What are you looking forward to in 2010?

Counting the days and months ahead makes us feel that we have a lot of time to make changes and more time to reach for our dreams. For our country, we face more exciting times and great hope as we elect a new president who will lead our nation for the next six years. As we start a new year, let us take advantage of the hope and energy it brings us to gain more positive changes not only in our own lives but also for many others who are still searching for it.

Rep. Carissa O. Coscolluela, sectoral representative-Buhay

The year 2010 will prove to be a defining moment in our nation’s history.  This year, we will choose our future. I am looking forward to our maturity in making this choice. I believe in the Filipino. I know that we are an intelligent people capable of sifting through the clutter and din of today’s political noise, who will not be fooled by gimmickry, showmanship, contrived roles, false claims, and misplaced sentimentality. I have faith that we can rise to the challenge of choosing a leader who will be truly good for this country — a leader who can cause real and lasting change not because he claims to be able to do so, or because people imagine he can do so, but because he possesses the proven competence, capability, integrity, and compassion for all Filipinos, as well as the determination to overcome any obstacle in order to uplift the lives of our people.  With such a person as the champion of the Filipino people, not just walking in front of us as our leader, but rallying behind us to move us forward, then I know that we will all look forward to a Philippines where people can live with dignity and pride today and with tremendous hope for the future.

Arlene Muhlach, actress

I look forward to more work this year! Continued health in the family and getting our Spanish citizenship!

Happy David, designer

1. Seeing friends and family again who will be coming home for all the major celebrations this year — friends’ weddings and my Tita Garnet’s 60th birthday; 2. Sade’s “Soldier of Love,” 10 years since their last album!; 3. Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp; 4. A trip to Mexico; 5. A brighter, vibrant and smarter economy; 6. The elections, which will hopefully be peaceful and successful; 7. And justice for Alexis Tioseco and Nika Bohinc.

Anna Carpo Castro, administrative assistant Department of Justice, Law & Society, American University

It’s funny how the saying goes, “The most important things in life are not things and yet simple things in life make all the difference in the world!” The true meaning of love, forgiveness and acceptance, good health, and second chances. And being able to say “thank you” and “ I love you” and really, really meaning it ! So, a big thank you to all the loves of my life.

Cat Juan, writer, teacher

Having just been freed from the evil clutches of a master’s degree, I’m now looking forward to writing, creating, and spending more time with the people I love.

Barbie Pardo Tiangco, interior and furniture designer

Change is really in the air in 2010. I’m a first-time mom-to-be this year so I’m quite anxious and excited about that. I also have a couple of interesting interior design projects up my sleeve and, of course, my husband John is running unopposed for the Navotas City mayorship. It’s his first time in public office and he’s quite enthusiastic about making a significant difference.

Gina Tabuena Godinez

I’m looking forward to new and exciting ideas and concepts for TV, movies, stage and music! And to see them actually get produced, completed and released. Also an improvement in business in all areas and more quality time with my family.

Berry Tenchavez, fashion designer/entrepreneur

In spite of the many unfortunate events that happened in our country, 2009 has been a year of blessing for my personal growth and business. In 2010, I pray that God will bless all my plans. On Jan. 16, I’m organizing a SuperSale Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent featuring up-and-coming local designers, proceeds of which will be donated to ICanServe Foundation. This summer, I will go to New York City to further enhance my knowledge in fashion design and merchandising. I plan to expand my clothing line, BeCe Manila, in the different parts of the country and abroad.

Ramona Atilano, businesswoman

I expect only the best in 2010 because it’s a new year, a new decade, and a time for new beginnings. I’m going to work harder this year and reward myself when I deserve it, spend more time with the people I love and let them know how much they mean to me, give smiles and compliments more often, and have God as the first and most important thing in my life and let Him guide the way!  It’s time to start enjoying life and stop worrying about the past or the things that are out of my control. Life is precious and we should all take the time to really appreciate it and enjoy it.

Miguel Fabie, freelance cinematographer and photographer

I’m looking forward the best for everybody, like ‘em or not. ‘Tis up to Him to give us what we need and not necessarily what we want.

Kitchie Benedicto Paulino, TV producer/director, CEO of KB Entertainment Unlimited Inc.

First and foremost, I see 2010 as the year that will bring my mother back to good health. It is also the year when I can accomplish a lot of my dreams, and one of them is to complete our Sound Stage & Office Bldg. in Cainta, along Marcos Highway. And I am looking forward to the 2010 national elections, as it is always exciting to know who your country’s leaders will be. I pray that be peace be where there is unrest, and hope that all the people of the world become friends and join hands, just as the great MJ’s song says, and “Make this world a better place for you and for me.”

Joey Reyes, director

A far better year than the one that just passed: a year of radical changes, hopefully for the good of the country and not merely for certain powerful individuals and interest groups. I am very positive about 2010 — hoping that reason rather than mob thinking would prevail — and that the Filipino will finally learn the importance of foresight as well as reason and not merely be addicted to fairy tale endings and cheap romanticism.

Tina Montinola Gonzalez, senior manager, Smart Communications

I’m looking forward to the new year because it’s the start of newfound hope and happiness — for our country’s political and economic state to be given new life. And for my own journey to start a family with my husband. We would like to give our little girl a sibling this year. I’m also looking forward to starting a healthier lifestyle: more exercise, cutting down on desserts and soda, and sleeping earlier. Lastly, I’d like to deepen my relationship with the Lord, to spend more time reading the word and in prayer.