Families head to Rizal Park to enjoy Christmas atmosphere, celebrate Noche Buena

Families headed to Rizal Park in Ermita, Manila, on Christmas Eve to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and celebrate Noche Buena. 

According to Oscar Oida's report on "24 Oras" Wednesday, families took to the park as early as daytime to enjoy picnics and stroll around the area, which featured various Christmas installations. 

Some visitors chose to keep their celebrations simple, but full of meaning. 

"Simpleng ano lang din po — maja, tinapay, kanin, adobo, tapos konting pichi-pichi para may mabago lang din po, tsaka ngayon lang din po kami nagsama-sama," said John Gabriel Bayos. 

"Kasi 'pag dito po, mas malilibang 'yung mga bata makakapagtakbo-takbo, tsaka ito open air. Kasi pag sa mall, maraming nakikita, wala ka namang pambili, at least dito may pagkain na, okay na, masaya naman sila," shared Lyn Estrella. 

The visitors' sentiments also echoed a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) released Wednesday, where 68% of adult Filipinos reported that they are expecting a happy Christmas this 2025. 

This was three points higher than the 65% recorded in 2024, although five points lower than the 73% recorded in 2023 and 2022, respectively. 

"Enjoyin na natin 'yung buhay natin, hangga't nandito tayo sa ibabaw ng mundo," said Lyn 

"Kahit may problema, tinitiis na lang din, [gumawa] ng paraan," added John. 

Visitors can also head to the Rizal Park Visitors Center where they can shop around for locally made products. Carts selling juice, snacks, balloons, kites, and more are also available at the park to keep visitors fueled and entertained. 

"Wag po natin kalilimutan ang clean as you go at kung maaari makapagdala sila ng resusable items para maiwasan po 'yung kalat," reminded National Parks Development Committee Park Maintenance Supervisor Carrie Ann Marie Caramoan. 

Per Oida's report, Rizal Park is only open until 11 p.m. on Wednesday and on Christmas Day, Thursday. 

Aside from the fountain and lights display, there will also be a mass in the nearby Paco Park at 8 p.m. on Wednesday and on Thursday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5 p.m. 

—CDC, GMA Integrated News