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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos on Christmas celebration: Take a little time off, come back with new blood

Marcos on Christmas celebration: Take a little time off, come back with new blood

Published Nov 23, 2025 07:40 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Malacañan Palace on Nov. 23, 2025. (RTVM)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Malacañan Palace on Nov. 23, 2025. (RTVM)
As he marked the beginning of the Christmas season during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Malacañan, President Marcos encouraged Filipinos to take a little time off during the Christmas season and come back with new ideas and new blood.
"[T]his is the time for us to take that time as it is perfectly alright. That, you know, take a little time off and spend some good time with your friends, with your family," Marcos said in his speech during the event held at the Kalayaan Grounds inside the Malacañan Palace on Sunday night, Nov. 23.
"And that is what we should be doing so that we come back refreshed. We come back with new ideas. We come back with new blood. We come back with something that will contribute to what we are doing," Marcos stated.
"And that will come from just spending good time with our loved ones. And to remember that this is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. And to once again dedicate ourselves and our lives to that service," he further said.
The President also said the season is the perfect time to reunite with loved ones and "examine our lives."
Marcos emphasized that the Christmas season, which starts as early as September in the Philippines, continues to mean more to Filipinos, particularly to families who have members living and working abroad.
"And that is why it means something special to us Filipinos. It always has, but it continues to mean even more. And what does it mean? It means that once again, we examine our lives, I suppose, and see and look back and see what has happened," Marcos said.
The Chief Executive suggested that it is also a time to "put down what we are carrying and remember "what is nice, what is good, what is happy, what is joyous in Christmas."
Marcos was accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during the Christmas tree lighting program, which also highlighted the presentation of awards to the top three winners and three special awards in the "Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin" National Parol-Making Competition Year 4.
This year, a total of 133 parols or Christmas lantern entries were received from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Training Institutes nationwide.
The event also showcased the "Puso ng Pasko" performance by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, accompanied by the Manila Symphony Orchestra and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

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President Marcos Christmas season Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Puso ng Pasko
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