The season of giving is once again upon us. Many are scrambling to find the perfect gift and planning for a Noche Buena to make the festivities more felt. In the Philippines, Christmas time also means a time to celebrate Philippine movies as the Metro Manila Film Festival runs from 25 December 2024 to 5 January 2027.

But amid the bright lights and caroling around us, there’s a grinch lurking to steal not just our money but our integrity, creativity and livelihoods. These real-life grinches, counterfeiting and piracy, come in the guise of “good” bargains and convenience. The question now is, will we celebrate the season by supporting creativity, innovation and honest work, or will we choose counterfeit goods and pirated content and turn a blind eye to how they ruin the spirit of the season?

Adding to your cart a tempting knockoff designer bag or cheap fake gadgets may seem like harmless gifts. But the truth is more unsettling than you think.

Counterfeits often fail to meet safety and quality standards. Substandard toys, for example, can harm children, and fake electronics pose fire hazards.

More disturbing is how the International Criminal Police Organization found a clear link between illicit trade and other types of crime, such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, corruption, bribery and money laundering. When we put our money on counterfeit goods, it could mean tolerating the deplorable conditions of trafficked victims or even fueling these criminal operations.

Meanwhile, piracy, the other grinch, dampens the spirit not just of the Christmas festivities but of creativity, an impact that can extend beyond the holidays.

In 2020, when the pandemic left the MMFF no choice but to stream movies online, the movie fest reported a sharp drop in revenues at less than P50 million, down from P955 million in 2019. This, as pirates made MMFF films available for free or for as little as P10 to P20, a stark contrast to the P250 streaming ticket price.

Last year, the Media Partners Asia revealed a study that estimates the country suffered from revenue leaks from piracy in online video alone at $781 million in 2022.

This problem is especially harmful to Filipino filmmakers, many of whom rely on theater and streaming revenues to sustain their craft and contribute to our cultural heritage. Imagine the heartbreak of the people who worked behind the film, who poured weeks into each of its scenes, only to see it illegally streamed hours after its premiere, robbed of millions that could be capital for another movie.

A single pirated stream may feel negligible, but multiply that by the thousands, especially for Filipinos who spend a substantial time online, and that strips creators of resources and livelihoods.

Counterfeits and piracy discourage innovation, harm legitimate businesses and reduce tax revenues that could fund essential services. Beyond immediate financial losses, they pose risks to public health and consumer safety, from substandard counterfeit cosmetics causing skin damage to fake electronics that catch fire.

Meanwhile, the normalization of piracy fosters a culture of entitlement. Why pay for something you can get for free? This mindset undermines the collective respect for intellectual property—a cornerstone of economic growth and cultural development.

As we head into the holidays, let’s reflect on the real cost of the “good deals” offered by counterfeit goods and pirated content. Let’s also ponder on the many ways we can keep from being the Grinch this holiday.

We can always shop responsibly, and buy authentic goods from reputable and authentic sellers. We can also support local producers and artisans by Going Lokal! Celebrate the MMFF by watching films in theaters or through official streaming platforms – every ticket bought legitimately is a gift to the Philippine film industry.

If you find suspicious items, you can report them directly to the IP rights holder, brand owner, or authorities like our IP Rights Enforcement Office.

You could also spread awareness by sharing this message with friends and family to protect themselves from the harms of counterfeiting and piracy.

This Christmas, let’s remember to give more than material presents. Let’s give the gift of respect—for artists, for workers and for the values that define us as a society for this is a gift that will last far beyond the holidays.