MARK L. LOPEZThe holiday season is upon us once again, Kapamilyas, which means it’s time to be thankful for the year that was and welcome another year with renewed hope, passion and grit.

This year, ABS-CBN once again showed the world our unrelenting drive to be in the service of the Filipino. Despite our limitations, we continued to report on disasters that hit the country and performed relief operations through ABSCBN Foundation. Our digital expansion has also reached new heights and we have forged new partnerships locally and internationally. Our erstwhile competitors are now our new industry partners.

The year was all about making the impossible possible and turning challenges into opportunities. We proved that ABS-CBN never left. We merely adjusted our sails to go with the trends and adapt to the changing times. Now, our stories are where our audiences are, and ABS-CBN has become a global content company reaching audiences worldwide.
We have managed to achieve all of these because we continue to put our audiences’ happiness, needs and welfare at the center of everything we do. This year, we dedicate our “Tayo ang Ligaya ng Isa’t Isa” Christmas ID to those who share our mission of selfless service and love for others.
We pay tribute to the many unseen and unsung Filipinos whose deeds have made a lasting impact on their countrymen. Their heroism and self-sacrifices are remarkable and commendable. Let us all be inspired by the Bulacan Rescue Team for braving the storm and floods to fulfill their mission, teacher Christian Marion Obo for creating a community pantry for his students who do not have baon to school, backhoe operator Florentino Idias for achieving his dream of finishing high school even at 50 and sacrificing so much to put his daughter through school, and by the many other Filipinos who continue to find ways to make life better and more worthwhile despite difficult circumstances.
There are many things in life that we can’t control, but with God’s grace and the support of our family, friends and colleagues, we can get through anything life throws our way. Ikaw, ako, tayo ang ligaya ng isa’t isa—noon, ngayon at sa paparating na taon.
As ABS-CBN regains its footing and as the world slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, may we all hold on tighter together and continue to be the source of joy to every life we touch. May each one of us be a testament that in times of darkness, we can be a beacon of light, hope and joy for others. Let’s help one another heal, bounce back and become our best versions. Nawa’y manatiling andito tayo para sa isa’t isa.
And as we usher in a new year, I pray that we all continue the Filipino tradition of malasakit towards one another. Mahirap ang buhay, Kapamilya, pero kayang-kaya basta’t sama-sama.
Maraming salamat sa patuloy niyong tiwala at pagmamahal.
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon, Kapamilya!
MARK L. LOPEZ