Despite global commitments for peace and an end to violence, little has been done to strengthen the family and the home, which, for Pope Benedict XVI, holds the key to make peacekeeping efforts successful. For the highest official of the Catholic church in the world, what is significant is the strengthening of the human family, which is the foundation of a community of peace.

StarLife is printing in our center spread the Pope's message to the world for Jan. 1, which has been designated by the Vatican as World Peace Day. The Pope also underscored the need for people to provide education for the youth and the promotion of human rights.

In addition to this day of observance to promote peace, a related celebration is also taking place – the World Family Day, which, advocates say, encourages wider and more expansive peace through borderless bonds which people observe. The celebration finds substance and ties with the Pope's thrust when he said that the social community must draw inspiration on values on which the family community is based if it is to live in a climate of peace.

We join the global community in hoping for a 2008 that is more peaceful and more productive, especially for the country despite the rifts, for the healing of the nagging wounds in the country and for a united citizenry in our quest for local and global harmony.

New Year is welcomed and celebrated in many mood and forms all over the world and we share with you some of the ways by which the occasion goes – from the East to the West, North and South. Fun, family and fellowship are in the heart of these commemorations, making them start the year not only right but also light.

On a lighter n ote, we find it fitting to end our back page features this year with a pictorial and write-up of a premier tourism destination in Asia and the world – Pattaya in Thailand, which hosted the SEA Games 2007 sailing, windsurfing, rowing, canoeing, traditional boat race, triathlon, duathlon and equestrian events.

As we start 2008, we're reminded of these lines from William Arthur Ward:

Another fresh year is here, another year to live

To banish worry doubt and fear, to love and laugh and give.

This bright new year is given to me to live each day with zest

To daily grow and try to be my highest and my best.

I have the opportunity once more to right some wrongs

As one bard wrote: Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old;

Here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold.”

To pray for peace, to plant a tree and sing more joyful songs.