What Christmas gift would you choose and for whom?

I love Christmas. It is the time of the year when we make more time to be with our family and loved ones. On Christmas Day my family gets together to attend midnight Mass and for the traditional noche buena after that.

And, after a good meal, we gather around the Christmas tree and distribute the gifts to every member of the family. I would be lying if I say that I don’t get excited about receiving gifts at Christmas. But I really find much more joy when I see the smile on the faces of the members of my family as they open the gifts I so carefully wrapped for each one of them.

Eliza Drilon-Luna, PR assistant, Stores Specialists Inc.

I would give it to my dad, Frank, a vacation trip with the whole family because he deserves a break from his political career, and that’s when I see him happiest.

Andrew Ferraris, performing artist

The first thing on my mind was that I would give the gift of travel or vacation to any country abroad to my mother. My mother passed away almost three years ago and my biggest frustration is that I was not able to do that because of her health problems. I was not able to do it when she was stronger because I wasn’t earning that much then, but when I already was, it was too late.

Katrina A. Holigores, editor in chief, Metro magazine

If I could give absolutely anything, I would love to give my mom the house that she grew up in. After my grandmother died it was sold since the upkeep and maintenance for it would have just been impractical. We all had a very strong attachment to that house because of all of the wonderful parties and get-togethers we had as a family. Selling it was pretty much the same as giving up a very cherished part of our childhood, which I can imagine was even worse for my mom and her siblings when the decision to let it go was made. I would buy the house back, restore it into a museum or a boutique hotel so it would create new memories for all those who pass through its halls and my mom can visit it and spend time there whenever she wanted.

Beth Nievera, businesswoman

I want to give a gift to Mother Earth who has been neglected for so long and I feel her pleas and cries through the depth of my soul. My gift will be to continue to be a conscious human being by working on my inner self. I believe this will send ripples and resonate to the consciousness of others. Change from within will change the condition of humanity, which will in turn save Mother Earth from her inevitable demise.

Carmela Gana, businesswoman

I would give Pacman English classes for a year, but keep his accent so he would still be adorable.

Rhiza Pascua, owner, Music Management International

Every year is different. This year seems to be more meaningful as it relates to the recent catastrophic events that happened in Manila. Although my company is based in the US, most of my events happen in Manila. This is why it was extremely difficult for me to witness the aftermath of Ondoy and Pepeng. Obviously I was worried about how the recent tragedies would affect my business but then I saw the photos and the news coverage. I realized there were more important things in life. I saw this opportunity to organize a fundraising event and gather as many artists as I could so that we could help raise funds for the victims. The event was a huge success and I am so proud to have been a part of it. Even though the event is over, I feel the need to continue helping, which brings me to my Christmas gift. I would like to donate more food, clothing and medicine to all the victims. Aside from this, I want to encourage all my friends to do the same. Let’s all make this Christmas extra special and give our best to our fellow Filipinos in need.

David Nugent, businessman

If I could give anything at all this Christmas, I would hope to give the same opportunities I have been so blessed with to those less fortunate but, to my mind, much more deserving. If I were Santa, I’d want to give love, prosperity, hope and the belief that anyone’s dreams are possible.