2021 : A NEW YEAR, NEW RESOLVE, and NEW HOPE

 

By Tony A. San Juan, BSc., MA, OCT-Retired
Toronto-Canada
January 9, 2021
 


Without a doubt, the year past, 2020 was a "dark year".  As we look back, it has been a year unlike any other. It was a year that brought unprecedented challenges and changes for all of us, and in many situations, it put significant strain on individuals, families, businesses, and governments. To put it mildly, however, 2020 has been an eventful year for many of our "Kababayans" and fellow Filipino- Canadians.

The coronavirus pandemic has certainly affected our lives in the past year. "Malaking pasasalamat natin" , the worst appears to be behind us now, that the "bagong taon" 2021 offers fresh restarts.  It comes as our next opportunity to rectify omissions and past lessons learned and hopefully avoid "sa mga pagkakamali" as we boldly face out the next "kabanata" of our journey called life. This January, being the first month of the year is aptly named after Janus, the Roman god of "beginnings and of entrances and egresses".  So, we have to start and continue somewhere to hope, to resolve, and to move forward somehow.

The Munting Nayon News Magazine online portal and its staff for its part, I believe, are pleased to be able to "shine a light"  on the people and organizations, especially sharing with its readers, supporters, and followers that strive every day to make the world a better place to live through  its responsible and respectful news reporting and worthwhile articles. Throughout, my more than a decade of association with MNNM, I am proud to say that Mr. Eddie Flores, the patriarch, patron, and operator, has been focused on helping keep the expectations of our readers and subscribers on track, and on behalf of the MNNM, I would like to freely thank you all for putting your support and trust in this globally- recognized and well-admired "digital newspaper".

As we bid goodbye to the year past —we remember the "glee and gloom" with which 2020 passed and was unceremoniously kicked out but not forgotten. People love to complain about many sad things, unhappy news, and unexpected incidents, and we have certainly done our share of complaining over 2020. Plus some of those other things we hoped for but that did not happen to our expectation and satisfaction. Simply put, the world has never seen a story like a coronavirus outbreak.  There has never been a topic that dominated media as much as the COVID-19 pandemic did, the general community lockdowns and quarantines "sa ating bayang sinilangan " and throughout the wide world, the divisive and divergent issues like poverty, homelessness, home & rent affordability, price increases, climate change, lack of or access to health care,  political leaders' whims and tantrums, the Black Lives Matter movement, systemic racism &  diversity, gun violence, street protests & demonstrations, and political scandals, and other ongoing concerns.

During the"nakaraang taon", due to the highly challenging uncertain times, i.e. the pandemic crisis, many of us have faced a different and socially- distant holiday season. Like many of us, it sadly happened not seeing some of our family and friends and enjoying one another’s company as well as celebrating Christian and cultural traditions. Though we resorted to online, virtual, and zoom modalities nonetheless, at the same time, it’s an "opportunity for us to slow down, reflect on the year that was, and look to the future."

As we wave "paalam" on the last day of 2020, which perhaps one of the most difficult years of our lives, personally and universally, we should think about hopes and resolutions that somehow make us feel better and bring inspiration relatably to our very existence as a person.  Should we continue or stop making resolutions, as traditionally practiced, because we don’t believe in "lying" ourselves? Or, in lieu, one would have to decide to compile a list of hopes and desires for 2021 and beyond that, we can all use a little hope right about now. In yesteryears and even this time, writing New Year’s resolution comes to mind and was often the  "must do" in schools, businesses, and social living. When taken seriously, it is a healthy exercise that could gain traction in engaging one's will to chart a fresh direction of life, to break away from bad habits, and to achieve positive qualities. These resolutions purportedly channel the person to actions and become a blessing to oneself and to others. To do this strategy, however, depends on one's outlook, disposition, discretion, and determination.

2020 is now history! The past year is a phase in life that many prefer to forget because of the challenges and difficulties it brought to the Philippines, Canada, USA, and throughout the world. As we look to a new year, many of us world citizens and Filipinos alike, feel a sense of hope and renewed optimism, but there is still uncertainty and many are facing individual, educational, health, social, and economic challenges. As we recalled the many stories that resonated with the Filipino communities in 2020, one theme held true and tested: "Ang Pagtulong sa Kapwa". During one of the darkest times in memory and that of modern history, Filipino immigrant -and- migrant communities especially the health care front liners and essential workers, unarguably, "stepped up to the plate" in order to help in immeasurable,though, hard ways. As in years past, and at the beginning of a new year, many Filipinos looked forward and committed to continue "sa puso at gawa" with great pride & optimism and boundless faith and hopes for a much peaceful and better tomorrow. Me too, modesty aside.( Tony A. San Juan, BSc., MA, OCT-Retired)

WE WISH YOU THE BEST ALWAYS AND LOOK FORWARD TO A BRIGHT AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!