A MOVIE WITH DEPTH

ReniMV Valenzuela

During his execution by garrote, Father Jose Burgos, as he was being strangled with an iron collar around his neck, raised his tied hands in great pressure, showing resistance (still) to injustice, oppression and ruthlessness until his last breath.  It was a gripping scene. 

Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora (Gomburza), though defiant of the colonizing Spanish government, were innocent of orchestrating the Cavite mutiny of 1872, of which they were accused and found guilty (by fabrication).  "Even Christ was innocent," mocked his executioner, while Father Burgos sat in a garrote chair. Cruel. 

Now I know why Gomburza garnered the most awards, including the 2nd best picture in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival. To me what makes the movie great and what sets it apart from the others is that it will bore you in the first half, but it will make you cry in the end and revolt inside, realizing that our contemporary times are no different. 

At first I wondered why the majority of the scenes had to be dark or taken during night time. It was only upon watching the movie (last night) - until the end that I got to know why. And it was for the same reason perhaps that Jose Rizal dedicated his novel, El Filibusterismo, to the three martyred friars. Best Actor Cedric Juan was so natural (near perfect in acting) in his portrayal of Father Burgos. 

Gomburza is a movie with depth. Watching it is like dissecting a poetry, with depths of meaning you will never know until you finish watching it. It's boring segments, I realized in the end, are part and parcel of the movie plot's profundity and directorial job's brilliance. 

There were several themes that I saw in the movie from which the viewers can learn and be challenged to be better human beings and better Filipinos - e.g., betrayal, brutality, dictatorship, deception, selfishness, injustice, dirty politics, religious hypocrisy, cowardice, heroism, sacrifice, gallantry, selflessness, martyrdom, patriotism, fortitude, love of country, piety, hope, faith in God.

Father Burgos cannot be more correct and direct when he said, "Despite the darkness, nobody can snuff out the embers of light." 

The clap of the people before they left the theater was well-deserved. I didn't join the clapping, though, because I was already clapping and applauding inside (teary eyed) ahead of them.

Viva Los Filipinos! 

P.S.

Except for the needless P.I. cursing in some scenes, I could have rated the movie 11.

Rizal’s life in exile

How Dr. José Rizal spent his days in Dapitan City

BY POCH EULALIA

Dec 30, 2023 10:23 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• I rise early in the morning, at five, visit my plants, feed the chickens, awaken my people, and prepare our breakfast. At half past seven, we eat our breakfast, which consists of tea, bread, cheese, sweets, and other things. — Dr. José Rizal

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EXILED TO ISOLATION Hoping to silence Rizal, the Spanish Government had Rizal exiled to the isolated City of Dapitan in 1892

In fear of Dr. José Rizal’s growing influence among the people due to his calls for social reform, the Spanish colonial government hoped to extinguish Rizal’s reach by sending him off to the City of Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao. He arrived via boat on July 17, 1892. Ever the optimist, rather than lamenting his newfound fate, Rizal put his time in exile to good use by helping improve the isolated city.

Using his share of winnings from a lottery ticket, Rizal bought a plot of land in Talisay, a seaside barangay in Dapitan. There, he lived a simple life, using his time to tend to his farm, treat his patients, teach children, read, and write. He detailed how his morning starts in a letter to his dear friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt, “I rise early in the morning, at five, visit my plants, feed the chickens, awaken my people, and prepare our breakfast. At half past seven, we eat our breakfast, which consists of tea, bread, cheese, sweets, and other things.”

MI CASA, SU CASA Although now only a replica of Casa Redonda, this octagonal hut served as Rizal’s clinic for treating patients and a dormitory for his young pupils

As relaxing as his letter made it out to be, Rizal was a busy man, always on the move to try and improve things for Dapitan. Hoping to pass on his extensive knowledge, Rizal started a school to provide basic education to young children. As most of his students came from further provinces, he took them in as boarders and let them stay in two dormitories on his farmland—Casa Redonda and Casa Cuadrada. In exchange for their schooling, the students assisted Rizal in his chores and farming. 

