2008: A year of change

Wednesday, 31 December 2008 11:05 Malou Liwanag–Aguilar/AJPress

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Much has happened in 2008 that has caught us off guard, surprised and even shocked us. Of course, most of it have altered our lives and given us a new perspective about our future. As we see this year come to an end, we review some of these events and how it has changed life as it is, not only for the community, but also the country.

Economics 101

This year’s financial downturn has put us back into the basics of economics, with the government trying to find a way to rescue companies drowning in debt. The pain started with the subprime lending crisis that shook the real estate market, leading to a crash of foreclosures and plunging property values.

Many people lost jobs, homes, retirement incomes and their sense of security, like a number of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who had to go home in the Philippines and start all over.

The election and Obama’s win

Two candidates—Senators John McCain and Barack Obama—but only one can rule the United States of America. After months of hard campaigning and rounds of debates, history stepped in and gave America its first black president.

Much rejoicing has been done over Obama’s win, but with what has been happening in the US, he has a lot of work to do. His administration will have to face the most difficult challenges, in the hope of getting the country out of the black hole it is in today.

Still, a USA Today/Gallup Poll has found that Obama is the nation’s most-admired man, the first time a president-elect has achieved that distinction in more than 50 years.

Winners, losers and scandals

From the US we move to the colorful life in the Philippines. The ZTE scandal has rocked the nation when the multi-billion-peso kickback in the national broadband network project was blown out in the open by a most unlikely ‘hero,’ Rodolfo Lozada, Jr. The scandal involved prominent members of President Gloria Arroyo’s cabinet as well as her husband, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

To add more spice to GMA’s present leadership, her allies have continuously pushed the issue of Charter change that sent the opposition and the people to march the streets and voice out their outrage.

But politics isn’t the only thing that has made news in the Philippines. Outside of the country, Filipinos have been making a mark in the international entertainment scene. One of these is a singer who was hardly known in his country, but made headlines when popular American band Journey hired him to be their new lead singer. Arnel Pineda rose from the band ranks via YouTube and went on to be one of the most celebrated Filipino achievements today.

Another artist making waves in the international scene is young diva Charice, who, also via YouTube, was discovered by Ellen Degeneres, wowed audiences with her powerful voice. She went on to guest on Oprah Winfrey’s show, and perform with popular artists like award-winning composer David Foster, Michael Buble, Alicia Keyes, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli and diva Celine Dion.

Of course who would miss Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s victories, first being the pound-for-pound king when he beat David Diaz, and then when he defeated the Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya last December 6.

There are other people – and events – who have moved and changed 2008. As for the incoming year, we look forward to what’s in store for us. Change is always a good thing, and it is what shapes us as a nation. (www.asianjournal.com)

(Published December 31, 2008 p.A1 LAMIDWEEK)

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