By Gilbert Yap Tan

I’M OFTEN described as a cerebral person, in short, a nerd. Wearing eyeglasses doesn’t improve the impression I give to others. I’m always carrying a book everywhere I go. Being a wide reader has its advantages: critical thinking, open-mindedness, a broadened view of the world. On the negative side, there’s my being cynical of things emotional and illogical. Read More »

By Boy Blue P. Abad Laurel-Filomeno

CHRISTMAS is supposed to be a joyful event because it is a celebration of the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. What makes me quiver is the story on the heartless order of King Herod to kill all the baby boys two years old and below, when the three wise men did not tell him the exact location of the newly-born Jesus. It is shocking that Joseph and Mary had to run to Egypt to hide Jesus and protect Him from harm. Read More »

By Jenalyn Lopez

A FEW more days and I’ll be home for Christmas. While I’m counting the days, I feel so excited to see my family once again. I can still remember how we spent the Christmas Eve mass together last year, thanking God for giving us guidance, for making our family whole all throughout these years. Read More »

By Hazel Suson-Alvarez

PASKO 1995 : It’s been over a decade ago but the memories are still fresh as hot pandesal and puto bumbong in the nippy December morning. And because I was single and detached, “Tayo na giliw, magsalo na tayo, meron na tayong tinapay at keso, diba Noche Buena sa gabing ito at bukas ay araw ng Pasko” didn’t necessarily apply to me then (with all due respect to Prof Felipe De Leon who wrote Noche Buena). Read More »

Nov. 27, 2008 was the day we decided to be part of the regular outreach project of Tagumpay ng Panginoon Catholic Charismatic Organization at the Nuestra Senora De Guia Ermita Church. It involved feeding of and sharing the Gospel with street people. Read More »

By Annabel Callos Choy

UNLIKE MOST FAMILIES that observe the traditional gift-giving on Christmas Day, my family seldom, if not never, gave Christmas presents to each other. This “no-giving” routine had been customary for us. That was why I was a surprised last year when my brothers told me about giving our parents a Christmas present. I immediately felt the excitement enveloping me. The thought of “giving” suddenly became exhilarating for me. Read More »

By Julie Parian

I NEVER WANTED you in my life. I wanted to die when I learned I was going to have you. How could I put up with the shame? With the failure? You would be the crest the family has to wear and bear. A stamp on my chest to forever signify I am the guava in a basket of nectarines. To have you, I would be scarred forever but I just couldn’t do away with you. I was more scared of being tagged a quitter than a soulless girl who would end up in purgatory. Read More »

By Lope D. Acilo Jr.

CHRISTMAS IS a celebration of the birth of Christ. Gift giving on this day stemmed from the night Christ was born, when the three wise men came to the manger bearing gifts. This is why we give gifts to one another on Christmas. Read More »

By Fr. Heinz Kulueke, SVD (2000)

PINASKOHAN BE,” meaning ‘Christmas gift please,’ the little skinny boy of about seven, clothed in dirty rags greeted me that evening from a distance, a few months before Christmas. Read More »