The Best Things That Happened In 2001
December 30, 2001 | 12:00am
2001 is almost over. Have you taken the time to stop and think about the 10 best things that happened this year? If you haven’t, do so right now. It’s nice to start the new year with positive thoughts.
My own list, for which I have to thank Him, includes a new president who is competent enough to lead us through crises and being spared of tragedies, especially after the WTC terrorist attacks which showed us how short life can be.
I can go on and on about the blessings – or even the negative things – the past year has brought, but instead let’s hear it from the editors of the country’s top glossy magazines.
THELMA SIOSON-SAN JUAN, general manager, ABS-CBN Publishing and editor-in-chief, Metro Magazine:
• Malampaya gas. This just might turn us into a major oil producer, if handled well.
• People power. Whichever way you look at it, there’s something historic in people getting involved and making the difference.
• Afghanistan women having the option to shed the burka – I don‘t mean to judge cultures but one feels bad to read about women being treated as lesser human beings and their body and face seen solely as sources of temptation.
• Invention of the Segway. This holds us in suspense. Will this change the way we move around, or change even the way we build our cities? Its inventor Kamen is also a most intriguing person.
• Sex and the City. Good watch and a good write. Good bodies, too.
• Harry Potter. Books I couldn’t put down. Also, shows what a single mom (like J.K. Rowling) can do.
• In Philippine fashion, we saw what designers have, and what designers simply don’t.
• Return of the denim.
• Spas, yoga and everything that re-energizes you.
• We’ve practically stopped reading the bad news.
SARI YAP, executive vice president, Mega Magazines and Publications Inc. and editor-in-chief, Mega Magazine:
• We‘ve got a new president!
• The opening of most of the stores and dining places in the Power Plant Mall. It’s wonderful to be able to go to a mall and still have breathing space.
• KC Concepcion’s public debut last July. The entertainment scene is lucky to have Sharon’s gracious and talented daughter.
• The introduction of the Japanese Yuko System of hair straightening in salons like Wateredors. Healthy, permanent and expensive (compared to doing it abroad), this method has solved many Filipinas’ life-long struggle with coarse, wavy hair.
• The return of the blouse. We’ve gotten tired of T-shirt dressing.
• Inno Sotto’s show. It showed the designer’s soul.
• The Mega Fashion Awards. I think the industry would agree – it’s about time!
• And on a personal note, we’ve finally cleaned up the mess in the office (after years of making excuses of having "just" moved in). It clears up the mind, too.
• The family’s 10-year-old Yorkshire terrier got a new lease on life through an operation ("Verushka" would like to thank original owner Carla Sibal).
• After years of steadily gaining pounds, I finally figured out how to outwit the metabolic system and lose weight. (How? Secret!)
JOANNE RAE RAMIREZ, editor-in-chief, People Asia Magazine, and associate editor, The Philippine STAR:
• That oil of a quality and quantity that matters was discovered off Palawan.
• Edsa II. There will always be those who will be disillusioned with the triumph of the second people power revolution in Philippine history. But no matter. Edsa II showed just how vigilant of democracy Filipinos have become.
• The birth of Japan’s much-awaited Princess Aiko. We want our neighbor happy, don’t we? Her birth is her parents’ personal joy, Japan’s blessing and maybe the world will feel the celebratory mood now prevailing in the Land of the Rising Sun.
• Rudy Giuliani. After Sept. 11, 2001, he became "mayor to the world." The poster boy for grace under pressure. This hero was "born" in 2001.
• My climbing to the top of the 134-meter-high Sydney Harbor Bridge despite the fact that I was so sure I would chicken out after the first step!
• My dad’s winning his battle against prostate cancer. The cancer was detected early, was excised and Dad’s now free of cancer cells.
• The good health my loved ones and I continue to enjoy. Health is indeed wealth, and we’re ending 2001 like emperors.
• That despite the gloom and doom we can’t avoid, Christmas always comes around every year.
ANTON SAN DIEGO, editor-in-chief, Tatler Philippines:
• Edsa II – The promise of hope, change and end of corruption. I pray that with more than 10 months into the new administration, the spirit and what we fought for is not forgotten.
• The recovery of both my parents from a stroke. When crises like these happen, you realize that we live on borrowed time and that you need to treasure every second you have with those you love.
• Although Sept. 11 was the worst day this year, it was overwhelming and inspiring to see the unity of the Americans. I wish this could be replicated here.
• Meeting new people and rekindling old ties. I believe people come into your life for a purpose, to enrich it or make it worse.
