As the festive lights begin to twinkle once more, the community of Basak-Iba in Lapu-Lapu City is engaging in a profound period of introspection. The memories of Christmas 2024 are still vivid, yet the arrival of Christmas 2025 prompts a crucial evaluation of the year that has passed.
A Time for Honest Self-Assessment
The core question being asked is a powerful one: what have we done with the time given to us? This reflection, voiced by Mar Mañus, Jr., challenges individuals to look back at their deeds over the closing year. It urges a sincere inventory of actions, questioning whether they brought genuine benefit to others or were merely empty gestures without lasting value.
This process is not about casual reminiscence but a deliberate audit of one's impact. The focus is on tangible outcomes and the moral weight of our interactions, especially with those closest to us.
Learning from Missteps to Forge a Better Path
The reflection takes a decisive turn by addressing past failures. It squarely confronts the possibility that our actions may have been hurtful or devoid of purpose, particularly towards our kaigsoonan (brothers and sisters). The message is clear: recognition of such missteps is the first step toward change.
The proposed resolution is both personal and communal. It involves a firm commitment to not repeat the fruitless or painful patterns of the previous year. The goal is to clear the path ahead, ensuring that no one's good will or spirit is wounded by our choices in the coming months.
A Personal Pledge for Christmas 2025
The introspection culminates in a direct address to the spirit of the coming holiday. It transforms reflection into a solemn promise for Christmas 2025. This pledge involves a two-fold action: first, to straighten out one's own hidden wrongdoings and wayward acts, and second, to actively share the sweetness of reconciliation and heartfelt apology with the community.
This signifies a move from internal thought to external action, emphasizing that true holiday spirit is manifested through amended behavior and restored relationships.
As Lapu-Lapu City and the wider Philippines look toward another festive season, this call from Basak-Iba serves as a timely reminder. The journey toward a meaningful Christmas 2025 begins now, with an honest review of Christmas 2024 and a committed plan to foster goodwill, healing, and purposeful living in the new year.
