Filipinos in NMI look forward to 2012 with optimism

New Year has always been one of the most anticipated and festive occasions in the Philippines. Filipinos follow various customs and traditions beginning New Year’s Eve until midnight to usher in another year filled with hopes and expectations.

More than the lighting of fireworks, preparation of a bountiful media noche feast, and jumping as high as you can (arising from superstition that doing so on new year’s day will make one grow taller), New Year celebration for Filipinos is a time spent best with families and loved ones, leaving behind the year that was and looking ahead with much exuberance.

With Filipinos in the CNMI, the difficulties and challenges that they weathered together in 2011 have taught them to be more appreciative and think about their betterment as a whole.

Carlito J. Marquez, who works as a health, safety, and environment office and project manager at Pacific Marine and Industrial Corp., said that 2011 was a tough year for the Filipino community in the Commonwealth because of the implementation of the final rule for foreign workers. Still, he said, there were many positive developments since then, something which Filipinos and other foreign workers should be thankful for.

“I’m hopeful that with the release and implementation of the regulations, businesses would begin efforts to expand to improve our economy,” Marquez told Saipan Tribune. “I would like to be positive about the coming year and I hope others would do the same.”

Marquez, who will have a “simple” holiday celebration with his family, is also wishing for good health not just for himself and loved ones but also for all Filipinos.

A mother of three who will have her 14th celebration of New Year on island said she looks forward to doing what she and her husband have been accustomed to doing at this occasion such as putting together round-shaped fruits and preparing seafood and soup dishes for good luck.

“I wish for more blessings for next year, which I hope will be more peaceful and prosperous for all. I pray for good health especially for my 69-year-old mother who has survived cancer. I hope there will be fewer disasters and tragedies in our country. For us here in the CNMI, I hope all of us will get the improved status we’ve been waiting for,” she said.

Vergie Cordova, 52, said she will be spending New Year with her housemates and friends as her daughter is in the Philippines. She plans to prepare any dish with round ingredients and clank pots and pans to bring in good fortune.

“With the year 2011 about to end, I hope that we all leave our sorrows and problems behind and look forward to 2012 with hope knowing that the Lord is with us. We should try to make amends with family, friends, or co-workers with whom we had squabbles and have a new beginning in the coming year,” said the Sadog Tasi resident.

A Chinatown resident said she is happy to celebrate the New Year with her 18-year-old daughter, a University of Guam student is who is on vacation for the holidays.

“We’ll probably dine out and enjoy a countdown party so we can both have a good time. I’m really excited,” she said.

She said she misses New Year celebrations back in their family home in Angono, Rizal where she and the rest of their clan would go to the third floor of their house and watch the loud and colorful fireworks that light the sky at the stroke of midnight.

“My personal wish is for my daughter to continue to do well in her studies to maintain her scholarship. My wish for all long-term Filipinos in the CNMI is for them to be granted the status that we’ve been fighting for. I would be grateful if that happens because it will allow me and my daughter to be together again,” she said.