2009: A Year of Gratitude

By Becky Pagsibingan
I would like to start the year with a heart full of gratitude. As the year 2008 ends, I had the chance to take a pause, contemplate and make an assessment of how the year went by. .The year 2008 created a sense of uncertainty to people. The lucky ones went on life without any change at all, some felt the crunch, but made it, and some others were down. As I look around us, I come to understand the gift of gratitude more. We have managed to make do of what we have, which I considered a blessing from above. In the process, moderation and self discipline became a way of life. [ad#featuredpost160x600]The result was wonderful. I felt the crunch, but we had managed the year without feeling miserable because of the adjustments that our family had observed to keep life going. I thought that constant complaining would not have made things better.
Gratitude connects us to others and feeling gratitude allows us to be our best selves, cultivating thankfulness in our daily lives. I believe that the wellspring of gratitude is the greatest antidote to worry. When we see the glass as half-full, rather than half-empty, we notice what is there, rather than what is not. This is a psychological strategy that helps us accept life just as it is and make the most of what life has to offer. Reiterating what I said before, it is up to us to make life happy or at least bearable or to make it grim and hopeless. It is a matter of attitude.
This past Christmas, the tree was heaped with gifts, a plethora of presents for and from each of us in the family- my husband, me and our children. It took us hours before the last gift was opened. Each gift was well thought of for the intended recipient and once received, it was shown to everyone .to be appreciated. It was so much fun. We said thank you for each gift that we received, big or small. They were not empty thank yous, they were expressed with true appreciation and love. The experience was powerful that we look forward to it every Christmas. It set me to think that ours is not the case of material plenty and emotional lack.
As in the past three Christmases, we spent our family gathering at the home of my daughter and her husband. For three days, we enjoyed each others company, eat, catch up with individual news, watched movies, shopped at nearby mall, eat again, played computer games, cooked, chatted, reminisced early family memories when our children were little, etc …These children are now young adults This once a year gathering is memorable and priceless.
In the coming year, as we constantly face the challenges in life, we shall also count all the blessings that we received throughout the year – appreciate the miracle of being alive, peace and contentment in the family, appreciate the beauty and joy that surrounds us healthy and safe everyday life, and the opportunity to work to sustain us and provide food and roof over our head. We shall express thank and gratitude to all who give us love, joy, happiness, favor, assistance, and not to forget, service. This is the gift of gratitude.
What is my plan for 2009? Well, I dont want to make empty promises and resolutions Mine is simply to continue what I have been observing in the past years life in moderation. It is doable. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
@9PTLA = Birthday Celebration
Chelo David, wife of past PAFC Philippine Festival Chair, Bong David, was honored by a group of friends to a brunch at the Red Fox Inn in Middleburg, Virginia. Middleburg is a quaint little town with shops about an hour away from Metro Washington, D.C. I enjoyed the easy drive scenery along the narrow country side roads overlooking white fenced acres of land properties indicating ownership of horses by the tenants who own vacation like houses The upscale place is known for its Derby events. The birthday celebrant chose this restaurant when asked by her friends who hosted the brunch. It was, indeed, an excellent choice because the food was very good and the place was quiet and conservative. The host/ friends were: Florence & Fred Soriano, Efren & Carmelita Sangalang, Celso & Vilma Mataac, and Pat & Becky Pagsibigan. The group capped the celebration with coffee and cake at the home of the Sorianos in Oakton, Virginia.

The PMAs New Years Eve Ball
The Philippine Medical Association in Washington, D.C. holds its New Year Eves Ball at the Westfield Marriott Hotel The energetic incoming president, Dr. Elwyn Bustos has invited not only the medical community, but the other Filipino American community as well. He promised a night of excellent food and wonderful ballroom dancing all night. Dr. Bustos will be inducted by Philippine Ambassador Willie Gaa during the black tie event. as the outgoing president Dr. Alvin Madarang ends his term of office. As in the past PMA New Years Eve Ball, it is with anticipation that the ladies will grace the night wearing glitters and elegant gowns. I understand from Dr. Bustos that the theme is Green Revolution.