• The onslaught of game shows. Thank God it has replaced the telenovelas as the popular TV show of choice. It has also given Pinoys a chance to win some major bucks while being entertained as well as learn some trivia.
• The opening of new, exciting and hip places to lounge, people-watch and hang out like Fidel, Raj, People’s Palace, Flute, Mati and Shiraz.
• Learning from life. This year I learned that there are users posing as friends; that pride always comes before a fall; that most politicians are self-serving even those who seem really good; that one should love oneself and always maintain a balance and center in life, and that center is God!
• Surviving an automobile accident. Although your car and "heart" may be damaged by the events, the fact that you are still whole is the most important.
PHILIP CU-UNJIENG, executive editor, People Asia Magazine:
The only way to answer this was to be very subjective; so, there’s no attempt to be general, universal or worldly. This is my list and no one else’s.
• Edsa II and III. Because they both showed us that when it comes to national destiny, hope cannot be blind but must be nurtured, fought for, cherished and protected. Now, let’s hope we all realize that...constantly.
• Our 11th wedding anniversary.
• Lucas "I’m here." He turned two in April, and as he began talking, whenever he’d walk into our bedroom, he would announce his entry with those two words and melt our hearts.
• Having our eldest, Quintin, write for Young Star. We had a family trip to Singapore and when The Philippine STAR Lifestyle editor Millet Mananquil suggested a feature on the trip as seen through his 10-year-old eyes, he got excited and with minimal guidance, produced something we’re all very proud of. He then reviewed the Harry Potter film and hopes to contribute regularly.
• Matteo and his baseball and taekwondo. Matteo had a dismal first season of baseball last year, going through the season without a single win. To see his joy as his team this year registered their first victory was precious. Plus his enthusiasm for taekwondo has me in stitches.
• Dish at the Power Plant, Rockwell. Finally, a place I’d hang out in that I could call my own. Along with EJ (Litton) and Rikki (Dee) and Roselle (Rebano), we’ve proven it’s a new concept whose time has come. The smiles and exuberance of the audience late at night, the comments of satisfied diners...they make the long hours seem like seconds. Thank you for accepting us.
• The year’s practically over. Thank God, as the year will go down as one of the more miserable, dismal and troubled ones of our times. The state of politics and our economy in turmoil; it’s only the resilience of the Filipino spirit that augurs well for the future and the new year.
LIZA ILARDE, editor-in-chief, Meg Magazine and fashion and beauty director, Mega Magazine:
• After being legally blind most of my life, I finally got my eyesight back after having laser eye surgery at the American Eye Center. Salamat po, doktor!
• After seven granddaughters, my mum and dad are now the proud grandparents of their first grandson! (Not from me, unfortunately, but my brother.) The Ilarde name lives on!
• I didn’t travel much this year – just to Singapore and Guam – but I did get to go before 9-11 – since then travel will never be the same again.
Fab fashion collections from three designers of very different design sensibilities: Rajo Laurel, Inno Sotto and Rhett Eala (whose courage to leave the safe fold of Rustan’s I admire).
• The arrival of all the beauty brands we could only get abroad – MAC, Nars, Prescriptives, Origins, Lush, etc.
• Change of presidency. Goodbye, Erap!
• The terrorist attacks on the US were the most heinous of acts, but through that, the world learned to pull together and unite. World peace used to be something of a joke, now, more than ever, it is what we all want.
• Almost Famous by Cameron Crowe and Moulin Rouge by Baz Luhrmann, my personal vote for Best Movies of the Year.
LISA GOKONGWEI, publisher, Summit Group:
• The Weakest Link is a great alternative to the news.
• Sex and the City Season Three.
• A half-naked Christian Vasquez.
• Telecommunication wars mean more advertising for those in the media business and better service all around.
• Pinoy sense of humor, especially Erap jokes.
• Stupid urban myths doing the rounds of e-mail.
• Renovated movie theaters in all malls.
• The revenge of Janice de Belen, Gina Alajar and Aiko Melendez.
• Bad acting by Ador Mawanay and Philip Medel.
• Amazon.com did not close.
* * *
MYRZA SISON, editorial director, Summit Publishing Group and editor-in-chief, Cosmopolitan Philippines:
• With the recent spate of tragedies and catastrophes occurring in the world, people have realized how fragile and short life can be and are now living it to the fullest in carpe diem mode.
• Fashion’s current erogenous zone – the shoulders and the clavicle – have delighted lots of women who would rather de-emphasize their other parts!
• Because travel abroad has become frightening, Pinoys are staying home and are beginning to discover the many fascinating sights in their own country and helping boost local tourism.
