After a week filled with several engagements, President Marcos looks forward to spending some quiet time with his unfinished books while keeping his eyes and ears open for any development that may require his attention during the Holiday break.

"Lahat tayo (All of us), we could use a little break. So, I will use the time… Ang dami kong libro na hindi pa nababasa. So, babasahin ko silang lahat pagka — habang bakasyon (I have many books I have yet to read. So I will read all of them during the break)," he said.

The President, however, clarified that he would not be going on vacation like the rest of the country. He said he will be in Manila on Christmas Eve and Baguio on Christmas Day.

"Hindi ako kasama diyan. Hindi kami kasama sa bakasyon, sa holiday, sa weekend. Hindi kami kasama diyan (We're not among those going on vacation during holidays or weekends)," he said.

"We’re always on call," he stressed.

"Baka may mangyari, baka may—kailangan ako (Something might happen and I'm needed). Whatever it is I’m always available," he added.

His top books

President Marcos has always been described by his family as a voracious reader who has a "whole library" in Ilocos Norte, according to his youngest son Vincent. In an interview with TV host Boy Abunda in 2019, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos said the President can read three books a day, and his collection ranges from politics, biographies, fiction, and military.

In a 2019 vlog, the President shared his top five book recommendations which were a mix of personal inspiration, intellectual stimulation, and historical insights.

The President started with "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare." He considered Shakespeare the pinnacle of English literature, unmatched in poetry and storytelling. With this, he said this would be the book he would bring if he were stranded on a desert island.

"For Whom the Bells Toll" by Ernest Hemingway was his second pick due to it being "inspiring and grounding" for him. It likewise showcased the profound impact of Hemingway's works.

As a fan of science fiction, Marcos said one of his favorites was "The Foundation Series" by Isaac Asimov. He hailed Asimov as the "king" of the genre, noting the series' influence on science fiction throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

According to the President, he always keeps a copy of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" with him. He said it provides wisdom on leadership and governance, focusing on the human condition rather than modern politics. He thought the lessons in the book were relevant even today.

Lastly, President Marcos recommended "Sainthood Postponed" by Louis Glick, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) station officer in the Philippines during the time of the late president Corazon Aquino. He said he found the book "interesting" as it offered an "objective and nonpartisan" perspective on the political landscape during the first Aquino government.