President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s initiative to open the grounds of Malacañang Palace to the public made people feel like the "government is within reach."

Juliette Roble, a 46-year-old elementary school teacher from San Mateo, Rizal, is among the thousands of faithful who visited the Palace to attend the traditional 'Simbang Gabi.'

Roble said she never imagined she would be able to set foot on an "exclusive place" such as Malacañang, which has been the seat of power in the Philippines since the Spanish rule.

"Thank you, Mr. President, for opening the Palace to the public. This made us feel that we really matter to you, that we are valued, and that we are family. Thank you, Mr. President, I hope you will have more good programs like this," Roble told the Daily Tribune in an interview.

Following the President's invitation, more people came to the Palace to attend the Simbang Gabi and view the giant Christmas Tree.

According to the Presidential Security Group, at least 1,800 people entered the grounds as of 8 p.m. on Thursday, 22 December — higher than the number recorded a day prior.

For some, it was their first time seeing the Palace. They said the project was a very good opportunity to be in Malacañang at least once in their lifetime.

Wendy, a native of Iloilo City, described the project as "one of the best initiatives of the President."

"It's really one of the best initiatives of our President…it's my first time to be here since not everyone who wants to go here is allowed to enter," she said.

She praised the President for the project, saying it gives Filipinos the opportunity to feel the spirit of Christmas inside the official residence of the country's leader.

Meanwhile, a group of senior citizens from Quezon City also came to visit the Palace.

Some of their members, they said, have not seen Malacañang in person yet.

"We don't want to die without seeing Malacañang," the group said.

The Palace is open until December 24 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day.

At the "simbang gabi", the public can avail of free puto "Bongbong".

Malacañang reminds the public that smoking is strictly prohibited inside the Palace and every individual entering the area must undergo a security check.

Dubbed "Tara sa Palasyo", Malacañang Palace opened one of its gates to the public so Filipinos can view the Christmas tree and lanterns while attending dawn Masses on its grounds.

The President said his goal is to make sure that every Filipino will have a joyful and meaningful Christmas.