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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
December 24, 2025 | 12:00am
President Bongbong Marcos delivers a speech during the signing of the 2025 natinoal budget at Malacañang on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
The Philippine STAR / Noel Pabalete
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday reminded Filipinos to be mindful of their health and safety during the holiday season as he gamely answered funny questions from netizens.
In a vlog posted on his official Facebook page, Marcos cautioned Filipinos against excessive eating during Christmas gatherings, citing reports of increasing heart attack cases during the season.
“As for food, just eat what is right. You know that heart attack cases are high these days because we eat more fat,” the President said.
The Chief Executive also reminded motorists to drive safely going to their respective destinations and encouraged everyone to use toy trumpets or torotot and other noisy toys instead of fireworks to welcome the New Year.
The Department of Health records hundreds of cases of injuries nationwide related to the use of fireworks during the Christmas and New Year celebrations every year.
The President also gamely answered questions from netizens, sharing practical advice and playful remarks on Christmas traditions – from exchanging gifts and potluck dishes to obligations to inaanak (godchildren).
On whether it is all right to pass on to someone else gifts received in a gift exchange, the President reminded Filipinos to appreciate every gift while suggesting that presents can be passed on to others who may benefit more from the gift.
“Of course, when you receive something, you smile and say, ‘Thank you.’ Remember this, no matter what was given to you, even if you already have it, it came from the heart of the giver. That is what we should remember.”
“But it shouldn’t be wasted. We can pass it on to someone else who will benefit from that beautiful gift,” he added.
To the question of how much leche flan should one have, the President joked about holiday indulgences, saying Christmas is a time to enjoy food without too many restrictions, while reminding hosts to prepare enough for everyone.
Marcos also gamely replied to the question on how to react to comments from relatives about having gained weight.
“That’s easy to answer. ‘Hey, you’ve gained weight!’ ‘Yes, you as well’,” he said.
On whether ninongs and ninangs can evade giving gifts to their godchildren, Marcos said the First Couple could not hide because they are easy to find.
“We have a complete list of our godchildren, and they are quite a lot,” he said, as he also suggested sending cash gifts through electronic wallets to godchildren one cannot personally meet.
The President was also asked about what to bring to the potluck for traditional Christmas parties.
“What I’ll do, so it will be easy and will yield plenty, is spaghetti,” the President said.
In concluding his vlog, Marcos wished Filipinos a happy and peaceful holiday with their families and friends.
