President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. used a light, informal online exchange to flag serious reminders on health and public safety as Filipinos head into the peak of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In a vlog shared on his official Facebook page, the President warned that seasonal indulgence can carry real risks, pointing to reports of increased heart attack cases during the holidays. He advised moderation at the table, particularly when it comes to rich and fatty food commonly served at Christmas gatherings.
“As for food, just eat what is right. You know that heart attack cases are high these days because we eat more fat,” he said.
The President also addressed road safety as families travel to different destinations, urging motorists to be cautious behind the wheel. For New Year celebrations, he encouraged the use of noisemakers such as toy trumpets or torotot instead of fireworks, which continue to cause injuries nationwide each year, according to Department of Health records.
Beyond safety reminders, Marcos responded playfully to a range of holiday-related questions from netizens, touching on familiar Filipino traditions. Asked about re-gifting during exchanges, he stressed the importance of gratitude while acknowledging that presents can be shared with others who may have better use for them.
“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,” he said.
“But it shouldn’t be wasted. We can pass it on to someone else who will benefit from that beautiful gift,” he added.
On dessert indulgence, particularly leche flan, the President joked that Christmas is a time to enjoy food without being overly strict, while reminding hosts to prepare enough servings for guests. He also had a quick comeback ready for relatives who comment on weight gain during reunions.
“That’s easy to answer. ‘Hey, you’ve gained weight!’ ‘Yes, you as well’,” he said.
Questions about godparent obligations also came up, with Marcos noting that he and the First Lady cannot easily avoid their godchildren because of how many they have. He suggested electronic wallets as a practical way to send aguinaldo to those they may not meet in person.
When asked what dish he would bring to a potluck, the President named a familiar favorite.
“What I’ll do, so it will be easy and will yield plenty, is spaghetti,” he said.
The Department of Health continues to record hundreds of firework-related injuries across the country during the Christmas and New Year period each year.
