President Marcos has opened the gates of Malacañan Palace to allow the public to attend the traditional nine-day “Simbang Gabi” or dawn Masses.
Simbang Gabi in Malacañang (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)
Newly-appointed Presidential Assistant Cesar Chavez said the Palace had been opened to its “true owners”—the Filipino people—as they celebrate the Yuletide season.
“This is the first time that the Palace grounds have been opened (during) the entire nine Simbang Gabi nights as far as I can remember,” according to a Facebook post by Chavez.
“Never has there been a time that the gates of Malacañang have been thrown wide open to the public this long,” he added.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the dawn Masses start at 4:30 a.m. at the open area of Malacañang.
Just like last year, Malacañang has opened its gates to Filipinos this holiday season as a gesture to celebrate their tradition of welcoming guests during Christmas and inviting relatives, neighbors, and friends to festive gatherings.
People would also have the chance to view the Christmas tree and lantern displays at the Kalayaan grounds daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. until Dec. 23. There are also rides put up by the Palace for children to enjoy at the Kalayaan grounds.
Chavez stressed that Malacañan Palace has always been open to the Filipino masses since President Marcos took office.
“Kung tutuusin, simula nang umupo si Pangulong BBM, bukas naman parati ang Malacañang sa masang Pilipino (Since President BBM assumed office, Malacañang has always been open to Filipino masses) but this holiday, President BBM and his family organized a special treat for Filipinos, especially children,” Chavez said.
“Children, I believe, would love to enjoy the spirit of the season right inside the Palace grounds. Kids can enjoy the rides installed in a carnival setting, or take selfies in front of the magnificently-lighted Christmas tree, or families can just walk around the lush garden and savor the cool evening breeze,” he added.
Malacañang has also transformed the Presidential Palace “not only as a place for fun this Christmas, but also a place to practice one’s faith,” Chavez said.
“The traditional Simbang Gabi is held there every night. This is the first time that the Palace grounds have been opened to the public for the entire nine Simbang Gabi nights,” he added.
For Chavez, this was President Marcos’ way of saying, “Being a steward of this government makes me temporary caretaker of Malacañang. I do not own this place. It belongs to the people.”