SHARER OF KNOWLEDGE Rizal’s tools in teaching, a table and blackboard, were used in his makeshift school in Dapitan

Curious as ever, Rizal spent a lot of his time exploring the nature of Dapitan. Collecting various seashells and butterflies, he amassed a wide collection of wildlife during his stay. This curiosity led him to discover four new species—a tree frog, a flying lizard, and two beetles. Using some knowledge of engineering, Rizal also managed to create an irrigation system to bring water from surrounding springs and rivers to the farmlands. 

HIS FINAL LOVE Josephine Bracken, an Irish national, won the heart of Rizal and went on to be his wife

Dapitan also served as a place where Rizal found true love. It was here that he met Josephine Bracken, an Irish woman born in Hong Kong. Their paths crossed due to many speaking highly of Rizal’s skills as an ophthalmologist in Hong Kong. Hoping to have George Taufer, her adoptive father, undergo treatment for his double cataracts, they headed for Dapitan. While Rizal realized there was nothing he could do for Taufer, he found that he had fallen for Bracken. The two were said to spend their days sitting with a view of the sea on a heart-shaped rock, referred to as Mi Retiro Rock, after the series of poems Rizal supposedly wrote on the rock. After only a few months, Rizal hoped to make it official by marrying Bracken.

ROCK HARD LOVE Bracken and Rizal supposedly shared many romantic moments on the heart-shaped rock referred to as Mi Retiro Rock

Unfortunately, with Rizal being excommunicated from the Catholic Church for joining the Masons, he was unable to marry Bracken in a traditional sense. Instead, they would exchange their vows in a common-law marriage. It’s later claimed that the two would get a proper marriage before his execution, but much of its validity is still debated among historians. Perhaps the most tragic part of their romance is the death of Rizal and Bracken’s would-be son after a premature birth. 

Rizal’s four years in Dapitan would come to an end after the hero hoped to embark on a journey to Cuba to serve as a voluntary military doctor in Cuba. Sadly, he would never make it to Cuba after the Spanish government had him arrested mid-travel and sent back home for sentencing. His properties in Dapitan were confiscated by the government. 

Today, Rizal’s life lives on as we dedicate Dec. 30, the date of his execution at Bagumbayan, to commemorate his lifelong achievements.

On this special day, may we learn to live by his example, serving as a man for others and always hoping to improve the lives of our countrymen. 

Filipinos as default basketball and volleyball fans: 2023 in record crowd

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Philippine sport saw fans come in droves whether it was in Metro Manila or outside of it to shatter record attendance in the country’s historic and busy sports year.

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Basketball and volleyball never lacked support from Filipinos in 2023.

Basketball and volleyball tournaments set record attendance in 2023. 

Year 2024 should only continue to get more of it. 

Philippine sports saw fans come in droves whether it was in Metro Manila or outside of it to shatter record attendance in the country’s historic and busy year. 

It started off strong as PBA fans greeted the new year braving traffic and the long drive to witness the Game 7 finals showdown between the Ginebra Kings and the foreign guest team Bay Area Dragons in the Commissioner’s Cup on Jan. 15. 

The game drew a PBA all-time attendance of 54,589 fans inside the Philippine Arena with Ginebra emerging triumphant over Bay Area to clinch its 15th franchise title, keeping the trophy on local shores. 

The Tim Cone-coached Kings shattered the six-year-old record 54,086 it previously shared with the Meralco Bolts in the largest indoor arena during their Game 7 duel in the 2017 Governors’ Cup. 

When the FIBA World Cup rolled all the way to August, Filipino basketball loyalists also did not disappoint and showed up for the Gilas Pilipinas and filled the same venue. 

Tournament co-host Philippines set the record for most attended FIBA game with 38,115-strong crowd as the Nationals kicked off the quadrennial meet in historic fashion against the visiting Dominican Republic. 

Although the Karl-Anthony Towns-led Dominicans overcame the basketball-crazed Pinoys, 87-81, it proved the undying love of the country for the game and its national team which was spearheaded by another NBA star in Jordan Clarkson. 

A huge chunk of the FIBA local organizing committee’s preparations was directed towards setting the said record among other things, the attendance eventually reached 700,665 during the course of the tournament which was simultaneously held at the Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Ultimately, the Philippines broke a 29-year record held by Team USA and Russia in the 1994 title contention. 

