Festive moments, grateful hearts

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January 14, 2026 | 12:00am

Holiday celebrations bring out the best in everyone. Reunions, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays feel even more special amid cooler weather and the festive spirit. It is a season of giving, gratitude and reflection, when resolutions to live better and do more are renewed. Above all, thankfulness for past blessings and good health tops everyone’s wish list for 2026.

DONNIE TANTOCO: “Am especially grateful for the good overall health of my now 80-year-old parents Rico and Nena. Their healthy presence continues to inspire and enlighten me. I also appreciate how they are able to influence my children and my grandchildren.
“I look forward to whatever new growth experiences and challenges lie ahead for us. I believe it can be good if we approach 2026 with the most God-centric version of ourselves.”

MONETTE GUEVARRA: “I pray to have our family’s healthy whole being and for God to heal our land. My goal is to show kindness and help those in need.”

KIMI COJUANGCO: “I am grateful for my two granddaughters Filipa Banson and Noa Abraham; and thrilled to find out I have another one on the way! For 2026, I pray my husband’s lifelong mission bears fruit… (secret mission).”

SISTERHOOD: A night of gratitude, music, laughter and also tears, as Sisterhood held their usual Christmas dinner hosted by Eddie and Merl Pineda but sadly without Susan Joven who passed away unexpectedly. The group missed the presence of Kim Camacho, Tetta Agustin and Agnes Huibonhoa, but happy to have Aliki Pappas as their guest.

ALICE EDUARDO: “In 2025, I was grateful for good health, purposeful work, and the people beside me —family, team, and communities served. Creating jobs and seeing our impact reaffirmed that success is measured by service. In 2026, I look forward to expanding opportunities, nurturing future leaders, strengthening sustainability, and turning faith-led vision into action that uplifts lives.”

ANYA KATIGBAK CAJUCOM is grateful for a once-in-a-lifetime HSBC milestone, supporting her son’s football dream at La Masia, surviving the Big C, and unwavering family love. She looks forward to a full recovery, new beginnings, personal growth, more family time, and prioritizing her health.

VICKY AND JOE ZUBIRI: Grateful for the warmth and love of family, for the gift of laughter, of dance and songs, and all the special moments which are priceless as they look forward to the upcoming weddings of their grandchildren.

CHILDHOOD AMIGAS: A friendship inherited from their mothers and continued by these close family friends who are each other’s god-sisters. They make it a point to reunite regularly, especially when those who live abroad are in town.

MAUREEN DISINI TEICHERT: “Catching up with my brother Michael is always something I look forward to. Since he lives in the US, it’s always a treat to get together. Let the Lord’s light shine through you and be a light in someone’s life today.”

MARIBEL QUIMSON: Grateful for her husband Baby John celebrating his 70th birthday with a Safari adventure and looking forward to year of renewed strength and energy to love and live to the fullest.

BETH DIZON HOBAN: Honolulu-based and a well-known Good Samaritan in her community, Beth smiled as she shared, “My wish is simple — good health, peace of mind, and just enough energy to keep serving our community and the world through Rotary, preferably with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.”

MILA LICHAUCO BRANDNER: “Our goal is to stay healthy and continue as a happy and prosperous family.”

CARMEN AFRICA: “All our family members are in good health — thus we are able to enjoy our once-a-yearend holiday with everyone. We look forward to more peace, love and happiness, not only for our family but for everyone.”

EVA GULAS: The prominent Cebuana brought the colorful Sinulog dancers to Manila as a preview for Cebu’s Pit Senyor festival — a day of dance, devotion and celebration — on Jan. 18 in Cebu.

VIRMA POTENCIANO DE DIOS: 2025 was marked by gratitude: celebrating her father Dr. Victor Potenciano’s 100th birthday with the inauguration of UP Medicine’s Thesis Hall in his honor, and a university tribute for her mother, maestra Irma Potenciano. The year also saw Virma and husband Bonnie celebrate their golden wedding anniversary with family and friends.

MUSEO PAMBATA: The museum held its annual Christmas gift- giving event for 1,000 underprivileged children with a free museum tour, festive food treats and an enjoyable Philippine cultural performance.