• The hoopla surrounding Ma. Theresa Carlson’s death has raised social awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and spousal abuse. Women’s groups have come together to help expose what is happening, debunk myths about its nature and show the dangers that apathy and keeping mum about it can bring.
• The Yoga Foundation of the Philippines went full-swing this year, with its founders and members tirelessly exerting major efforts to bring the joy and wonders of the ancient art to the lives of those who need it and can benefit immensely from it!
• The ukay-ukay phenomenon has brought the joys of vintage fashion to all those who seek it for a mano-fraction of the price!
• The blurring of age delineations in fashion has made women ageless and has ceased to confine them in stereotype age groups. Sixty is no longer considered old!
• The socio-cultural and fashion phenomenon called Sex and the City provided a venue for women to unleash their wildest opinions, dreams, sex and fashion fantasies and make them come to life. Its success and popularity have helped the Pinay come out of her shell somehow.
• The organic food movement and interest in homeopathy in general has been gaining ground – people are now seeking natural means of prevention and cure for the ailments brought on by the toxic world in which we live.
• We ousted Erap. Need I say more?
PAULINE SUACO, editor-in-chief, Preview Magazine:
It’s been a difficult year for almost everybody, but I hate to write off 2001 because it’s been a brilliant year for me (becoming E-I-C, opening The Nail Spa, getting married, having a baby...). With everything that’s happened to the country (EdsaII and III, more kidnappings...) and the world (the Sept. 11 bombings), here’s a list of little things that brought a little cheer and little comfort in 2001.
• For those with a shoe fetish – Le Donne, Mendrez and Cardam’s pushed the style meter and came out with fashionable shoes at reasonable prices.
• For the fashionista – M)phosis, an affordable trendy Singaporean clothing brand, comes to Manila.
• For the beauty junkie – Just check out the counters of Essenses (from Nars to Laura Mercier, Serendipity, Dr. Brandt, etc.) all manner of lotions and potions and makeup galore.
• For the accessories fiend – More shops that cater to all manner of decoration – Mai Tai, Twist, Voyage (the revamped), Fino, Souk.
• For the homebody – So that your home can be as fashionable as your wardrobe, there is Homezone at Glorietta 4 (Kish, Urban Effects, Regalong Pambahay, Cereo, etc.).
• For the It-girl – Wine bars and restaurants with a hip vibe (Shiraz, Fidel, etc.).
My own list, for which I have to thank Him, includes a new president who is competent enough to lead us through crises and being spared of tragedies, especially after the WTC terrorist attacks which showed us how short life can be.
I can go on and on about the blessings – or even the negative things – the past year has brought, but instead let’s hear it from the editors of the country’s top glossy magazines.
THELMA SIOSON-SAN JUAN, general manager, ABS-CBN Publishing and editor-in-chief, Metro Magazine:
• Malampaya gas. This just might turn us into a major oil producer, if handled well.
• People power. Whichever way you look at it, there’s something historic in people getting involved and making the difference.
• Afghanistan women having the option to shed the burka – I don‘t mean to judge cultures but one feels bad to read about women being treated as lesser human beings and their body and face seen solely as sources of temptation.
• Invention of the Segway. This holds us in suspense. Will this change the way we move around, or change even the way we build our cities? Its inventor Kamen is also a most intriguing person.
• Sex and the City. Good watch and a good write. Good bodies, too.
• Harry Potter. Books I couldn’t put down. Also, shows what a single mom (like J.K. Rowling) can do.
• In Philippine fashion, we saw what designers have, and what designers simply don’t.
• Return of the denim.
• Spas, yoga and everything that re-energizes you.
• We’ve practically stopped reading the bad news.
SARI YAP, executive vice president, Mega Magazines and Publications Inc. and editor-in-chief, Mega Magazine:
• We‘ve got a new president!
• The opening of most of the stores and dining places in the Power Plant Mall. It’s wonderful to be able to go to a mall and still have breathing space.
• KC Concepcion’s public debut last July. The entertainment scene is lucky to have Sharon’s gracious and talented daughter.
• The introduction of the Japanese Yuko System of hair straightening in salons like Wateredors. Healthy, permanent and expensive (compared to doing it abroad), this method has solved many Filipinas’ life-long struggle with coarse, wavy hair.
• The return of the blouse. We’ve gotten tired of T-shirt dressing.
• Inno Sotto’s show. It showed the designer’s soul.
• The Mega Fashion Awards. I think the industry would agree – it’s about time!
• And on a personal note, we’ve finally cleaned up the mess in the office (after years of making excuses of having "just" moved in). It clears up the mind, too.
