‘What I consider the saddest for 2023 would be becoming an empty nester. My daughter left last year to pursue her master’s abroad, and my son departed last August for his master’s program. So, it’s just me and the dogs left at home. The happiest moment is this Christmas! My kids are home for the holidays, and we decided to adopt an Aspin from the PAWSsion project on Christmas day!’
As the year 2023 ends, individuals from various walks of life take a moment to reflect on the highs, lows and hopes that have defined their experiences. From business leaders and government officials to chefs and entrepreneurs, each person has a unique and exciting story, encompassing personal achievements, losses and aspirations for the upcoming year.
The sentiments expressed range from the challenges of navigating the ongoing Covid-19 reality to personal triumphs, poignant farewells and global concerns.
Let's hear it from them.
"What I consider the saddest for 2023 would be becoming an empty nester. My daughter left last year to pursue her master's abroad, and my son departed last August for his master's program. So, it's just me and the dogs left at home.
The happiest moment is this Christmas! My kids are home for the holidays, and we decided to adopt an Aspin from the PAWSsion project on Christmas day!"—Berna Romulo-Puyat, Central Bank of the Philippines deputy governor.
"The highest of 2023 was that we learned to live with Covid-19 as a reality without sacrificing the economy. The lowest is the realization that we also must face the losses we encountered during the pandemic.
For 2024, I hope that it will be a better year than 2023, especially for the restaurant industry, and see our leanings materialize." — Maritel Nievera, Cabalen Group of Restaurants founder and chief executive officer.
"The highs for me were the family trips I took with my kids — one of which was the Japan trip we were supposed to take right when the pandemic hit. It was finally a promise fulfilled after three years. The low was attending the first death anniversary of my nephew.
If you asked my kids about their hopes for 2024, they would say a third dog. Mine is my family's excellent health and happiness, spending more time with people I love and trying more delicious food!" – Chef Sunshine Puey of Gourmandise by Sunshine.
"My highest — attending UP Open University to take a course I eventually graduated in!
My lowest — losing our coffee trees due to El Niño and our forests due to deforestation.
Hope for 2024 — that people will eat healthier and be conscious about organic agriculture." — Chit Juan, ECHOstore founder and coffee advocate.
"As a tourism industry stakeholder, the 'highest' of this year happened two weeks ago when we surpassed our target of 4.8 million arrivals and, so far, notched 5.3 million even before the year is over.
This reaffirms what I've always said earlier that the brouhaha over our tourism slogan, which was the 'lowest' of this year, was a useless exercise! The current arrival figures say it loud and clear. Our visitors have discovered the 7641 reasons to LOVE THE PHILIPPINES.
My prayer for 2024 is for all the other government agencies to fully support the needs of our industry to ensure a seamlessly positive tourist experience, e.g., DOTr for our airports, PPA for our cruise ports, DPWH for our roads and bridges, etc." — Bob Zozobrado, Tourism Congress of the Philippines president.
"Highest is this month when everyone is festive and businesses are thriving. The lowest is also November until December when many people are sick with flu and Covid-19 again.
For 2024, I hope for growth in the food business, especially the home-based ones. I hope for more love, hope, inner peace and strength and more assertive faith for everyone. I hope for good health in general, physically and emotionally." — Chef Pixie Sevilla of Forget Me Not Specialty Cakes and La Brazorria de Lasevil.
"Highest in 2023: Witnessing my six-year-old daughter start first grade. (In her school, there is a special ritual called the Rose Ceremony, which marks the transition from one phase to another, escorted by older children). It's such a big step. It marks the start of authentic learning and was beautiful to watch. Throughout the year, there were many highs and great memories with her.
Lowest in 2023: The failure of humanity – i.e., the genocide taking place in Palestine. The world is watching all the horrific events still taking place now, and there is not much we can do. But I guess it is a sort of triumph that the truth is now clear for everyone to see.
Hopes for 2024: World peace. Of course, this is an impossible dream (and definitely cannot be achieved in the next year), but one can expect small victories such as a ceasefire. I also want people to return to themselves and not let gadgets take over their souls. Less TikTok, more books, more natural food, more highly conscious people doing good for the world, more self-awareness and self-reflection, more exercise…" — Chiqui Mabanta, Corner Tree Café owner
"The lowest point for the country would be the political disagreement between two of our very top politicians. The highest point, of course, is the number of investors and investments coming to our country.
