Every Filipino had their own share of fear and struggles during the pandemic. But resilient by nature, happiness-loving Pinoys managed to find hope in the darkest of times, crisis after crisis, by cleaving to the people who bring them light and joy.
In time for Christmas, the cast of Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin bares their hearts to reveal their source of inspiration and enthusiasm – their greatest ‘liwanag at ligaya.’
We witnessed how the pandemic hit every aspect of Filipino living – especially its impact on the economy resulting in extensive unemployment.
So, for Joseph Marco, the unexpected career opportunities especially his stint in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin and his ties with the Kapamilya network are reminders that hope and blessings grow even in the darkness.
“Ang nagbibigay ng liwanag at ligaya sa akin ngayong Pasko ay ang aking mga mahal sa buhay and the gift of good health. Of course, to have work at this moment in my life especially for everything that’s happening around the world, I’m still thankful that I was able to sign with ABS-CBN and I found a family in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,” shared Marco.
Grae Fernandez has a big heart full of gratitude, which they say is a magnet to blessings. For him, happiness also boils down to the love of family and fans, and having a job at a time like this.
“Ang nagbibigay po sa akin ng ligaya at liwanag ay ang aking pamilya, lahat po ng blessings na nakukuha ko galing sa Panginoong Diyos,” said Grae.
This year, Kira Balinger unwrapped the gift of a lasting friendship and found her second home. “I am very grateful to have my Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin family. During this pandemic, it’s been a very hard time for all of us, so I am grateful for the gift of friendship that I have found with the ASIAA cast. I can honestly say the cast members, my friends, they are for life.”
Imprinted in the Filipino psyche, faith is vital in survival. Everything we do is anchored on the belief that the Man above is in control. Iza Calzado expressed, “Ang nagbibigay ng liwanag at ligaya sa akin ay ang mga mahal ko sa buhay. Siyempre, ang pinaka-nagbibigay ng liwanag at ligaya ay ang Panginoong Diyos, sa Kanya nagmumula ang lahat.”
Sam Milby takes encouragement from his special someone and his ‘kababayans’ whose passion and resilience remained strong and bright despite the circumstances. More importantly, he attributes light and joy to God.
“Ang nagbibigay ng liwanag at ligaya sa akin, first off, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I’m a working progress but He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Of course, my family, my special someone sa buhay ko na nagbibigay ng ligaya sa akin, at mga kababayan natin. Kahit anong pagsubok ang dumating sa mga kababayan natin, laban pa rin. Yung resilience ng mga kababayan natin, it gives me strength,” shared Sam.
Jodi Sta. Maria has a long list of people to be thankful for this year. She found the true essence of light and joy in her family who stood by her through thick and thin, son Thirdy, and ultimately in Jesus, the greatest source of light and hope.
She was also reminded of the beauty of humanity, of standing up for the powerless fellow despite the risks, magnified by our frontline and ordinary heroes’ selfless love.
“Ang dami nating pinagdaanan ngayong taon na ito. Magsasara ang taon na hindi lang pandemic ang pinagdaanan natin, kundi pati hindi pagbibigay ng prankisa ng ABS-CBN at ‘yung mga bagyong pinagdaanan natin pero ito rin ‘yung mga panahon na nakakita tayo ng mga tao who really stood up during these trying times – naging boses ng mga hindi makapg-speak up para sa sarili nila, ‘yung mga tao na sinuong ang panganib para lang makapagbigay ng tulong sa iba, ‘yung mga frontliners and of course ‘yung mga normal people na nagpakita talaga ng compassion” said Jodi.
Even if we face the darkest times, the undying Filipino faith and close ties keep the light and joy burning. What brings you ‘liwanag at ligaya,’ Kapamilya?