Marcos invites public to visit Malacañang this Christmas

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday encouraged the public to visit Malacañang Palace as it opened its grounds for the Christmas season.

"Merry Christmas po sa inyong lahat. At muli ngayong Pasko ay binuksan natin ulit ang Palasyo para sa inyong lahat. Open house po kami ngayon. Habang may Simbang Gabi open house po ang Palasyo," Marcos said in a video posted on his official Facebook page.

(Merry Christmas to all. We are opening the Palace once again to everyone this Christmas. It's open house here. The Palace will be on open house during Simbang Gabi.)

"Puntahan po niyo kami, bisita kayo, kumpleto ang mga pakain natin ng bibingka at saka siyempre yumg specialty ko, puto bumbong," he added.

(Come over and visit. Our food choices are complete, including bibingka and, of course, my specialty, puto bumbong.)

The President said he is looking forward to meeting visitors in Malacañang.

"Lahat ng mga anak ninyo, mga bata, para magsaya naman sila habang nag-aantay ng Simbang Gabi. So sana magkita tayo dito sa Palasyo para meron tayong Pasko sa Palasyo," he said.

(Bring the kids here so they can enjoy while they are waiting for Simbang Gabi. I am hoping to meet you here at the Palace so we can have a Christmas at the Palace.)

Since last week, carnival rides have been set up and installed at Malacañang's Kalayaan Ground for the public to enjoy.

The carnival in Malacañang will be open until Dec. 23 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Aside from the carnival, food stalls were also installed in the area.

Kalayaan Grounds is also open for those attending the traditional Simbang Gabi.

Entrance to the area is free as long as visitors will undergo security checks by the Presidential Security Group (PSG). — VDV, GMA Integrated News