• The family’s 10-year-old Yorkshire terrier got a new lease on life through an operation ("Verushka" would like to thank original owner Carla Sibal).
• After years of steadily gaining pounds, I finally figured out how to outwit the metabolic system and lose weight. (How? Secret!)
JOANNE RAE RAMIREZ, editor-in-chief, People Asia Magazine, and associate editor, The Philippine STAR:
• That oil of a quality and quantity that matters was discovered off Palawan.
• Edsa II. There will always be those who will be disillusioned with the triumph of the second people power revolution in Philippine history. But no matter. Edsa II showed just how vigilant of democracy Filipinos have become.
• The birth of Japan’s much-awaited Princess Aiko. We want our neighbor happy, don’t we? Her birth is her parents’ personal joy, Japan’s blessing and maybe the world will feel the celebratory mood now prevailing in the Land of the Rising Sun.
• Rudy Giuliani. After Sept. 11, 2001, he became "mayor to the world." The poster boy for grace under pressure. This hero was "born" in 2001.
• My climbing to the top of the 134-meter-high Sydney Harbor Bridge despite the fact that I was so sure I would chicken out after the first step!
• My dad’s winning his battle against prostate cancer. The cancer was detected early, was excised and Dad’s now free of cancer cells.
• The good health my loved ones and I continue to enjoy. Health is indeed wealth, and we’re ending 2001 like emperors.
• That despite the gloom and doom we can’t avoid, Christmas always comes around every year.
ANTON SAN DIEGO, editor-in-chief, Tatler Philippines:
• Edsa II – The promise of hope, change and end of corruption. I pray that with more than 10 months into the new administration, the spirit and what we fought for is not forgotten.
• The recovery of both my parents from a stroke. When crises like these happen, you realize that we live on borrowed time and that you need to treasure every second you have with those you love.
• Although Sept. 11 was the worst day this year, it was overwhelming and inspiring to see the unity of the Americans. I wish this could be replicated here.
• Meeting new people and rekindling old ties. I believe people come into your life for a purpose, to enrich it or make it worse.
• The onslaught of game shows. Thank God it has replaced the telenovelas as the popular TV show of choice. It has also given Pinoys a chance to win some major bucks while being entertained as well as learn some trivia.
• The opening of new, exciting and hip places to lounge, people-watch and hang out like Fidel, Raj, People’s Palace, Flute, Mati and Shiraz.
• Learning from life. This year I learned that there are users posing as friends; that pride always comes before a fall; that most politicians are self-serving even those who seem really good; that one should love oneself and always maintain a balance and center in life, and that center is God!
• Surviving an automobile accident. Although your car and "heart" may be damaged by the events, the fact that you are still whole is the most important.
PHILIP CU-UNJIENG, executive editor, People Asia Magazine:
The only way to answer this was to be very subjective; so, there’s no attempt to be general, universal or worldly. This is my list and no one else’s.
• Edsa II and III. Because they both showed us that when it comes to national destiny, hope cannot be blind but must be nurtured, fought for, cherished and protected. Now, let’s hope we all realize that...constantly.
• Our 11th wedding anniversary.
• Lucas "I’m here." He turned two in April, and as he began talking, whenever he’d walk into our bedroom, he would announce his entry with those two words and melt our hearts.
• Having our eldest, Quintin, write for Young Star. We had a family trip to Singapore and when The Philippine STAR Lifestyle editor Millet Mananquil suggested a feature on the trip as seen through his 10-year-old eyes, he got excited and with minimal guidance, produced something we’re all very proud of. He then reviewed the Harry Potter film and hopes to contribute regularly.
• Matteo and his baseball and taekwondo. Matteo had a dismal first season of baseball last year, going through the season without a single win. To see his joy as his team this year registered their first victory was precious. Plus his enthusiasm for taekwondo has me in stitches.
• Dish at the Power Plant, Rockwell. Finally, a place I’d hang out in that I could call my own. Along with EJ (Litton) and Rikki (Dee) and Roselle (Rebano), we’ve proven it’s a new concept whose time has come. The smiles and exuberance of the audience late at night, the comments of satisfied diners...they make the long hours seem like seconds. Thank you for accepting us.
• The year’s practically over. Thank God, as the year will go down as one of the more miserable, dismal and troubled ones of our times. The state of politics and our economy in turmoil; it’s only the resilience of the Filipino spirit that augurs well for the future and the new year.
