To say that 2021 has been a rollercoaster would have been apt.

This year has been unpredictable in many ways, most of which has been brought about by the overextending Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic lulls us into believing that things are getting better and it is high time to lift the restrictions and open the borders with minimal health protocols, then boom! the pandemic mocks us openly, wags one of its many spiky fingers at us, and hits us with another variant. Then we watch our carefully curated plans evaporate and we are left with our beds and Netflix.

Aside from Covi-19 pandemic that has stopped the world on its tracks for almost two years, the Philippines has been ravaged by typhoons, the fiercest of which is Typhoon Odette that caused devastation in Visayas and Mindanao a few days before Christmas. I am thankful that my family in Iloilo was spared by its rage (parts of Iloilo lost electricity for one day), but seeing photos of the losses at its wake is heartbreaking. A lot of the provinces in Odette’s path are still lacking electricity, clean water, and food but the smiles and the positive outlook are still present. Also seeing the bayanihanspirit alive and kicking in the Filipinos’ hearts is hopeful and inspiring.

We are all undergoing staggering dilemmas, emotional and mental turmoil and the feeling of inadequacy in more than one situation. However, this ride of life does not halt for one second. We have to keep ourselves together to be strong for our own benefit, for our loved ones, our colleagues, and for those who shine their light on us and for those who are in the shadows and whose lives will be better with our light.

Let us keep in mind that the true meaning of Christmas is not the gifts we receive or the food that we have on our table, Christmas is the season for sharing, caring, and loving. Let us share our blessings, care for our neighbors, and show our love for them. There are many foundations that help many different causes. Some are even online to make the donation process easy for us. Even TR can do it, and she did do it. Let us to our share to make someone else’s Christmas brighter today.

Malipayon nga Paskwa sa aton nga tanan. Halong guid pirmi.