By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. (File photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he is planning to have some “little quality time” with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Christmas Day, despite his busy schedule.

When asked about his plans for Christmas, Marcos said he wants to have a “little break,” celebrating holidays with his family and using his spare time reading books.

“On Christmas Day, I’ll be in Manila but I’ll go to Baguio,” Marcos told reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

“Maybe the First Lady and I will spend a little quality time together,” he said, as he admitted that his family has no definite holiday plan yet since his three sons “have so many plans.”

Marcos, however, said it still depends on his “very flexible” schedule, considering that he is “always on call.”

“I don’t have off days. Hindi ako kasama diyan. Hindi kami kasama sa bakasyon, sa holiday, sa weekend. Hindi kami kasama diyan (I’m not exempted. We’re not exempted from having vacation, holiday, and weekend. We’re not exempted),” he said.

Marcos has been celebrating Christmas with his family in Manila since he became president in 2022.

Marcos and the First Lady, for the third time, have opened the Malacañang grounds to the public for the annual “Tara Sa Palasyo” festivities.

The yearly Christmas activities allow Filipinos to enjoy the yuletide season.

Mass goers may attend the nine-day Misa De Gallo at the Mabini grounds of the Palace from 4:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.

After the mass, visitors may enjoy Filipino delicacies such as puto bumbong and bibingka, partnered with hot chocolate, making the Filipino Christmas tradition more joyful and meaningful.

The festivities continue in the evenings as the public is also invited to explore the enchanting Christmas display, with carnival-themed rides that are accessible to all free of charge. The gates are open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. until Dec. 23. (PNA)