Manuel LopezWE Filipinos probably have the longest celebration of the Christmas season anywhere in the world. We love this holiday with all our hearts, minds and tummies. We make time for reunions and parties, fundraisers and other charitable events.

We get so stressed from our over-scheduled lives, the horrendous traffic and the necessity of attending to social obligations. All this stress can really take a toll on our health. We don’t get enough sleep, and we don’t eat healthy because of all the lechonthat is ours for the taking.

In these circumstances, it’s very hard to find opportunities to reflect, breathe deeply, collect our thoughts and just spend a little quiet time by ourselves, for ourselves. It is important to seek peace. It brings balance to our life and allows us to forgive ourselves and others for mistakes we may have committed or feelings we have hurt.

There is really so much chaos in the world that we are moved to pray for peace. But there may be also some degree of chaos in our relationships, hence, the need to mend and amend. Let us get into the spirit of the season and seek peace. It will also be good for our own health and well-being. After all, being healthy allows us to care for our loved ones, work productively and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

It has been a rewarding year for the Lopez Group, with our major companies making further headway toward sustainable growth. The power and energy sector continues to perform strongly, with the natural gas plants reaping the benefits of efficiency and proper maintenance. The property development group is making headway in its expansion outside Metro Manila, with strong take-up of Rockwell’s Aruga Resort and Residences Mactan and an exciting new project in Bacolod. The media and communication sector has seen an increase in advertising while continuing to innovate into digital and themed experiences.

I want to thank all of you, our kapamilya, for being part of the Lopez Group in 2019. Our Group’s performance is the fruit of our combined effort, hard work and dedication. Please stay healthy.

In behalf of Maritess, our children and grandchildren, I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and countless joys in the New Year.