It is Easter Sunday today and, aside from the glory of Easter for the Christian world, it seems to be a wake-up time for a world “fallen asleep” during the Covid pandemic.We asked some business icons in Cebu what their thoughts about Easter were and, activity–wise, what it means to them.“Easter Sunday for me is the most important day in the history of Christian life, the Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. This event is central to the Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. In premortal life, Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior. I have strong faith in a Living God. From His Passion to His Death on the Cross to the Resurrection is testament that Jesus Christ is alive and He’s present to all of us! We’re the ones who are absent, while He is present.I’m very busy advocating on food security and sustainability through natural agriculture. We can’t stabilize other industries if our agri-sector is not secured. This is what we realized during the two-year lockdown. We need farmers more than three times a day.” – Rey E. Calooy, Filceb Business Club Inc. founding chairman“Easter Sunday is always one of those fun holidays that means family getting together and acknowledging the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I often attended a lot of fun activities when I was a kid like the Easter egg hunt, Easter bunny costume and stocking up on chocolate candies. It would be hard for me to picture what Jesus really went through but I know Easter is a great time for joy and thankfulness.I love going back to my regular running routine to lose some weight; run half a marathon this year and hopefully a full marathon by 2023.” – Charlton Cokaliong,Bayfront hotel founderand managing director“When I was a kid, Easter was always one of those fun holidays I looked forward to: Easter egg hunts and chocolates. But now it has a deeper meaning to me. It is more than just games and food, it’s about Jesus Christ’s victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him. This gives hope to me and my family.So far I’ve been exercising regularly in a spin class ever since they took out the restrictions. I was able to get back to my pre-pandemic lifestyle which was having a healthy lifestyle. I also have been slowly meeting my friends again.” – Karl de Pio, Global Carrier Phils. Inc. operations directorFor me, Easter Sunday means the resurrection of our Lord. It is significant to me because it means hope. Coming out of the pandemic and a super typhoon, this year’s Easter celebration is extra special to me and my family because it means rebirth, rebuilding and the importance of always having faith and hope despite all odds.Now that we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with the pandemic, I have slowly begun to travel a little bit locally. I recently attended my first Spartan Race in Bohol, followed by a Cebu Business Month trip to Manila under Cebu Chamber. I look forward to being able to travel internationally soon, to be able to spend more time with family and friends, and also to continue growing our business, Topline.” – Brigitte Carmel Lim, Topline Group of Companies vice-president“The most celebrated Christian festivity after Christmas is Easter. Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing knowing that our Lord has triumphed over death. Traditionally, after hearing the series of Easter services during Holy Week, Easter Sunday is a day where our family spends the day at the beach eating our favorite lechon, dinuguan and jackfruit. Many resorts, malls, restaurants and commercial establishments are offering different Easter packages, giving more choices for us to spend our time other than the beach.In the past two years, the pandemic forced people to stay home This also encouraged people to start gardening and renovations at home. Suddenly people are becoming DIYers (do-it-yourselfers). I’ve started to love woodcarving as a hobby and recently converted my storage space into a small workshop and portions of my parking lot as a work area. As we slowly go back to the new normal, I will definitely continue my new hobby and also do the things we did before like camping, biking and swimming.” – Chester Lim, Anjo World Theme Park president“Holy Week is always celebrated by people based on what our Lord Jesus had done more than 2,000 years ago. This is the love of our heavenly Father for us sinners, as John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” May this be a memorable day for all of us knowing that the Lord loves us. Lord Jesus died and rose again, for us not to perish but to have eternal life through Him.I am looking forward to meeting family and friends. I also missed our out-of-town Summer Church Conference in Luzon with my family during Holy Week which I attended for almost 20 years.”- Christian Paro-an, RC Goldline Saleshop Corp. president“Easter Sunday is the day that Christ was risen! It is when Jesus showed the world that He is the true Son of God. Normally for us, Easter Sunday is a time of reflection, prayer and leisure time with the family.The most important activity to do these days is to visit nearby towns! Long drive around places in Cebu from north to south. There’s so much to see and experience.” – Aaron Que, Golden Prince Hotel executive vice-president“Easter for me is a time for renewal in all our thoughts, words and actions after the days we have been given to reflect on what we have done in the past and in the present. Easter is a season of renewed hope that all things will be for the good with God’s grace and mercy for us all.Now that the pandemic is better, seeing family and friends is a most welcome activity that I really want to do. There’s nothing like a long chat and a good laugh that heals our mind and soul with good friends and family.” – Maria Therese Tio, Childlink Learning Center and Childlink High School Inc. director