Celebrities may have good reasons to celebrate their hard-earned victories and blessings this year, but a few others went through challenging struggles.
This year was particularly a tough one for RnB singer Kyla, who suffered two miscarriages.
Throughout her ordeals, which she still found difficult to talk about at length, Kyla felt extremely grateful to have the support and love of her husband, PBA player-turned-assistant coach Rich Alvarez by her side.
Speaking to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) after the media conference for the Divas concert with Boyz II Men late last year, the celebrity mom pointed out the effect of having the right partner in life.
She related, "Importante yun, especially sa low season ng buhay mo.
"Importante yun, especially kapag napu-frustrate ka...
"Meron kang tao na who's good for you, who will lift you up, and who will remind you of what's good in life and what's still left that's good...
"And yung mga tao that really matters and what really matters in life...
"Don’t cry too much about yung mga nawala sa 'yo.
"Be thankful that you're there and you're given yung challenges na yun.
"Whatever circumstance na pagdadaanan namin, it is also wonderful at the same time, because something good happens. Parang maraming natututunan.
"And in a way, kapag may mga ganung tao sa paligid mo, like your husband, nami-minimize, nako-control din yung pain, naba-balance yung mga bagay-bagay.
"Kailangan din na mag-submit din kay Lord.
"Every day, yung husband ko, every day niyang sinasabi na, 'I want you to be happy.'"
Kyla opened up about her miscarriages last November through an Instagram post.
The post read, "This is something that i'm not comfortable talking about. But i want to say this for everyone who has been asking where i've been the last couple of weeks.
"This August, I was so happy and excited. I thought i was gonna be a mom again!
"We wanted to keep it a secret until the 1st trimester is over. And then we’ll share the happy news to everyone. It was a sensitive pregnancy that i had to leave work for a while; take a bed rest, as advised by our doctor.
"That's why i haven’t been on tv and i had to forego some of the events where i had to sing, and shows including ASAP in Australia. ASAP, Tawag Ng Tanghalan, and Cornerstone have been very good to me and i really appreciate and thank them for being so understanding. And Angeline, who was very kind and stepped in for me for Himig Handog.
"I felt bad for a while because i was missing so much work. But at the same time i was so happy and excited especially after seeing our baby’s heartbeat.
"Last week, we lost our angel. Again. For the second time. My heart was breaking as i was being brought to the delivery room.
"I was not going to have a baby. I was having a miscarriage again.
"I felt like i was given the most beautiful gift and then taken back from me so fast.
"It's hard to keep my emotions intact. I cry at the stupidest things. Today was that lotion. I asked my husband to buy for stretch marks and he went hoarding a bunch for me at Rustan's. I cry everytime i see it.
"Or the maternity clothes i ordered online that was delivered at home. Or when i see Toby's baby clothes that i brought out to be washed again. Or whenever Toby would ask where his sibling went.
"It's heartbreaking.
"Grief is not a once and done process.
"You don't cry for a week, or a month, or a year and then move on. It's hard. You don't get it out of your system.
"I will always wonder about the birthdays that we will never get to celebrate. It was supposed to be September and May.
"This year has been very difficult for me and my family. But i will remain hopeful.
"I know everything happens for a reason. And through all the pain and trying experiences, i know something wonderful will happen..."
Kyla and Rich have a five-year-old son named Toby.
The couple recently celebrated their 14th anniversary.