Marcos Jr. answers netizens’ funny Christmas questions

What should one do with a gift they did not like? For President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., unwanted presents can be passed on to others while still appreciating the thought behind them.

In his latest vlog episode, Marcos Jr. sought to spread holiday cheer by sharing light-hearted advice as he answered humorous Christmas questions from netizens, including whether it is acceptable to give away gifts received during a gift exchange.

“Sa dinami-dami ng problema na hinaharap natin sa opisina araw-araw, dumagdag pa sa iniisip ko itong mga tanong na natanggap natin. Kaya ngayon susubukan natin sagutin isa-isa,” he said in jest in his BBM Vlog 275.

(With the many problems we face every day at work, these questions were added to what I have to think about. So now, we’ll try to answer them one by one.)

Whether liked or not, gifts should always be received with gratitude, the President said.

“Siyempre, pagkatanggap mo, kahit ano man ’yung natanggap mo, naka-smile ka at sasabihin mo, ‘Thank you.’ Alalahanin mo na kahit ano pa ang ibinigay sa’yo, kahit mayroon ka na, galing ito sa puso ng nagbigay. Iyon ang mahalaga,” he said.

(Of course, when you receive a gift—whatever it may be—you smile and say thank you. Remember that whatever was given, even if you already have it, came from the heart of the giver. That’s what matters.)

Marcos Jr. added that it is also acceptable to pass the gift on to someone who might benefit from it more.

“Pero hindi naman dapat masayang. Ipasa ninyo sa ibang tao na makikinabang doon sa magandang regalo na ’yon,” he said.

The President was also asked how one should respond to relatives who comment on weight gain, and whether it is acceptable for godparents to avoid their godchildren.

“Kami, hindi namin puwedeng pagtaguan dahil madali kaming hanapin. Kaya kumpleto ang listahan namin ng aming mga inaanak, at marami-rami rin,” Marcos Jr. said with a laugh.

(We can’t hide because we’re easy to find. That’s why we have a complete list of our godchildren—and there are quite a lot of them.)

But with the availability of digital wallets these days, godparents will always have a way of sharing their blessings with their godchildren, the President said. 

“Ngayon, ’yung iba siguro, kapag hindi na kayo nagkikita o nag-uusap, may apps naman. Puwede ninyong i-GCash ang mga regalo ninyo. Mas madali na ngayon,” he added.

(For others, if you’re no longer seeing or talking to each other, there are apps. You can send gifts through GCash—it’s easier now.)

How big a leche flan slice should one take, or how many pieces of lumpiang shanghai one should eat during Noche Buena? What should one bring to a traditional potluck during Christmas parties?

It is not too bad for one to indulge in good food even just one time during the holidays, according to the President.

But Marcos Jr. reminded Filipinos to be mindful of their health and safety while enjoying Christmas festivities to ensure a safe and joyful celebration.

“Sana ay masaya at mapayapa ang inyong pagdiriwang kasama ang inyong mga kaanak at kaibigan,” he said.

(We hope you have a joyful and peaceful Christmas celebration with your family and friends.)

—MCG, GMA Integrated News