Before the year ended, basketball scored another one, this time from the collegiate scene. 

De La Salle ended its seven-year title drought against University of the Philippines in their historic UAAP Season 86 championship battle before the massive 25,192 new tournament crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Dec. 6. 

In a closely-contested Game 3 affair, the Green Archers turned back the Fighting Maroons with a hard-fought 73-69 win that saw MVP Kevin Quiambao explode with 24 points to make their 10th title dream come true.  

Both squads definitely saved the best for last as their series-tying games both ended in decisive wins before the decider. 

La Salle and UP’s first-ever finals showdown in league history edged out the 25,138 record then shared between National University Bulldogs and Far Eastern University Tamaraws in Season 77. 

More than a week shy of Christmas, Creamline and Choco Mucho took their sister act to the finale of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference. 

The screaming colors of pink and purple erupted for a new PVL gate attendance 24,459 in Cubao, Quezon, City as the Cool Smashers held off finals debutants Flying Titans in Game 2 of the season-ending conference to claim their seventh overall franchise title on Dec. 16. 

The mammoth crowd, though, was expected as both squads have respective legion of fans who would flock the venues even on regular games. 

Creamline ultimately went all the way through its third All-Filipino title undefeated as volleyball received its fair share of local support this year.

PH to China: Respect, sincerity are key to sea row dialogue

By: Frances Mangosing - Reporter / @FMangosingINQPhilippine Daily Inquirer 

The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Sindangan isblocked by a China Coast Guard vessel during a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in October. china sea row dialogue

HARASSMENT The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Sindangan is blocked by a China Coast Guard vessel during a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in October. —GERALDFORD TICKE

China should first stop its hostile actions at sea before it enters into a dialogue with the Philippines, an official of the National Security Council (NSC) said on Tuesday, amid worsening tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The territorial disputes between the two countries have grown more tense this year as Beijing seeks to assert its maritime dominance in the South China Sea.

“Dialogues can only succeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations. The Philippines is ready to reciprocate provided that the bullying, harassment, and aggressive actions are ended immediately,” NSC spokesperson and Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a statement.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday said China was open to a dialogue, stressing her government was ready to work with the Philippines to handle maritime issues through negotiation and consultation.

But Mao, at the same time, asserted Beijing’s claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including those within the 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.

“China will not weaken in its resolve to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” she said.

“For months, the Philippines has been making provocations on Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) and other issues and drawing forces outside the region into those issues. China is compelled under those circumstances to take necessary measures to firmly respond to it,” she said.

Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf, one of the country’s nine occupied features in the Kalayaan Island Group, or the Spratlys. Chinese ships have been harassing resupply vessels to BRP Sierra Madre, the grounded warship that serves as a Philippine military outpost in Ayungin.

“We welcome China’s offer of dialogue, negotiation, and consultation but for it to prosper, China must immediately stop its bullying, aggressive actions, and illegal moves in the West Philippine Sea which seriously undermine… regional peace and security,” Malaya said.

A 2016 arbitral ruling voided China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing has refused to recognize the decision.

Root of tensions

According to Malaya, China is “the only country that believes its own propaganda” and no single nation has expressed support for its so-called 10-dash line that supposedly defines China’s territory.

The boundaries set by China overlap into the exclusive economic zones of rival claimants like the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

“The root of all these tensions is its non-adherence to international law, Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. As the world has seen, it is not the Philippines that has been engaged in provocations, bullying and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea,” Malaya said.

“It is not the Philippines that has been doing laser pointing, water cannoning, dangerous maneuvers, blocking, swarming, etc. In fact, the Philippines has been very restrained and responsible but the same cannot be said of China,” he said.

Chinese activities against Philippine vessels, harassment of fishermen and other activities “that infringe… upon the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea are clear violations of international law,” he added.

Last week, the top diplomats of the Philippines and China spoke by telephone where they discussed the territorial disputes.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, “noted the importance of dialogue” in addressing the issues of concern.

Wang earlier accused the Philippines of “constantly provoking trouble at sea and undermining China’s legitimate and lawful rights.”