LIZA ILARDE, editor-in-chief, Meg Magazine and fashion and beauty director, Mega Magazine:
• After being legally blind most of my life, I finally got my eyesight back after having laser eye surgery at the American Eye Center. Salamat po, doktor!
• After seven granddaughters, my mum and dad are now the proud grandparents of their first grandson! (Not from me, unfortunately, but my brother.) The Ilarde name lives on!
• I didn’t travel much this year – just to Singapore and Guam – but I did get to go before 9-11 – since then travel will never be the same again.
Fab fashion collections from three designers of very different design sensibilities: Rajo Laurel, Inno Sotto and Rhett Eala (whose courage to leave the safe fold of Rustan’s I admire).
• The arrival of all the beauty brands we could only get abroad – MAC, Nars, Prescriptives, Origins, Lush, etc.
• Change of presidency. Goodbye, Erap!
• The terrorist attacks on the US were the most heinous of acts, but through that, the world learned to pull together and unite. World peace used to be something of a joke, now, more than ever, it is what we all want.
• Almost Famous by Cameron Crowe and Moulin Rouge by Baz Luhrmann, my personal vote for Best Movies of the Year.
LISA GOKONGWEI, publisher, Summit Group:
• The Weakest Link is a great alternative to the news.
• Sex and the City Season Three.
• A half-naked Christian Vasquez.
• Telecommunication wars mean more advertising for those in the media business and better service all around.
• Pinoy sense of humor, especially Erap jokes.
• Stupid urban myths doing the rounds of e-mail.
• Renovated movie theaters in all malls.
• The revenge of Janice de Belen, Gina Alajar and Aiko Melendez.
• Bad acting by Ador Mawanay and Philip Medel.
• Amazon.com did not close.
* * *
MYRZA SISON, editorial director, Summit Publishing Group and editor-in-chief, Cosmopolitan Philippines:
• With the recent spate of tragedies and catastrophes occurring in the world, people have realized how fragile and short life can be and are now living it to the fullest in carpe diem mode.
• Fashion’s current erogenous zone – the shoulders and the clavicle – have delighted lots of women who would rather de-emphasize their other parts!
• Because travel abroad has become frightening, Pinoys are staying home and are beginning to discover the many fascinating sights in their own country and helping boost local tourism.
• The hoopla surrounding Ma. Theresa Carlson’s death has raised social awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and spousal abuse. Women’s groups have come together to help expose what is happening, debunk myths about its nature and show the dangers that apathy and keeping mum about it can bring.
• The Yoga Foundation of the Philippines went full-swing this year, with its founders and members tirelessly exerting major efforts to bring the joy and wonders of the ancient art to the lives of those who need it and can benefit immensely from it!
• The ukay-ukay phenomenon has brought the joys of vintage fashion to all those who seek it for a mano-fraction of the price!
• The blurring of age delineations in fashion has made women ageless and has ceased to confine them in stereotype age groups. Sixty is no longer considered old!
• The socio-cultural and fashion phenomenon called Sex and the City provided a venue for women to unleash their wildest opinions, dreams, sex and fashion fantasies and make them come to life. Its success and popularity have helped the Pinay come out of her shell somehow.
• The organic food movement and interest in homeopathy in general has been gaining ground – people are now seeking natural means of prevention and cure for the ailments brought on by the toxic world in which we live.
• We ousted Erap. Need I say more?
PAULINE SUACO, editor-in-chief, Preview Magazine:
It’s been a difficult year for almost everybody, but I hate to write off 2001 because it’s been a brilliant year for me (becoming E-I-C, opening The Nail Spa, getting married, having a baby...). With everything that’s happened to the country (EdsaII and III, more kidnappings...) and the world (the Sept. 11 bombings), here’s a list of little things that brought a little cheer and little comfort in 2001.
• For those with a shoe fetish – Le Donne, Mendrez and Cardam’s pushed the style meter and came out with fashionable shoes at reasonable prices.
• For the fashionista – M)phosis, an affordable trendy Singaporean clothing brand, comes to Manila.
• For the beauty junkie – Just check out the counters of Essenses (from Nars to Laura Mercier, Serendipity, Dr. Brandt, etc.) all manner of lotions and potions and makeup galore.
• For the accessories fiend – More shops that cater to all manner of decoration – Mai Tai, Twist, Voyage (the revamped), Fino, Souk.
• For the homebody – So that your home can be as fashionable as your wardrobe, there is Homezone at Glorietta 4 (Kish, Urban Effects, Regalong Pambahay, Cereo, etc.).
• For the It-girl – Wine bars and restaurants with a hip vibe (Shiraz, Fidel, etc.).
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