From meetings to diplomatic functions to paperwork— these are just some of the activities that keep President Marcos busy every day.

But despite having a full plate, the country's 17th President is grateful for his busy schedule as it indicates that he is not wasting time.

"It's the only commodity that you cannot buy. It's the only commodity that you cannot bring back," he noted.

"Kailangan talagang i-maximize ang iyong oras sa isang araw (You really need to maximize your time each day)," he added.

A busy schedule is not a shock to Marcos because he saw it during his father's time. He says he learned from his father, the 10th president of the country, to choose carefully what he does daily.

"Kailangan efficient ang working habits mo. Walang sayang na oras. Wala kang ginagawa na walang katuturan (You need to have efficient working habits wherein no time would be wasted. You will do nothing that is senseless)," he said.

As Marcos celebrates his 66th birthday on Sept. 13, here's a sneak peek at a day in the life of the President.

President Marcos starts his day around 6:30 a.m. and checks his phone to see if there are issues that need his attention.

"Para makita lahat na kailangang gagawin sa araw na iyon (So that I will know what I need to do for that day)," he said.

Marcos also shared that he usually skips breakfast, thinking this helps strengthen his body.

“Kadalasan, ako’y nagfa-fast. Hindi ako kumakain ng almusal. Pagkatapos ko kumain ng gabi, hindi na ako kumakain hanggang lunch time na (Usually, I fast. I don’t eat breakfast. After I had dinner, I don’t eat until lunch time, that’s like my fast),” he said.

“Nasanay na rin ako sa ganyan routine kaya ang aking palagay nakakatulong ‘yan sa pagpatibay ng katawan (I got used to that, so that’s why I think it helps strengthen my body),” he added.

In addition to watching what he eats— he usually has fish and vegetables— the President also says he makes time to work out as it is the best "stress reliever" for him.

According to Marcos, his days are filled with meetings in Malacañan about specific issues. They also discuss upcoming events, accomplishment reports, and performance audits to ensure that government projects are going on as planned.

"Kung nagkakaproblema, ano yung problemang yun para maayos natin (If there are problems, this gives us a chance to resolve them)," he said.

Aside from meetings, the President administers the oath of office of his appointees in the Palace.

Marcos says a big part of his schedule is diplomatic functions, citing the importance of building a good relationship with friendly countries.

"Ang Pilipinas naman ay kinakaibigan lahat. Wala tayong inaaway, wala tayong ginugulo (We befriend everybody. We don't fight or bother anyone)," he said.

Malacañang also confirmed that the President will speak at the Milken Institute's 2023 Asia Summit in Singapore on the day of his birthday, Sept. 13. The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health.

While in Singapore, Marcos is expected to meet business leaders and, upon the invitation of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, attend the finals of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2023. He likewise watched the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix last year.

The President recently concluded his participation at the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia. In November, he is scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, California.

President Marcos says he signs around 50 to 100 documents a day. But an even bigger issue than this big number of paperwork is the documents that need his decision.

No matter how thick a folder is, he ensures to go over it.

"Kailangang basahin mo lahat para malaman mo lahat at pag-isipan nang mabuti bago pagdesisyunan (You need to read everything so that you will know everything and think carefully before making a decision)," he said.

Marcos says he always sets a day for external events, such as the inauguration of government projects and the distribution of government assistance.

The Office of the President (OP) receives an average of 30 invitations daily. Even though he wants to attend them all, his schedule limits him to accept only a few. With this, he makes sure to record video messages to give importance to programs of government agencies if he fails to attend their event.

As much as possible, President Marcos grants interviews to the media and engages with reporters during his events.

Marcos directly answering questions from the media is part of his earlier pronouncement that he would be his own spokesman. Depending on the event, he answers in full English, in Filipino, or a mix of both while standing most of the time.

During overseas trips, he holds a sit-down "Kapihan" session with the media covering him, where he answers questions related to his trip or other pressing issues. There are even occasions where he grants interviews inside the Philippine Airlines Flight PR001 either en route to his country of destination or on his way home.

Marcos is indeed one busy fellow, but he ensures he spends time with his family, even if it is only on Sundays. This is because his Saturdays are for appointments.

During Sundays, which he described as "family time," they hear Mass in Malacañang and have lunch together. This helps him take his mind off things.

According to the President, when faced with a complicated issue, he studies the problem and leaves it for a while. When he goes back to it, new ideas come to his mind.