Who is your person of the year 2003?

Before the year ends, it is good to remember the people who have made a difference in other people’s lives – the people who have made this world a better place to live in. They are the ones who have given up so much of themselves for others. During these hard times it is so much easier to be selfish and think of only of our small needs.

I asked a few celebrities whom they consider their person of the year for 2003. Read on to find out whom they chose.

HANS SY, president, SM Shopping Center Management Corp.: Washington Sycip, for his invaluable foresight and business acumen. He is evenhanded, aboveboard, upright and unprejudiced, while still remaining humane.

ANTONIO ABACAN JR. president, Metrobank: The overseas Filipino. He is the unsung hero of this nation. The Filipino worker’s sacrifices abroad benefit not only his family but also the country. Last year more than seven million workers brought in $7 billion in remittances to the country. This year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas projected that OFW remittances might reach $ 7.2 billion. Monthly OFW remittances have helped increase domestic income, consumption, and savings levels. The OFW dollar remittances this year alone provide support to our otherwise battered currency. These remittances gave the financial system a fresh source of green bucks, boosting the value of the peso vis-à-vis the dollar.

For all his sacrifices, we cannot thank the OFW enough. The overseas Filipino worker is truly a national treasure.

GINA LOPEZ, managing director, ABS-CBN Foundation: My person of the year is Corazon Aquino. Living by example, she continues to use her stature to try to bring positive changes.

I feel her genuineness. During Ninoy’s birthday, she awarded deserving institutions in an effort to bring on a more positive mental climate in the country.

Living in integrity, she strives to bring changes to the world around her. These are the values I believe in.

IRENE MARTEL FRANCISCO, publisher, Philippine Tatler: My person of the year would be my husband Randy. We live in uncertain times so the one who brings peace, love and harmony to my world is tops! I am a better person because of him. He lets me grow and supports me. I am always intrigued by his mind and I love our conversation. He is a very principled man.

QUEZON CITY VICE MAYOR HERBERT BAUTISTA: Chief Justice Hilario Davide. For his willingness to submit himself to the constitutional process of impeachment.

JESSICA SOHO, TV host, Jessica Soho Reports: Saddam Hussein because he was finally arrested. Bush for bringing the world into another war.

JOEY CONCEPCION, president, RFM: Person of the year? Off hand, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. For her hardwork and perseverance in seeing this country move forward.

ATE GLOW, comedian: My father Lt. Francisco Facunla because he has accepted me for what I and who I am.