. Long live the King!
2. Steve Jobs: He is the one who has really revolutionized the information, technology, social and cyber networks. Actually, I think I could say he is the man who changed the world! May he rest in peace.
3. My family: They have come and joined me in the Philippines. My life would never be complete without them.—Sern Chupikulchai, Thai Airways general manager for Philippines and Guam
Top three events: Top of mind for me is our consumer advocacy on anti-monopoly and leveling the playing field in the telecommunications industry. Globe embarked on this advocacy to counter the ill effects of the telco merger, a seven-month battle using multimedia communications. Second is our super catchy “Today I Will” campaign for Globe prepaid. This campaign has so much positivism among our youth, and a personal approach to how you can be a game changer today.
Finally, I will remember 2011 with the first augmented reality print campaign in the Philippines, of course by Globe! Just another pioneering effort from the most innovative telco company in the country today.
Top three people: The two savvy gentlemen in our legal team, lawyers Rodolfo Salalima and Froilan Castelo, for bravely facing and pulling through the congressional and NTC hearings during the merger talks. Sen. Joker Arroyo for being the constitutional stalwart, Sen. Serge Osmeña for his deep appreciation of free market competition, and the Philippine Institute of Development Studies for their intelligent discourse on the issues related to the merger.—Yoly Crisanto, head of corporate communications, Globe Telecom
The three events: 1. The tsunami in Japan (March 11); 2. Our Filipino food promotion at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo (September-October); 3. Our US Embassy concession.
Top three people: 1. Steve Jobs; 2. The Ampatuans!; 3. Moammar Gadhafi —Chef Jessie Sincioco, Chef Jessie’s at Rockwell Club
Top three events: 1. Super cold winter in Europe; 2. Japan nuclear disaster; 3. Bangkok floods.
Top three people: 1. TOYM awardee Dr. Raul Destura, who invented a devise to detect dengue in 45 minutes that costs only P70 per test; 2. Paris Hilton, who opened her store in SM Megamall; 3. Moammar Gadhafi, who called his people rats, but was caught like one inside a sewer pipe— Johnlu Koa, The French Baker and ChaTime
Top three events: 1. How the “Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition” made the Philippines become fitness cons. 2. The rise in popularity of TRX, rip cord and kettle bell workouts. 3. The fourminute meta workout, a fitness workout that burns up to 600 calories in one hour.
Top three people: 1. The “Biggest Loser” contestants for showing the Pinoys that it’s possible to go from fat to fit. 2. Lauren Dyogi, a humble, unassuming but powerful jedi master. 3. Chris Tiu for being a down-to-earth model student, national athlete, entrepreneur and celebrity.
—Coach Jim Saret, head of Elite Sports Performance Training and Fitness at the Philippine Olympic Committee and fitness trainer of the hit TV series, “Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition”
The top three events: 1. Opening two new branches of Movement Dance Studio, in QC (Beyond Yoga) and in Podium Ortigas (Kidsville Play & Party Center). 2. I added a new feather in my cap—got certified to be an Aerial Silk and Hoops instructor. 3. This is the best year for me since it is the Year of the Rabbit. I had a wonderful vacation in Singapore with my (Ilao) family, our first time to be complete, and most especially my unforgettable second honeymoon in Malaysia with my husband, Rafa.
Top three people: 1. Kylie Minogue, for having the greatest concert this year. 2. Pitbull, it’s the most fun concert this year and he’s one of the sexiest dancers I’ve seen. 3. I also feel blessed with people and friends that I developed stronger bonds with. This person is very beautiful inside and out, smart, and most of all has a very big heart—my wonderful friend, Cristalle Belo Henares.—Lala Ilao Dinglasan, owner/instructor, Movement Dance Studio
“Three things, hmm… control alt delete?”— Aimee Marcos, musician
“The death of Steve Jobs, the wedding of Kate and William, and the earthquake in Japan.”— Sonja Ocampo, owner, Cupcakes by Sonja
“1. The Arab Spring; 2. The end of NASA manned space program; 3. The Whitest Boy Alive concert in Manila.”—Chris Yambing, glove maker
Top three: Beatrice’s royal wedding hat, Spam Hot and Spicy (which got me through overtime) and the long line of people sleeping outside of H&M for the Versace collection. People would be Steve Jobs, Jenni Epperson (and her book!) and MVP on a buying spree!”— Divine Lee, entrepreneur, model, host
Top three events: 1. The opening of Opus Restaurant + Lounge & Draft Gastropub. It redefined the art of dining and nightlife in the Philippines. 2. Japan tsunami/earthquake. It reminded us of man’s mortality regardless of race, religion, and world status and how we should live every day like its the last. Live Life Love. 3. Osama Bin Laden’s death. Karma’s a bitch, and shes gonna get her way one way or another.
Top three people: 1. P-Noy. No matter what people say, he’s made more positive strides for this country this year than any president in recent years. I hope he makes bigger ones, though, in the coming year and doesn’t end up like the others. 2. Steve Jobs. His life and death and works left an indelible mark in this world. His achievements will be his legacy, and will be felt for generations to come. 3. Justin Bieber. How can you forget him? Every kid and girl was annoyingly singing like him and trying to copy his hair—and becayse he taught me that in life, “Never say never!!”—Stephen Ku, CEO/creative director, Eventscape Manila
