Celebrities Fondest Christmas Memories

(This is taken from the December 24, 2008 issue of Inquirer Libre (Showbuzz section) and is compiled by Ms. Dolly Ann Carvajal.)

I know this is showbiz and those of you who know me personally think that it’s not in my personality to include (much more write) anything about show business. But let us admit it…celebrity news are pretty much addicting.

Cesar Montano: “My unforgettable Christmas was during my growing up years in Sta. Ana. From age 6, I would go Christmas caroling house to house from Sta. Ana all the way to San Juan. I was carrying the most famous musical instrument (made up of bottle lids) (the local version of a tambourine). As an adult in 1986 in Bohol, my cousins and I went caroling after the midnight mass. We had a great time even though we were chased by dogs 3 times. We finished at 3AM. At the break of dawn, we went to Baluarte and swam in the sea.”

Rufa Mae Quinto: “It was such a delight as a lid to hang socks on the stairs of our house with my Christmas wish list even if I knew it was my uncle who would buy the things I wanted. I also have fond memories of caroling. As an adult, I cherish my first white Christmas in Michigan. I also look forward to the yearly MMFF and the parade of the stars because it has been my panata to give laughter to the Filipinos on Christmas Day.”

Ogie Alcasid: “On Christmas morning when I was 5 years old, my Mom woke me up and Santa had delivered his Christmas present. As an adult, it makes me happiest seeing my kids open their Christmas gifts.”

Christian Baustista: “As a kid, I’ll never forget the Christmas when my cousins and I got our first Tamiya cars and we raced them non-stop. Now I feel happy deep inside every time I see my nieces and nephews play around the Christmas tree.”

Mariel Rodriguez: “My happiest Christmas as a kid was when I got the little mermaid doll I always wanted. As an adult, I felt the Christmas spirit the most when I was inside the PBB house.”

Jed Madela: “My happiest Christmas as a child was when my cousins and I lined up to get the crisp five peso bills from our grandma. As an adult, it was when I shared my blessings with the aged in Anawim last week. It was in honor of my grandma. Now it’s my turn to give back and spread around the crisp bills. But of course, it’s not just five pesos (laughs).”

I also have compiled the unforgettable Christmas memories of the INTERNATIONAL stars:

Ian Bacani: “The Christmases that I spent (and will still be spending) with my husband Levis and my baby Lian.”

Yel Porciuncula: “That will be the last Christmas that my family spent together with my grandpa before he was taken by the Lord. And last year’s Christmas (2007) when we had our costume party.”

Ems Escabarte: “Every Christmas is a special one especially when my Mom and Dad greet me “Merry Christmas” because I can feel their unconditional love.”

Miles Faustino: “My Christmases has always been ordinary. Maybe, I still need to find the person to build those special/fondest moments with me (grins).”

Vern Bocalan: "It would be the Christmas Eve of 2005. It happened that our house was being renovated that was why we ended up celebrating the occasion on my grandma's place. It was really unforgettable since that was the first time that I celebrated Christmas with my cousins.”

And of course, this would not be complete without my coolest Christmas memory.

Aeia: “Being a Christmas person that I am, every Christmas has always been special. I can still remember staying up real late on Christmas Eve so that I, together with my family can go to church and hear the mass. And on Christmas day itself, I look forward to the gifts that I will be receiving. As an adult (ewww!), I will never forget the yearly get together parties that I and my friends do. How can I forget the time that we went to Luneta and gave the street children food, candies and slippers? What about the day that we spent our Christmas in the charity ward of the UST hospital? Though this year, it will be different since there are only 3 of us left here in the Philippines, I still know that it will be fun. Thanks to modern technology! Sam, Ned, Ace and Aron, we really miss you. The 3 of us are looking forward to the Christmas when our “barkada” will do those things again, all 7 of us.”

I guess, what I’m trying to say is that we can make everyday a special day. All we needed is to do an Act of Random Kindness whenever we can. Right, Evan Almighty?