THE GLOBAL financial crisis and the recent scores of terrorist attacks in the Middle East and India are pressing issues to ponder upon, not to mention the domestic political turmoil stemming from numerous corruption scandals and the peace and order problems in Mindanao that continue to baffle the country.
Amid the challenges of the times, the Varsitarian asked Thomasians how they plan to spend their Christmas and the best Christmas gift they could offer to the world in its trying moments.
How do you feel that Christmas this year is happening during the hard times?
“I don’t feel it because of school stress and life’s hardships. Maybe at Paskuhan I’d feel it.”
– Anna Beth Calupas, Third Year Communication Arts
“We need to think there’s no change to feel Christmas.”
– Nocel Escarda, security guard
“I feel happy because it’s time to be joyous, even if faced with opposition.”
– Justin Aero Paragas, Pharmacy Student Council Auditor
“It’s going to be sad because of the economic situation, but we must open our eyes to the Gospel and implement it in society.”
– Fr. Joaquin Valdes, O.P., College of Science regent
“One big economic crank, urging people to spend more and not spend more time with other people.”
– Prof. Dawn Marfil, Humanities professor
“Basically like the past Christmas seasons because people are not spending that much.”
– Prof. Genecar Pe Benito, Medical-Surgical Nursing professor
“In the middle of crisis, you’re still in the mood to celebrate.”
– Jeanne de Chavez, Second Year Hotel and Restaurant Management
“Happy, with family gatherings, homecomings, and my teammates’ shouts of ‘block the pain!’”
– Mark Musnit, Fourth Year Electronics and Communication Engineering
“I don’t feel it yet because it’s still stressful.”
– Margeaux Yap, Second Year Medicine
What would you give to the world this Christmas?
“My sense of fashion because we all should look our best this Christmas season.”
– Grizelle Anne Consorio, Second Year Education Major in English
“Stress-free Christmas because it only comes once a year.”
– Pamela Hernandez, Fourth Year Occupational Therapy
“My very self—making the best out of myself according to the roles expected of me as a wife, administrator, professor, citizen, friend and Catholic.”
– Prof. Mecheline Manalastas, Office of Admissions director
“The world needs love and caring for all things because it’s something we forget.”
– Prof. Ryan Villarante, Humanities professor
“World peace, cash, oil, trees, flowers and many shoes!”
– Desiree Jane Dizon, Third Year Accountancy
“Not to throw garbage and take care of the environment.”
– Dennis Gabaut, security guard
“I’d share my knowledge to those who can’t study.”
– Manuel Corpus, Second Year Nursing
“Happiness, in all aspects of life.”
– Jensen Lacsam, Chemistry alumna
“Medicine pill for the politicians to realize what they’re doing.”
– Mark Leus Masangcay, First Year Hotel and Restaurant Management
“Dreams that would come true, even the simple kid who wants candy.”
– Ariel Jonas Cadayona, Second Year Advertising
“My music because that’s all I can give to the world and when I see them happy, I’m happy too.”
– Tristan Villajuan, Fifth Year Music