On 4 January, the Rotary Club of Manila, together with the Rotary Club of Forbes Park, the Rotary Club of Makati West and the Rotary Club of Makati, together with the leaders of District 3810, are presenting our guest of honor and speaker for our first meeting of the year, the chairman of the Central Bank. This has been a time-honored and tested tradition of the Rotary Club Manila. We're looking forward to the chairman of the Central Bank presenting his plans and programs for the year to us." – Jackie Rodriguez, Rotary Club of Manila district governor.
"The 2023 highlights were reconnecting with my low-maintenance friends — as I turned golden gal, haha! It was just good to see everyone. My lowest was a close friend who passed away the first week of December; then another friend passed away whom I missed meeting up with.
For 2024, as I have gotten older, I pray more for others. And my wish for 2024 — and I don't mean to sound like a Ms. Universe contestant — for the Ukraine war and Gaza-Israel war to end… and wala nang sumunod because it is affecting us all." — Food consultant and chef Melissa Sison-Oreta
"Highest was my son graduating from high school, being asked by his peers to deliver the senior's response at commencement and getting into the university he wanted to attend. I was so proud of him and still am. He had a great first semester at university, part of my high.
The lowest was the passing of our mother, whom we all loved so much. She was a force in my life — and my sisters' lives.
For 2024, now that my son is settled in college and my husband is semi-retired, I hope to give my full attention to the businesses I am involved in. I also hope to learn something new, how to create fragrances to create my signature scent for the soap and candles I make." — Bess Howe of Better Mondays PR Consultancy Inc.
"My highest for 2023 will be my new job as technical director and executive chef with Le Cordon Bleu at the Ateneo de Manila University. My lowest will be eliminating the French rugby team from the World Cup. I'm seeking an excellent 2024 culinary education with Ateneo and better health for everyone." — Chef Cyrille Soenen, Le Cordon Bleu technical director.
"Hosting the Fiba World Cup and winning over China twice this year was the highest event for 2023.
The lowest was winning only two golds for Olympic and two non-Olympic sports in the recent Hangzhou Asian Games while sending over 400 athletes.
Hope for 2024 is another gold for the Philippines in the Paris Olympics." — Monico Puentevella, Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president, former Philippine Olympic Committee chairman and former Philippine Sports commissioner.
"Low point: Farewell to Green Pastures
Closing Green Pastures marked a poignant moment in our culinary history after a decade of sustainable dining. Though bidding farewell to Green Pastures early this year, we remain optimistic about its future, actively exploring opportunities for a reopening with a better location and redefined market position.
High points: Culinary triumphs
1. As "Lambassador" of the Philippines. Honored to be appointed as the one and only Lambassador of the Philippines. I collaborate with Meat & Livestock Australia to showcase the unique flavors of Australian lamb in my culinary ventures.
2. Cyma Greek Taverna's Recognition. Cyma Greek Taverna' s esteemed recognition in the globally acclaimed list of Famous Greek Gastronomy establishments by Business Review Greece is a powerful testament to our unwavering dedication and expertise in Greek cuisine. This honor, extended to a non-Greek chef, highlights our commitment to preserving and innovating traditional Greek recipes and underscores the international acclaim we've garnered for our culinary excellence.
3. Legal victory. In a monumental legal conquest, the Supreme Court decisively sided with Cyma in a trademark battle, ensuring the safeguarding of our brand and securing a resounding victory for the entire Cyma team and its enduring legacy.
4. Productive year for Cyma and SOUV! By Cyma. 2023 was our most productive and top-grossing year, showcasing our resilience during challenging times.
5. Re-openings and new openings. We are excited about reopening Cyma at Robinsons Magnolia, strategically relocating Cyma from Greenbelt 2 to Greenbelt 5, and introducing Elaia by Cyma in Tagaytay, a Greek Olive Oil-centric concept. Plus, the opening of ROBS in Newport Mall showcasing ribs, oysters, and bourbon. Also, Tanaw restaurant in Palawan offers global flavors with local ingredients. It›s a thrilling culinary journey ahead!
For 2024, we are eagerly anticipating Cyma's 18th anniversary. Our focus remains on solidifying our position as a Greek cuisine authority. Plans include diverse Greek concepts, introducing premium Greek extra virgin olive oil, expanding Tanaw to Tagaytay and Boracay, and growing ROBS.
Appreciating the support of our patrons, partners and the culinary community, we look forward to sharing more culinary adventures in the evolving future." — Chef Robby Goco of Cyma
