I normally don’t believe in wishes. But here goes…

I wish there were no more need for groups like the Young Public Servants, that work to convince people that they need to get involved, show young professionals how to get involved, and espouse the idea that getting involved doesn’t mean selling your soul to the devil called politics.

I wish there were no more need for organizations like Youth Vote Philippines, that push the concepts of critical thinking during elections, expose politician’s histories to show the disparity between what they promised for the future and what they have actually done in the past.

I wish there were no more need for groups like the Movement for Good Governance, that have to explain the obvious need for good governance and act as babysitters to government officials
and institutions.

I wish that I win a hundred million pesos in the next lotto draw because there’s a better chance of winning the lotto this month than getting the first three other wishes anytime soon! – Jaime Garchitorena, 41, I.T. and communication strategist for Youth Vote Philippines, YPS blogger and editor, Edupro president

It has been some time since I make Christmas wishes. As a grown up, I find myself focused on making the Christmas wishes of my kids, godchildren and orphanages I support come true. – Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano

That my little sister and young kids today could still enjoy a slow and worry-free childhood and cherish it as much as my generation was able to. It’s sad to not see kids playing patintero or tumbang preso anymore and that they don’t get to watch quality children’s television shows like Batibot and Sesame Street on free channels. I hope they get a good education and a promising future here at home. – Niel Lim, 25, media liaison for Youth Vote Philippines

Easy – real justice for Alexis Tioseco and Nika Bohinc. – Gang Badoy, Rock Ed

I wish for three things: First - Justice, for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre, especially for our colleagues in media, and for Manila Bulletin’s very own Bong Reblando. May the perpetrators
be put in jail and get what they deserve – their very own special place in hell!; second – Clean and honest 2010 elections. May the one who sit there in Malacañang be the deserving candidate who will not taint the position with corruption, putting the interest of the country and its people ahead of everything else; and third – Fulfillment of my personal bucket list – which only has one content, by the way. – Ivy Lisa Mendoza, editor, Students and Campuses Bulletin

I wish that everyone could continue enjoying free and clean water. I wish that talks on climate change results to REAL solutions and results to protect our forest and watersheds – Justine Castillo, 23, project coordinator for Youth Vote Philippines

I just want Christmas to come so that the memories of the flood and tragedy the past few months will go away. – Jose Sarasola, Pinoy Fear Factor contestant, aspiring chef

For our country, sana po walang gulo at maging mapayapa ang ating bansa, pati na rin ang buong mundo. For my family, sana mabili ko na po ang pinapangarap kong sarili naming bahay at makabili na rin po ako ng sasakyan para sa aming pamilya. – Rhap Salazar, young singer

May this Christmas eliminate all the negative vibes in every individual. May the whole universe be filled with positive energy. That’s the way to go. It sounds very “kulto” but true. No to nega! Isang bonggang bonggang world peace! May ganun?! – Mr. Fu, Energy FM DJ, host, Eat Bulaga

I hope that people will be more appreciative, that they learn to care more for the environment (at least in their own little way), and to see Richard Gordon in Malacañang. – Jaser A. Marasigan, staff, Students and Campuses Bulletin

Unity in our country. – Christian Bautista, singer

My grown-up Christmas wish is that I hope the gift we all give and receive is the gift of love. There is no greater gift, especially at the Christmas season. – US Ambassador Kristie Kenney

I wish that hate, jealousy and selfishness never existed. So we can find real peace not only in this world, but within ourselves as well. – Brian Dy, owner, My Philippines

Gusto ko lang pumasyal sa Meralco. Daming Christmas lights kasi doon. – Karylle, singer/actress

My grown up Christmas wish is to be more healthy and fit. No more dengue. – Enchong Dee, athlete/actor

2009 has been a very difficult year for me and my family. I think it goes to show that all of us in the family would wish for my Lola to be still with us, happy and healthy. Christmas will be very hard for us but I’m sure she wouldn’t want that to happen. One of the values she taught me and instilled was punctuality. She gave importance to this so my Christmas wish would be for the Filipino people to be punctual. I wish we’d get rid of the “Filipino time”. I believe that this will make us a better nation. Imagine that, all Pinoys would be courteous! Isn’t that nice to think about? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! – Jiggy Aquino

Still to have an Autobot Transformer. The real one. – Jericho Rosales, actor

Mapagsama-sama ko sa isang house ‘yung buong pamilya ko. – Coach Rio dela Cruz

To spend Christmas with the whole family, but I know this won’t happen because part of my family is in Vienna, Austria and part of my family is separated here in the Philippines, in Cavite and Bulacan. It’s so seldom that I come here in the Philippines due to work, school, vacation and money. We are not rich and we can’t always afford a ticket to the Philippines. – Robert Stumvoll, PBB Double UP Housemate

My grown up Christmas wish is that the Lord will guide and give good health to my family, loved ones and friends. Also for them to return the love to our Lord by having a strong faith. As for me, I wish the Lord will guide me on my goals, career and love life. – Bryann Foronda, model

I wish there was a real Santa who gives presents to all. Then everyone will be on their best behavior no matter how old they are. This world would be a better place. Other than that, I’d really like a new car that doesn’t conk out during typhoons like Ondoy and Pepeng. – Katherine de Castro, host, Trip na Trip

I wish that people would continue blessing and helping other people who are in lack and in need. Given the recent calamities that have hit the Philippines and the world, these acts of selflessness and service are proof that love and compassion still thrives in people’s hearts. It would be great to have this spirit of giving not just during Christmas or when tragedies strike, but whole year round. – Abby Asistio, host, musician, producer

Business idea and venture for all unemployed and underemployed so we can get together and propel this country forward. I can’t give them fish but I can teach them all how to fish. – Dr. Carl Balita, host

This Christmas, may every child be loved, fed and be told how important they are just by being
around. And for every adult to understand their impact on the world and therefore want to leave a legacy that is good. – Carisse Escueta, executive director, Republikha

It is to reach my goals and have a new and nice house for me and my family. – Danica Calapatan, gymnast, Philippine Team

I wish to learn and have the courage to let go of my desires. – Emee Lei Albano, youth advocate, UNFPA

Since we’re poor, I’ve always wished to finish my elementary and high school studies. – Arnold Balais, bemedalled paralympian

Three Christmas wishes: For those running for office to have love for country. For those who have things and money to spare, to have compassion for those who are in dire need, and not just during
the holidays. And for 2009 to finally be over – it’s been such a terrible year - Patricia Malay, radio DJ

That people may always choose to see the good in everything, that we become more appreciative of what others are, of what others do, even if we do not necessarily agree with them, even if what they are and what they do turn out to be different than what we have expected, than what we have hoped. – Kirk Chester Damasco, entrepreneur

My grown up Christmas wish is my very own mature Panasonic P2 HD Video Camera for the kid in me. I can use it for world peace as well. Or to have my child like innocence back. – Roman Carlo Olivarez, director

Christmas wish? Is for everyone to be happy and feel loved. – Miguel Villafuerte, student/entrepreneur