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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Banking & Finance devider The Christmas wish

The Christmas wish

Published Dec 19, 2025 12:01 am  |  Updated Dec 18, 2025 11:14 am

Christmas is the time when Santa Claus comes down the chimney, and your savings go down the drain. As such, banks and financial institutions have a new kind of “Christmas Club” in operation: a club that helps you save money just to pay for the gifts you’ve already purchased.

We are now just five days before Christmas. Despite the four-month countdown, the season’s race continues to see which gives out first—our wallets, taxed by the gifts we must buy for loved ones, or our feet, weary from the heavy foot traffic in the malls.

Yes, Virginia, we Filipinos have been recognized by the Guinness World Records for celebrating the world’s longest Christmas. It begins at the onset of the “ber” months and lasts until the Feast of the Three Kings (the Epiphany) on Jan. 6. Interestingly, France, Italy, Spain, and other Latin American nations join the Philippines in celebrating this feast.

For some Catholics, the holiday season extends even further, ending only on Feb. 2nd with the Feast of Candelaria (or Dia de la Candelaria). This conclusion of the season, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, is widely observed in Mexico, Peru, and Spain.

Of course, Simbang Gabi (night worship), or Misa de Gallo, is central to our festivities. This nine-day series of pre-dawn masses dates back to 1669. During the Spanish colonial era, it served as a practical compromise for farmers who had to begin their work before sunrise.

Some assume that completing the nine days will make their Christmas wishes come true. Others believe it isn’t about granting wishes at all, but is rather a vital expression of family tradition and faith in the Almighty.

Regarding Christmas wishes, I asked several captains of industry about their aspirations for the season—both personal and professional. As expected, maintaining a healthy body tops most lists.

Edgar Chua, Chairman of the Makati Business Club and the Philippine Business for the Environment

• Personal: For corrupt individuals—both in the private sector and government—to be put behind bars and for the restitution of stolen public funds.

•Professional: For the government to implement reforms, specifically calling for the passage of the Freedom of Information Act, the relaxation of bank secrecy laws, party-list reform, and the abolition of political dynasties.

Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso, President and General Manager of the Government Service Insurance Syesrem (GSIS)

• Personal: To have more time with my family, especially moments of quiet gratitude after a year of challenges and blessings. These are the things that keep me grounded and give me the strength to serve.

•Work: For a stronger year of service to our members. I hope for continued stability in our investments, further improvements in our services, and greater protection for government workers. Above all, I wish for unity—that everyone from the Board to the frontlines continues working together to safeguard the future of our members and the nation.

Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Deputy Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

•Personal: My Christmas and New Year wish is for good health and meaningful time with family, especially with my daughter home for the holidays. I am grateful to be sharing this season with my dad, who is 92, and my mom, who is 85. Having our family together is truly a blessing.

•Work: For more Filipinos to not only gain access to financial services but to become “financially healthy.” This means being able to save, recover from setbacks, and plan for the future. One way to support this is for providers to lower or eliminate transfer fees, making it easier for people to benefit from the digital economy.

Ed Francisco, President of BDO Capital & Investment Corp.

•Personal: I remain grateful for the blessings of family, health, and friends, and wish the same for others.

•Corporate: For better governance and accountability in government so that there will be more faith in the Philippines.

Jonas Ravelas, Economist and Senior Advisor at Reyes Tacandong & Co.

• Personal: I wish for more time with family, good health, and peace of mind—because everything else follows.
•Corporate: For stronger consumer confidence, clear and predictable policies, and faster digital adoption. These aren’t just wishes; they’re action points for growth, resilience, and recovery in 2026.

Finally, the most forthright personal wish came from BSP Governor Eli Remolona: “Marie and I are looking forward to a quiet Christmas season—waking up to hot salabat, going on longer morning walks, and treating ourselves to Filipino breakfasts.”

It is a simple wish, but it embodies the true reason for the season: a celebration of togetherness and love.

Advance Happy Holidays to everyone.

Talk back to me at [email protected]

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