Domestic law

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar, meanwhile, said Beijing was the one “committing all the violations” at sea, in response to accusations by China’s state-controlled newspaper, the People’s Daily, that the Philippines was stirring tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Philippines relies on the support of external forces, ignores China’s goodwill and restraint, and repeatedly provokes China’s principles and bottom line,” said the commentary.

But Aguilar, at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program by state-run People’s Television, said: “The Philippines is not provoking conflict. We follow international law and we are only implementing our domestic law, meaning the limits of our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone where we have sovereign rights.”

He accused China of starting hostile actions that sometimes risk collisions at sea.

The Philippines, Aguilar said, is boosting its alliances and has the support of other nations because its claims are backed by international law, including Unclos. —WITH A REPORT FROM REUTERS

Kim Chiu flaunts bikini body following split from Xian Lim

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com m Chiu via Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya host-actress Kim Chiu appears to be enjoying the single life just mere days after confirming she and longtime boyfriend Xian Lim called it quits.

Kim is celebrating the Christmas holidays with her family in Balesin Island, with her sister Lakam sharing some snippets of their vacation.

The host-actress too posted on her own Instagram account family photos, following them up with sizzling images of herself in the beach. 

"Opacarophile," Kim wrote in the caption, which means one who loves sunsets. "Grateful for small things, big things and everything in between!" she added with the hashtag #Chiurista.

Another photo set had Kim in a patterned bikini ensemble under a denim bottom as she posed by lanterns at dusk.

"3 C's in life. Choice. Chance. Change. Up to you what comes first," Kim wrote for that post's caption alongside emojis of the crescent moon, stars, and a white heart.

Sandwiched between the bikini posts was a photo set of Kim in a white outfit that had a photo of singer Mariah Carey and her iconic holiday song "All I Want For Christmas Is You," though Kim hilariously blurred out the last word so it could read "Chiu" instead.

Kim and Xian confirmed their breakup two days before Christmas, ending a relationship that lasted 12 years.

"We shared more than a decade of love, each other's support system, and many beautiful memories," Kim said at the time. "As we close this chapter, I ask for everyone's kindness and respect. I hope this clears everything as we all move forward with our lives."

SMC waives toll fees on New Year’s Eve

Motorists advised to plan for peak holiday traffic

BY MB DRIVE

Dec 29, 2023 09:43 AM

  

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San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced it will again waive toll fees at all its expressways on the eve of New Year’s Day, an annual tradition the company’s infrastructure unit fulfills in the spirit of the holidays, and to show its appreciation for motorists’ continued patronage.

SMC Infrastructure said it will waive toll fees at the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), on December 31, 10:00 PM to January 1, 2024, 6:00 AM.

“This annual tradition is our way of showing the Christmas spirit, especially for those who for some reason will have to travel late and try to get home to their loved ones. Through this, we hope to help spread the Filipino Christmas spirit, and also wish our countrymen well at the start of the new year,” the company said in a statement.

The company is also advising motorists heading in and out of Metro Manila to expect heavy traffic at all expressways as holiday traffic volume is expected to peak during the weekend.

It encouraged motorists to allot additional travel time especially if they are headed to transport hubs such as airports, sea ports, and bus terminals for their scheduled trips.

“We appeal to our motorists for patience with the anticipated heavy traffic around Metro Manila, and its impact to their scheduled flights or trips. We advise them to plan their trips ahead and allot more time for travel to make sure they come on time for their trips or flights,” the company said in a statement. 

Misleading advisory

The company also sought to provide clarity on the recent advisory from Philippine Airlines that urged air passengers to arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport three to four hours early due to a new toll booth setup at NAIAX Skyway exits.

“While we appreciate PAL's concern for passengers, we need to make sure that our stakeholders are getting accurate information to avoid confusion. There have been no recent modifications to the toll booth setups or operations at both NAIAX and Skyway toll plazas,” the company said.

The company reminds travelers, especially those catching their flights, to allow extra travel time due to the expected increase in traffic on the expressways.

It has deployed enough traffic management personnel to help keep vehicle traffic moving at exit plazas, in coordination with local police and traffic management offices of local government units.

