President Bongbong Marcos on 3 December said he is "very happy" to finally lead the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang after almost three years of stringent pandemic restrictions.

"It really is a different feeling dahil matagal na rin nating inantay 'to kahit 'nung nakaraang Pasko ay hindi pa tayo – medyo pigil pa," Marcos said.

"So, tatlong taon na tayo hindi nakapag-Pasko na Pasko na kagaya ng Pasko ng Pilipino."

Marcos will celebrate Christmas for the first time as President.

Following the lighting of the Christmas tree was fireworks display.

Marcos also handed awards to winners of a nationwide parol-making competition.

The parols submitted to the competition, dubbed "Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin,"were hung on the giant Christmas tree in Malacañang.

Present at the ceremony were Vice President Sara Duterte, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, former first lady Imelda Marcos, former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and presidential son Vinny Marcos. Photo by Yummie Dingding