Every end of December, INQUIRER.net compiles 49 of the most compelling stories and issues and groups them into seven key lists that encapsulate the year that’s been. The year 2015 in particular saw the Philippines thrust further into the global stage, whether for reasons good–”Heneral Luna,” COP21 and Miss Universe–or bad–Mamasapano, #APECtado and lumad kilings.
The second of the yearend series lists the seven most heartwarming stories of the year, from Pope Francis’ inspiring visit to the Philippines in January to the power of technology to help students in their education.
The Inquirer #BestofSeven for 2015 runs from December 24 to 30. Check out the rest of the lists here or by clicking the image at the end of this article.
1. Pope Francis touches hearts in Philippines
Pope Francis visited the predominantly Catholic Philippines in January, touching the hearts of millions of Filipinos with his message of mercy and compassion. The Argentine pontiff, known as a “Pope of Surprises,” broke protocol with unscripted speeches and unplanned stopovers throughout his five-day visit, the third Pope after Popes Paul VI and John Paul II.
Refresh your memory:
Pope Francis breaks protocol on his way out of Manila Cathedral
Pope Francis ‘very moved’ in visit to street children
Girl asks Pope: Why does God allow bad things to happen children?
2. Lisa Macuja speech will be remembered for a long time
The Philippines’ prima ballerina took the stage and drew praises in March after delivering an inspiring speech before graduates of Ateneo de Manila University’s School of Humanities and John Gokongwei School of Management. The commencement speech made waves online, connecting with the young and old alike. Macuja, who admitted that she did not have a college diploma, shared her journey to international success and talked about breathing dreams like oxygen.
Refresh your memory:
A speech that will be ‘remembered for a long, long time’
3. Celebs bring new life into the world
News reports of a new life coming into the world have always been heartwarming, and this year was nothing short of that. Among the celebrities who gave birth in 2015 were Marian Rivera, Bianca Gonzalez, and Empress Schuck. In late November, fans eagerly awaited the birth of Rivera’s first child with actor Dingdong Dantes, Maria Letizia, whose photo was disclosed to the public a week after. (OK)
Refresh your memory:
Marian Rivera gives birth to first child Maria Letizia
Bianca Gonzalez gives birth to baby girl
Empress Schuck gives birth to baby girl
4. ‘Love wins’: Gay marriage legalized in US
Love ‘won’ in the United States in June when its Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry in all 36 states and the District of Columbia, and that gay marriage was no longer banned in 14 states. “No union is more profound than marriage,” Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his majority opinion. The landmark ruling heartened gender advocates and the LGBT community worldwide. leaving Filipinos wondering if same-sex marriage could also be legalized in the predominantly Catholic Philippines.
Refresh your memory:
US Supreme Court extends same-sex marriage nationwide
Q&A: What US Supreme Court’s gay marriage ruling means
Same-sex marriage legalization in US spurs SC into action
5. Netizens help Cebu street child achieve dreams
A photo of 9-year-old Daniel Cabrera doing his homework on a sidewalk near a McDonald’s parking lot in Mandaue city, Cebu went viral in June. After the picture spread all over the Internet, donations such as books, school supplies, and a toy police car started pouring in for the boy, who dreams of becoming a policeman and his family’s “superhero” someday.
Refresh your memory:
A ‘superhero’ dream for homeless boy
Tourists give solar lamps to Cebu school of boy-in-viral-photo
10 street children get share of Daniel’s foreign donations
6. Facebook brings Mai-Mai out of poverty
A video uploaded by Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg about 24-year-old Riza Mae “Mai Mai” Tachado from Antique province went viral in October. The video featured how the free Facebook online app Internet.org aided Mai Mai’s schooling and helped her earn a diploma in computer science.
Refresh your memory:
Zuckerberg video on Mai-Mai goes viral
Antique island woman earns diploma through Internet.org
‘I still cannot believe it,’ says Antique native in Internet.org video
7. Celebs, A-listers, world leaders visit PH in 2015
The Philippines hosted a bevy of world leaders, A-list celebrities and high-profile personalities throughout 2015. Among them were French President Francois Hollande, US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinpin; actresses winner Marion Cotillard, actress Margot Robbie and Melanie Laurent; singers Sam Smith and Ariana Grande, and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.
Refresh your memory:
France’s Hollande, Cotillard, and Laurent’s PH visit in photos
‘Suicide Squad’ star Margot Robbie finds ‘heaven’ in El Nido
Anthony Bourdain spotted at Jollibee
Did we miss any other heartwarming stories? Share with us your thoughts!