All construction and improvement works at expressways have also been suspended to further help keep traffic flowing. 

The toll operator also reminded motorists to ensure they have enough load on their RFID accounts, and to keep their Autosweep RFID cards in their vehicles. These may be scanned in advance by ambulant tellers who are deployed to speed up exiting vehicles at toll plazas.

For motorists who have yet to get Autosweep RFID tags, the company encourages them to get their free Autosweep RFID stickers at any Autosweep customer service centers and Autosweep kiosks along South Luzon Expressway, Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, STAR tollway, and TPLEX.

GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs’ ‘Firefly’ is Metro Manila Film Festival’s Best Picture

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Lights shone undoubtedly bright for ‘Firefly’ at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal last Dec. 27, as the film took home three major awards among 15 nominations, including this year’s Best Picture nod.

It indeed pays to be brave.

Lights shone undoubtedly bright for ‘Firefly’ at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal last Dec. 27, as the film took home three major awards among 15 nominations, including this year’s Best Picture nod.

Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, Firefly likewise bested nine other entries in two more categories: Best Screenplay, which was won by GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP and Firefly creator Angeli Atienza, and Best Child Performer, which was conferred to GMA Sparkle child star Euwenn Mikaell.

It follows the story of Tonton (Euwenn), a young boy on a journey to find the mystical island of fireflies from his mother’s bedtime stories. Together with the companions he meets along the way, they set out on a quest of their dreams in search of the fireflies.

The film is also top-billed by award-winning actress Alessandra de Rossi, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Elay – Tonton’s mother in the film. Earning Best Supporting Actor nominations as well were Dingdong Dantes (who played the young Tonton) and Epy Quizon. Ysabel Ortega, Miguel Tanfelix, Cherry Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, Kokoy de Santos, and Max Collins complete the ensemble.

Senior Vice President for GMA Pictures and First Vice President for GMA Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon shares her pride for Firefly’s recent MMFF achievements: “This means so much to GMA Public Affairs. Firefly is a story about a small boy with a big and heartfelt dream. It’s also the story of GMA Public Affairs, this small team that could. We were the underdog in the MMFF this year but somehow, magically, became the biggest winner of all.  So I just want to tell everyone to continue being brave and to believe in the power of stories!”

“My only hope is that more people watch and come to love Firefly, as it’s a film made with so much love and respect for our audience,” she added.

Behind the success of ‘Firefly’ is ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ director Zig Dulay, who heartwarmingly dedicates the film to his late mother. “Siya ang nagsilbing patunay sa akin na totoo ang mga superheroes na napapanood sa mga pelikula,” shared Dulay, who was also nominated for Best Director.

Award-winning cinematographer Neil Daza, who was nominated for Best Cinematography, further highlighted the film’s cinematic masterpiece.

The film was also shortlisted in various special awards including the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence, Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, Gender Sensitivity Award, and Best Float.

Also earning nominations for Firefly were Kenneth Kevin Villanueva (Best Production Design), Reality MM Studios Inc. (Best Visual Effects), and Len Calvo (Best Musical Score).

In its special screening last December 12, ‘Firefly’ received touching praises from Kapuso celebrities and personalities, including award-winning broadcast journalists Jessica Soho, Howie Severino, and Kara David, who all commended ‘Firefly’ for its powerful and moving storytelling.

Moviegoers echoed their sentiments amid the limited cinemas where the film was being shown during the first few days of the festival screening.

Firefly director Zig Dulay and GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes

Coming from the public’s clamor, more cinemas have been added to the list of theaters where Firefly can be seen.

The Metro Manila Film Festival continues to embody the highest standards of excellence in Filipino cinema, and ‘Firefly’ proudly cements its place as a top-performing masterpiece in this year’s film festival.

What are some good German wines?

