Manny and I, together with our sons JM and Noel, spent the holidays at our home in Tuao, Cagayan. On New Year’s Day, we greeted each other “Happy New Year.” I believe 4 year-old Noel heard it wrong but said it best. “Happy New Me!”

Noel has since corrected his greeting but his original version seemed more apt – especially to us much older and supposedly wiser than him.

The new year signifies hope, a plethora of opportunities, and second (or more) chances. Meanwhile, new me can mean anything external, from a change in hairstyle, loss in weight to a different wardrobe; or internal such as becoming better, getting rid of bad habits or focusing on the positive.

Back in grade school, we were required to write our New Year’s resolutions almost every year. It is too far back to remember if I followed all, some or none of them. Decades later, I believe I can say I appreciate the value of this exercise more now both in my personal life and in relation to our government.

GMA was president for almost 10 years. Her administration is half as long as the Marcos Regime, a third longer than the usual, and more than three times that of Erap’s. While she does not have die-hard followers among the masses like the Marcos and Erap loyalists, she was able to establish a support base among those who owe her a favor or two, for one reason or another.

Thus, I can understand why we still hear and read of negativity, pessimism and cynicism no matter what economic gains our country has achieved, in spite of the increased investor confidence and regardless of the consistently high trust rating of PNoy.

However, I cannot understand when GMA’s minions still have misgivings about comparisons between the past and present administrations. I cannot also understand the ruckus when their achievements (or lack thereof) are used as a barometer on the level of success of the present.

In the last quarter of 2012, we have witnessed the passage of key pieces of legislation such as the Sin Tax the proceeds of which will go to Universal Health Care and assistance to farmers; the Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood Law which is aimed to protect mothers and children; and the General Appropriations Act which for three consecutive years (2011, 2012 and 2013) has been passed on time.

More is yet to be done.

This is the essence of New Year’s resolutions. We look at the past to get a grip on the present and to change for the better the coming year. This is a lesson learned in every organization. We should do what is good and just during our term so that we will be judged by those who come after us to have done our best instead of the worst or nothing at all. This is our responsibility to the next generation. We are obliged to prepare them for what lies ahead and not make life more difficult.

This will be the spirit behind the new me, or the new you, or the new us.

Focus on the positive. Thank God for the blessings. Remember the past but look forward to a happier, brighter and blissful 2013.