Yuletide at the parks, churches

Several Filipino families assembled early on Monday to celebrate Christmas Day in parks and churches, while some were stranded in ports and terminals due to delayed travels.

As early as 5 a.m., crowds had already gathered at Rizal Park to enjoy Christmas Day emphasizing that bonding in the park was preferable due to its free entrance.

Some people laid out their picnic kits, relishing their Christmas holiday as the week following Christmas would mark the start of another year of hard work.

At Plaza Heneral Santos in General Santos City, Jasper Buenavista, a single father, and a factory worker, brought his son to the park while enjoying freshly warmed taho, continuing their Christmas Eve celebration.

"We came here to the park to continue our Christmas celebration from last night. We had limited preparations, so I promised my child that in the morning, we would go to the park to stroll around and eat. I am making the most out of it because I will be back to work on 27 December. This is my only day off," Buenavista said.

Meanwhile, Baclaran Church drew both worshippers and street vendors crowding the area. Only one lane was open for vehicles and garbage was scattered along the road.

The Police ensured safety within and outside the church grounds along Roxas Boulevard's service road. Vendors surrounding the church sold a variety of goods, including fresh produce and snacks.

At the North Port Passenger Terminal in Manila, several travelers remained stuck due to the delayed arrival of three vessels which caused stranded passengers to spend their Christmas at the port.

Despite the delays, provincial bus services in Cubao, Quezon City, continued along their routes.

At Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA, the number of passengers recorded from 1 December to 22 December was 14 percent higher than the number of passengers last year.

The Manila International Airport Authority thus reminded passengers to go to the airport early due to heavy traffic and long lines at check-in