‘What gives you hope for 2026?’
Hope does not disappoint—Romans 5:5
Hope springs eternal, indeed—but it usually gushes forth when things aren’t rosy and we cling to the one thing that doesn’t disappoint.
Hope does not arrive when everything is working well. It arrives when people decide that what is broken is still worth fighting for. In times like now—when corruption erodes trust and disillusionment hovers like smog—hope is a conscious act.
It moves mountains and molehills.
I asked Filipinos from various professions and vocations what gives them hope for the coming year.
Here are their hopeful answers:
Ana Marie Pamintuan
Editor-in-chief
The Philippine STAR
So much has happened this year in our country and it’s heartening to see so many Filipinos outraged over wrongdoing and trying to do something about it. There’s hope for our nation!
Jessica Soho
Broadcast journalist
GMA
That our countrymen are ever so vigilant against corruption.
It is good to rage because that keeps the fire and hope alive.
Asa pa tayo, but I’m hoping our collective rage (and disgust!) will force government and politicians to reform their evil ways and moderate or stop their greed.
Sana bumalik ang kanilang mga konsensya.
Steven Tan
President, SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is composed of 90% millennials and Gen X employees. The engagement and enthusiasm of Filipino youth keep me hopeful and energized this coming year 2026. We need their ideas and commitment towards a better Philippines.
Fr. Dave Concepcion
Chaplain, Sto. Nino de Paz-Greenbelt
Hope is not just an optimistic state of mind, a feeling of expectation and desire for positive outcomes, but it is believing in someone who never fails. I hope in the God who created me out of love even in knowing I can always fail. A God who will remain faithful in the midst of my own unfaithfulness.
Rep. Brian Poe-Llamanzares
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist
What gives me hope for 2026 is seeing Filipinos demand better (government) and actually participate in shaping it. Inside Congress, there is growing momentum for transparency, digital governance, and reforms that make government work faster and fairer. Hope, for me, comes from the quiet but steady realization that good policy, when paired with genuine public involvement, can still change lives, and that Filipinos are ready to move forward together.
Mariano Garchitorena
Director, Brand Communications
The Peninsula Manila
What gives me hope for 2026 is our young people. They’re aware of issues and they hold our leaders accountable—and demand results. I love their spirit and enthusiasm. They’re so brave!
This same energy is evident in the creative field. There’s so much talent that it takes my breath away. I even feel a tinge of jealousy sometimes, but it’s also very reassuring that the Filipino soul is in good hands. Mabuhay ang ating kabataan.
Jannette Velasco
Sales and Marketing Manager
PeopleAsia
As a cancer survivor, working wife, and mother, I find hope in waking up each day with renewed strength, purpose, and gratitude...looking forward to more healthy days and meaningful moments with my family. I also hope to remind everyone to be thankful for everything God gives us, especially the simple blessing of opening our eyes each morning and being able to do the things we can, because even that alone is already a gift.
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A hopeful and joyful Christmas to one and all!
