There are many events in the past and present that made an impact in my life. But it’s the future that I very eagerly look forward to. It’s because I am confident with our present leaders, and believe our country will be great again.
On a personal level I want to witness the future because I am excited to see my children’s dreams come true. If you could witness any event what would it be?
Former Senator Orly Mercado
A ceremony to mark the completion of urban renewal of Metro Manila. The last informal settler’s shanty is demolished and relocated. I then go fishing in Pasig and admire the mountains of Rizal province carpeted with a green canopy of trees. (And I am still alive and awake!)
Christian Bautista, singer, actor, host
I want to witness this country being No. 1 in Asia again.
Andrés Vázquez-Prada, co-owner, W/17 Home
If I could witness any event in our history, I would like to go back to the beginning of time and witness the first living organism come to life. Not just to see it happen, but more importantly, to understand the most fundamental questions of all time. “Where did we come from?” and “What are we doing here?” I feel if one truly knows the answers to those questions, then it will unlock all the mysteries of life. Since life is a series of related events linked together in an unbroken chain from the beginning of time, by understanding where we came from, I will also understand why humanity has done what it did in the past, continues to do today, and will probably do in the future.
PCSO chairman Margie Juico
Past: the burial of Mother Teresa. I would have wanted the privilege of being there at the ceremony signifying the end of a saint’s temporal life on earth.
Future: the maturing of democracy in the Philippines; that a person need not be honored for his rightness and righteousness because their tribe has increased; that the electorate will vote for candidates who will be good for the country and not just for their self-interest; that God’s justice will reign all over the land with its people caring and helping each other.
Mariko Jacinto, artist
Nothing can be more exciting and beautiful than the arrival of a new member, a daughter- or son-in-law, or a baby into the family. My life is unfolding and expanding perfectly (as long as it’s not physically). Although I don’t dwell in the past, I’m grateful for what I have become. Whether I’m alone or with someone, it’s utter bliss. The main event is now and the title is “My Life.”
TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva
Past: from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, I wish I could witness Martin Luther King deliver his iconic speech “I Have A Dream,” where he outlined his vision of racial harmony and civil liberty for the American people. The speech has become my inspiration through the years to dream and continue dreaming for change, for the betterment of our country and people. King said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” To this day, we strive for equal rights, we work hard to empower our citizens, especially the poor, to narrow the gap between the rich and the indigent, and it should be a dream that all Filipinos should have.
Present: for the present, I’d like to see myself spending more time with my son, Jaden. My work has taken some time away from him. I know that every passing moment in a child’s growing-up years should be cherished, there’s no turning back the hands of time. Whenever I can, I would wish seeing myself being a companion, a guide, a playmate to my son.
Future: if God would allow it, I’d like to still be alive to witness his Second Coming to hopefully be able to give the highest honor, glory and praise I could give my Master and Savior who has given me so much. Although, with all honesty, I am not sure if I could muster enough courage to even touch the hem of my Master’s clothing. But as I await for His second coming, it will always be my fervent prayer that my life be acceptable to Him as I do my best to use my talent and skills to be of service to this nation and her people.
Former DENR Secretary Jun Factoran
Without second thought, the day of liberation at EDSA, when the tanks arrived, were greeted with flowers and prayers, and it became clear that the troops were with the people, rather than with Marcos. I think the interplay of anger, anxiety, fear of the unknown, resignation to whatever will come, and the euphoria that followed, cannot be replicated. Those were heady days.