PEOPLE OF MY YEAR 2013

What is this list all about? The belief that what matters most in life is not how many people you can affect and influence, but how deeply you affect and influence even one person. You need not be famous to make a difference in someone's life. Being a positive influence on even just one person you know, that is what counts! 

On my 5th year of doing this, I've decided to do a "best of" type of list for these people who really have made me who I am now. Here are the People of MY 2013:

1. JC Gonzalez

My brother JC, and his mini me, 4 year old Roco.

Everyone who knows me knows I am a certified Kuya's Girl. His interests, music, and hobbies when I was younger, I adopted as my own interests, music, and hobbies. And now that he is an amazing husband and father of two, I look at him and can only wish that I have a family as beautiful and love-filled as his. Ever since my godson Roco was born, and now with goddaughter Sabine as well, I make it a point to visit every year and it is TRULY the highlight of my year. Being with family, physically, beyond just Skype and whatsapp, is PRICELESS.

2. Tracy Pamintuan Gonzalez

Tracy and her mini me, 2 year old Sabine.

She is the best sister-in-law ever! Yes, she may be my only sister-in-law, but God has blessed my and my family with the best addition ever. She is beautiful, smart, strong, fun, and super cool. Plus, she is a super mom to Roco and Sabine! Really. She gave birth to both kids with no anaesthesia whatsoever, she juggles a full time job but manages to bring the kids to school and day care and cook them dinner and tuck them in bed at night, and manages to organise and squeeze in a family trip every so often. 

3. Kuya Alan and Ate Lani Cayetano

The always malambing and fun-loving Kuya Alan and Ate Lani.

One of the most hardworking, generous, and loving couples I know. They have grown to become a kuya and ate to me, and to this day they continue to guide me and extend a helping hand whenever I may need it. I admire how they balance the stress of work with relaxing and unwinding. I truly look up to how God is in the center of their relationship, and how they are never selfish with what they have and with their love.

4. Pamela Picazo Garcia

Pam with her cutiepatootie son, my inaanak Diego, and husband Maui.

My best friend since college, this hot momma is a woman of style, substance, and strength! She has bloomed these past few years into an admirable wife and mother, without ever losing the fun in her! She still knows how to have crazy game-face-on-fun, she still is the life of the group, and most admirable is how she puts family time first.

5. Boy Abunda

He's really one in a billion. Ikaw na, Tito Boy!

I always talk about how blessed and lucky I am to have this man as a mentor, friend, and manager! How many aspiring media personalities gets to be as lucky as I am? Whenever I feel lost, or down, or when I am wondering about my fate and my future, his simplest words of wisdom always make everything better. I wouldn't have survived 2013 without this man, as well as my hardworking and caring team, Weng Salido and Jamie Almario.

6. Pepel Santos

Pel and his gorgeous wife, Pat.

Another best friend I had since college, who has been living in the US for a decade now. The way he has dealt with the highs and low blows of his life, of how he changed career path in his mid 20s, and how he pursued his passion is just so inspiring. I'm super proud to be ninang to his beautiful panganay Viviana, and so happy that he's gotten close to my brother who is ninong to his son Stephan.

7. The Esguerras

Chely with adorable son Adi and husband Bong.

My good friend Chely was part of my People of my Year list last year, but as more months passed, I have come to admire her beautiful family even more. Chely and husband Bong's love story was stuff MMK is made of. With son Adi, and Andres who is coming soon, I see how pure love and laughter, and nothing material or superficial at all, fill their lives every single day.

8. JC Intal

My best friend, best enemy, and best sweetheart.

He has called me his "sweetheart, confidante, and best friend" and he is all that to me as well. Its so comforting to know that after a long, tiring, difficult day at work, you have someone to talk to to share your feelings with, to laugh with, to embrace, and everything becomes better. In the same way that when you wake up in the morning, you have that extra purpose to get up and go on. I am thankful and I feel very blessed to have this kind, kind soul in my life.

9. Ofel Malasmas Gonzalez

Our latest family photo, first time we were all together for Christmas in 9 years.

My mom is 65, does not look it at all, despite having been through it ALL. When I look at how strong my brother and sister are, I know they got it from my mother. Just this 2013, a new chapter of her life unfolded and she fearlessly decided to go for it and see what life still has to offer for her. It gives me so much joy to see her so happy with her apos Roco and Sabine, and it is my fervent wish that God surprises her with a special someone to take care of her, and for her to take care of, this 2014.

10. Aissa Gonzalez

Aissa with our super lovable godkids Sabine and Roco.

My sister never ceases to amaze me. If some people say they are impressed by what I do, the answer is, "wait til you meet my sister." She is the bravest, most adventurous, fearless, most creative, and kindest soul I know. She is on her 3rd year living in London, has been doing so well, and my wish is that she find a man as amazing as her (with nice blue or green eyes to have the cutest kids ever!?) because no one else deserves it more than she does.

Who are the people of YOUR year?