FORWARD TO THE FUTURE
with the elections coming in 2022, we will have another opportunity to choose not only the leaders of our country, but also shape our future. We need to choose leaders that will reinvigorate a nation that has lost so much over the pandemic, put an end to systemic corruption, and alleviate people from poverty. We need leaders who will lift us up after falling so low.
Let us use the past to open our eyes and minds and see beyond personalities, money, and personal agendas. We need people who will inspire us and set an example for future generations and make us proud to be Filipinos. It is time for us to think of the best people who can effect real change for our country as a whole.
Lifestyle Asia’s December-january issue is special because we put a spotlight on people. We have selected 21 individuals who not only made us proud with their accomplishments, but also inspires us and gives us hope for a better future.
This year, our lives continued to be shaped by the New Normal. In some ways, a lot of us came out of this difficult period of our history with a different perspective. Many became more empathetic, generous, and loving. We value those around us more, and, because of this, helped us live life with more meaning.
Each of our 21 individuals are a portrait of passion and vision of what we could be as a people.
Maria Ressa, Michael Cinco, Heart Evangelista, Bretman Rock, Bella Poarch, John Arcilla, and Ronald Ventura have won acclaim around the world, raising our flag for all to see. Alex Eala, EJ Obiena, and our first Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz have reigned supreme in their respective sports.
Government officials and public servants such as Vice President Leni Robredo, Secretary Berna Romulo-puyat, Atty. Chel Diokno, and Mayor Isko Moreno led with conviction, doing work that directly impacted our society.
Laudable Filipinos who passed away this year, Raymund Isaac and Amb. Benny Tantoco, have a made mark in the industries they helped shape. Meanwhile, Alice Eduardo, Em Aglipay-villar, Patricia Non, Carlo Katigbak, and Enrique Razon fought for what is right, unselfishly working hard to better the lives of others.
Our cover personality is Juana Manahan-yupangco, a stunning person who remains true to herself. This inspiring woman of today always shares her knowledge, time, and blessings to those in need to help them find healing.
She has rigorously built and continuous to build her non-profit organization Mesa ni Misis, which promotes a plant-based diet for Filipino families. She took this passion and vision to heart, and helped a lot of families during the pandemic.
I hope that our 21 chosen individuals of 2021 as well as our cover personality will inspire all of us to live a more purposedriven, meaningful life.
As we get closer to the elections, let’s help each other make better choices. Let us all make a stand—not because only we will benefit from it but the whole country too. We must take this decision to heart and vote selflessly for the betterment of everyone.
“It is time for us to think of the best people who can effect real change for our country as a whole”