By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged Filipinos to eat in moderation and avoid firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, delivering the reminder in a lighthearted yet safety-focused vlog released for Christmas 2025.
In his latest vlog made public Tuesday, Marcos encouraged the public to enjoy holiday food but warned against overindulgence, noting the seasonal rise in health risks.
“Sa pagkain, ’yung sakto lang po. Alam ninyo naman mataas ang mga kaso ng heart attack ngayong panahon dahil napaparami po ang kain natin ng taba,” he said.
The President also cautioned motorists to drive carefully while traveling for the holidays and reiterated his call to avoid firecrackers, which have long been linked to injuries during the year-end festivities.
“Ingat lang po sa pagmamaneho kung saan po kayo pupunta.”
“At siyempre mag-ingat sa mga paputok. Iwasan na natin ’yan. Doon na po tayo sa mga torotot at iba pang maingay na mga laruan,” he added.
The President said choosing safer alternatives would help ensure a joyful and injury-free celebration as Filipinos welcome the New Year.
Lighthearted questions
The Christmas vlog also featured Marcos answering light and humorous holiday questions, including gift exchanges, potluck food choices, and family gatherings, while still weaving in reminders on health, safety, and responsible celebration.
To the question of whether it is acceptable to pass on gifts received during an exchange gift, the President reminded Filipinos to value the thought behind every present, while noting that gifts may still be shared with others who could benefit from them.
“Alalahanin mo ito naman kahit ano pa ang nabigay sa inyo, kahit mayroon ka na, ito ay galing sa puso nung nagbigay. Iyon ang alalahanin natin,” Marcos Jr. said.
“Pero hindi naman dapat na masayang. Ipasa ninyo sa ibang tao na makikinabang doon sa magandang regalo na ’yun,” he added.
Asked how much leche flan one should eat, Marcos Jr. joked that Christmas is a time to enjoy food without too many restrictions, while advising hosts to simply prepare enough for everyone.
Another netizen asked how many pieces of lumpiang shanghai one should eat, to which the President laughingly replied, “Basta’t nabubusog kayo, again, Pasko naman eh, dapat medyo mag-enjoy tayo. Huwag natin iniisip na kailangan magpigil sa ating kasiyahan. Kaya ulit ’yung mga maghahanda ng pagkain, dami-damihan na lang ninyo para may baon pa pauwi.”
The Chief Executive also gamely responded to a question on how to react when relatives comment on one’s weight.
“Madaling sagutin ’yan. ‘Uy, tumaba ka!’ ‘Oo nga eh. Ikaw din,” he said.
In the vlog, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos joined the President in answering questions.
“Dapat naman, wala akong stress. Happy ako,” she said.
When asked whether godparents can avoid giving gifts to their godchildren, Marcos Jr. said that was not an option for them.
“Kaya kumpleto ang listahan namin doon sa aming mga inaanak at marami-rami din,” the President said, while suggesting that those unable to meet their godchildren personally may send gifts through electronic wallet applications.
Even Christmas potluck plans were brought up.
“Ang gagawin ko para makarami at saka madaling gawin, spaghetti,” Marcos said.
He closed the vlog by wishing Filipinos a peaceful holiday season.
“Merry Christmas! Happy New Year po,” Marcos Jr. said.
