The birth of Jesus is God's ultimate gift to mankind. Coming from a family of pastors and a servant of the church myself, one of my favorite Bible verses is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only and one Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Let us remember this as we celebrate the coming of our Savior.

I would also like to reference Vice President Sara Duterte's Christmas message of hope. She has exhorted the citizenry to remain resilient and unified despite the challenging times and regardless of differences in belief systems. Our shared dreams and aspirations for the nation bind us.

Amid the merry-making and feasting in all Christendom, may we become a source of joy, strength, and love this season. Maligayang Pasko po sa ating lahat!

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Maoist insurgency: What happens now?

Would the recent passing of the Communist Party of the Philippines — New People's Army or CPP-NPA founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison signify the demise of one of the world's longest-running communist revolts? For the sake of lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the country, I hope so.

I belong to the many disillusioned former members of Kabataang Makabayan, the CPP's underground youth arm that Joma co-founded in 1964. I was a vocal critic of the party leadership's dictatorial ways. Of course, I faced death threats upon leaving the organization. Thankfully, my mother was able to spirit me away to the United States, where I eventually earned my double degree in economics and political science.