First Family encourages Filipinos to celebrate Christmas even in simple ways

Metro Manila, Philippines - The First Family has encouraged Filipinos to celebrate Christmas, even in simple ways, as the holiday spirit is about loved ones.

In a video message on Tuesday, Dec. 24, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Filipinos’ Christmas is the world’s happiest.

“Hindi naman kailangang magarbo dahil nasaan mang sulok ng bansa at anuman ang ating kalagayan, ang Pasko sa Pilipino ay pagmamahalan at pagbibigayan,” Marcos said.

[Translation: It does not need to be extravagant because wherever you are in the world and whatever your situation is, the Filipino Christmas is about love and giving.]

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their three sons recommended simple ways to observe the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Bisitahin ang mga tanawin sa ating bansa [Visit attractions in the country],” the First Lady said in the same video.

“Panoorin ang makikislap at makikinang na mga palamuti sa ating mga siyudad o probinsya [Look at the sparkling and shining ornaments in your city or province],” Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos said.

“Dalawin ang mga magagandang simbahan [Go to beautiful churches],” the second child, Joseph Simon, said.

The youngest son, William Vincent, said, “Kumain kasama ang pamilya at mga kaibigan [Eat together with your family and friends].”

The president called on Filipinos to live a “life of meaning and purpose.”

“By doing so, may the bustle and spirit of Christmas make love and peace abound in every household and instill in us a deeper appreciation of the strength that comes from our relationship with Christ and each other,” Marcos said in a separate statement.

The chief executive further urged the public to emulate the light that guided the wise men to the infant Jesus “so others may see and experience the hope that the Lord Almighty freely offers to us all.”