By Volker Eichener

I start with the most obvious and best-known: riesling. Riesling is a grape that grows well in the rather cool German climate. It is also found in Alsace, California and South Africa. Riesling wines are usually very crisp and have delicate citrus notes, often combined with mineralic accents by the terroir. Good rieslings come from Mosel, Rhein, Ruwer, Nahe, Pfalz, also Baden (where riesling is called Klingelberger). Rieslings can be dry, sweet or very sweet, especially late harvests, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese or the rare Eiswein (wine made from frozen grapes, happens not every year). If the harvest is late, the wine may get a botrytis aroma. Some famous wineries include: Kloster Eberbach (Rheingau). Dr. Loosen (Mosel). Maximin Grünhaus (Ruwer). Robert Weil (Rheingau). Schloss Vollrads (Rheingau). Van Volxem (Mosel). Markgraf von Baden (Baden). Besides riesling, there are some other grape varieties to taste. Something very special is the wine region of Franken (Northern Bavaria). There, the sylvaner grape produces exzellent, aromatic wines with fine mineral tastes. Zehntkeller and Wirsching from Iphofen are great, also Juliusspital from Würzburg. The grape variety that is usually called pinot grigio, in German Grauburgunder, can be excellent, especially in the region Baden. Great producers are Alde Gott and Kellers Schwarzer Adler. A rare and lesser-known grape variety is Auxerrois which grows on the upper Mosel. Fruity, floral wines. Herber is an excellent winery. Germany is not so famous for red wines, but you may give these ones a try: Red wines from the Ahr, both fruity and mineralic, sometimes volcanic: Stodden, Meyer-Näkel, Adeneuer are the best wineries in the region. The premium red wine from Alde Gott, Alte Reben, from Baden is also recommendable.

10 PINAKA MALAMIG na LUGAR sa PILIPINAS 😱

73% of Filipinos expecting a ‘happy’ Christmas — SWS

Most thankful for good health, family, being alive

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Dec 24, 2023 09:49 AM

  

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Photo from Pixabay

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from Dec. 8 to 11 revealed that 73 percent of adult Filipinos are expecting this year’s Christmas to be “happy” (masaya), while 6 percent are anticipating it to be “sad” (malungkot).

Meanwhile, 21 percent of Filipinos are expecting this Christmas to be neither happy nor sad.

“The 73 percent expecting a happy Christmas is the same as in 2022 and 23 points above the record-low 50 percent in 2020. It is still six points below the pre-pandemic level of 79 percent in 2019,” SWS said in its report released on Dec. 23. 

Expectation of happy Christmas hardly changes across all areas, educational levels

SWS noted that for 2023, those expecting a happy Christmas were highest in the Visayas at 78 percent, followed by Mindanao at 74 percent, Balance Luzon at 70 percent, and Metro Manila at 72 percent.

Compared to 2022, the expectation of a happy Christmas stayed at 78 percent in the Visayas, while it hardly changed from 75 percent in Mindanao, 71 percent in Balance Luzon, and 71 percent in Metro Manila.

Those expecting a happy Christmas also hardly changed across educational levels, SWS said. 

Compared to 2022, those expecting a happy Christmas hardly moved from 74 percent to 75 percent among college graduates, from 74 percent to 75 percent among junior high school graduates, from 73 percent to 71 percent among elementary graduates, and from 68 percent to 64 percent among non-elementary graduates.

Filipinos most thankful for good health, family, being alive

Grouping the responses to the open-ended question, “As Christmas and the end of the year approaches, may I know what one or two things are you most thankful for in your life right now?,” the December 2023 survey found 51 percent most thankful for “good health,” 29 percent for “family,” and 16 percent for “being alive.”

The respondents were allowed to give up to two answers.

Following the top three responses were job/career/income (10 percent), food to eat (8 percent), coping with daily hardships (8 percent), prosperity (5 percent), all the blessings (3 percent), education (3 percent), peace and safety (3 percent), and God (2 percent).

Meanwhile, 1 percent of the responses were related to lovelife/spouse, motorcycle/vehicle, surviving an illness or surgery, happy life, house, financial support, having no worries or problems, and material things. 

Less than 1 percent answered being able to help others (0.3 percent), while the rest of the other responses consisted of 1 percent.

The remaining 2 percent did not give an answer.

The fourth quarter 2023 SWS survey was fielded through face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide.

It has sampling error margins of ±2.8 percent for national percentages, and ±5.7 percent each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.