The Manila Bulletin recently unveiled its annual Christmas video that delves into the true essence of the Yuletide season.
The Manila Bulletin Christmas video 2023 available on social media is an account of five individuals on the genuine spirit of #ChristmasItsGiving.
It is also a compilation of stories that reflect on the most treasured gifts, those destined to endure eternally in people’s hearts.
These narratives underscore the significance of generosity this holiday season and asks the question, “What are you prepared to offer during this festive season?”
Andrea Jane Cater, MB video producer and the director of the Manila Bulletin Christmas video 2023, revealed to Manila Bulletin Lifestyle how they conceptualized it.
“This year, we decided to do it differently,” Cater said. “Last year, it was a compilation of short films. This year, we decided to create a video that discusses the values of Christmas.”
The video, officially launched on YouTube on Friday, Dec. 8, features five main subjects that portray what the Manila Bulletin video team deemed as paragons of the values of Christmas.
“For the ad, we scoured the internet and the news for viral individuals that embody the values we are looking for. Especially people that went viral during the pandemic,” Cater said.
For the value of “pagbibigayan” or giving, the team chose Ana Patricia Non, organizer of the Maginhawa Community Pantry in 2021 that provided free food to those in need and inspired a nationwide movement of similar pantries.
Tresia Traqueña shared her story of “pagbibigayan at pagdamay” or the values of reciprocity and compassion.
One of the initiatives of the Para Youth Organization founder stemmed from the first jeepney strike this year.
Bro. Karlo Lara, a lay minister and Bible formator at San Ildefonso Church, shared his views on the true meaning of Christmas based on the value of love and forgiveness.
Francisco John Valerio, who went viral as a Grab delivery rider and a student achieving Latin honors, embodied and discussed gratefulness in the video.
Rev. Fr. Allan V. Lopez Jr., OP, parish priest at the San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs Parish, discussed forgiveness as well as love for others.
“It was a challenging process to search for our case studies (CS). We aimed to find individuals who embody the true meaning of Christmas, gained viral attention in some way, and are still actively pursuing the advocacies that initially brought them fame – the very things that earned them their recognition. We believe that these individuals all fit the criteria,” Cater said.
In crafting the Manila Bulletin Christmas video 2023, the team embarked on a heartfelt journey to discover the genuine essence of the holiday season.
Through the mosaic of touching tales featuring Non, Traqueña, Lara, Valerio, and Lopez, the video not only captures the spirit of giving, reciprocity, love, forgiveness, and gratefulness, but also challenges people to reflect on their own contributions during this festive season.
By carefully selecting individuals whose viral stories have transcended mere attention to become enduring advocacies, the video reminds the people that the true magic of Christmas lies in the selfless acts that echo in the hearts of those touched by the season’s spirit.
Check out the compilation of the Manila Bulletin Christmas videos here:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/100064746458701/891343595861716