Thanksgiving 2022: ‘Grateful people are happy people’

I will always be grateful that the year 2022 was the new millennium’s comeback year. The year the world emerged from the COVID-19 scourge, not unscathed — but armored. The year 2022 is the year the world bounced back from COVID-19, a world war that felled lives and livelihoods. The world is not fully liberated from it, but it is ready and able to fight it, with sweeping victories.

I was in Milan recently, which was at the epicenter of the pandemic when it first broke out in Italy, and it was bustling with tourists. In the hotel where we stayed, if you failed to book a room soon enough, there would be no more room at the inn. No one — except for some tourists like myself — now wears masks in Milan.

A travel agency owner who had to let go of some personnel from 2020 to 2021 says her staff now is “overwhelmed” by the demand of “revenge travel.” Everyone, but everyone, is travelling again and despite the dollar hitting stratospheric levels versus the peso, Pinoys are taking to the skies.

On our very pleasant flights aboard Oman Air, the cabin crew no longer wore masks and the beautiful flight attendants wore bright pink lipstick.

Personally, 2022 saw some health challenges in the family. My husband and I rushed my 83-year-old mother Sonia to the hospital around September because she had a burst blood vessel in her right eye, probably from a strong sneeze. It was a blessing in disguise, because when she reached the ER, she was diagnosed with ailments that needed immediate treatment. Thank God they were all manageable because they were diagnosed in time. She never caught COVID. In 10 days, my Mom was out of the hospital and demanding a hamburger.  I am grateful for that “red eye.” Though totally unrelated to Mom’s hospital confinement, it was like a neon sign from her guardian angels that led her to safety.

Fr. Dave Concepcion, the new chaplain of The Greenbelt Chapel, Sto. Nino de Paz, said in a recent homily, “The secret of a happy life is a grateful spirit. Not all happy people are grateful people. But all grateful people are happy people.”

This Thursday is Thanksgiving Day for Americans, a time-honored celebration for them. American or not, it is a good time as any to be grateful for the blessings we have.

I asked several personalities what they are most grateful for, especially in the year 2022.

Fr. Dave Concepcion, chaplain, Greenbelt Chapel, Sto. Nino de Paz

We survived COVID. My mother celebrated her 90th birthday last Oct 29.  I survived a stroke last Sept. 17 and a seven-stent angioplasty last Sept 21. Has my life returned to normal?

Not yet. My doctor cautioned me. I do one Mass a day in Greenbelt. I am not allowed to say more than one Mass. I am not yet driving. Diet, diet, diet. I lost six kilos already.

Steven Tan, president, SM Supermalls

I am grateful that we’re still here. That we’re still alive. And we are able to have meals with our family, that’s the most important thing. Nowadays, you don’t really ask much anymore. The mere fact that you could enjoy a meal with your family, that’s already a blessing.

George Royeca, CEO, Angkas

Angkas will be in existence for almost six years by December. I am happy to announce that in 2022, we were able to crystalize the vision of Angkas. Angkas has always been at the forefront of building communities, and uplifting people’s lives. And I’m happy to announce that we created a successful pilot in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, where all our bikers of 30,000 are taking care of their families. They’re really having a decent life. We want to do this not just for 30,000 bikers but 18 million motorcycle owners across the entire country. So, this is our first step. We’ve set this lofty goal for the company, and we want to really help, or in a way, be one of the cogs that help the wheel turn in ending poverty, or on the way to ending poverty, in the Philippines.

Michael Leyva, designer

The year 2022 has been a year full of blessings and challenges, and I am grateful to have my family, especially my parents who always love and support me in everything that I do, and my home where I love to come home to every day. I am grateful to have a job that I love. This year marks my 10th anniversary in the fashion industry and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team and awesome clients who trusted me and the Michael Leyva brand.

Margie Moran-Floirendo, president, Cultural Center of the Philippines

I’m thankful that I’m the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. I feel like I can do a lot with the staff who have been there for a long time, and the board of directors of CCP. So, I’m thankful that I can do something of significance.

I was only president (recently). I was chairman for three and a half years. And I think, putting things in order was one significant contribution I made. I didn’t do it alone, but I led the institution in putting order and being compliant with certain recommendations of government.

It was challenging because we were not face-to-face. The performers and artists were the most affected by the pandemic. They couldn’t perform, they couldn’t earn money, and so we were able to help many artists who were in residence of CCP.

Rina Go, CEO, NIC’s

I am thankful for my parents, who instilled in me the value of family. Genuine friends, who pick me up when anything and everything goes wrong. For my daughters, who bring me immense joy. For my NIC’s family, who weathers the storm no matter what. I am grateful for the opportunity to travel and see wonderful places. For simple joys, like rest and downtime when I can enjoy nature, reading, and an occasional massage.

I am happy to see positivity and the bayanihan spirit in everyone trying to keep the economy going, in order for businesses to continue to thrive.

(You may e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.)