Marcos fields funny questions from netizens, shares holiday advice

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. brought cheer to Filipinos this Christmas season as he gamely answered humorous questions from netizens, sharing practical tips, playful banter, and warm holiday wishes in his latest vlog.

In BBM VLOG 275: Christmas 2025, released Tuesday, the President set a lighthearted tone as he addressed a wide range of questions about gift-giving, food, family gatherings, and traditional Christmas obligations.

“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 (With the many problems we face at the office every day, these questions we received have added even more to what I’m thinking about. So now, we’ll try to answer them one by one),” Marcos joked.

One netizen asked if it was acceptable to pass on gifts received during a gift exchange. While emphasizing the importance of gratitude, the President said it is also fine to share gifts with others who might benefit more.

“Siyempre pagka natanggap mo kahit anuman ‘yung natanggap mo, naka-smile ka at saka ‘Thank you.’ Alalahanin mo… ito ay galing sa puso nung nagbigay (Of course, when you receive anything—whatever it may be—you smile and say, ‘Thank you.’ Remember… it comes from the heart of the person who gave it,” he said, adding, “Pero hindi naman dapat na masayang. Ipasa ninyo sa ibang tao na makikinabang doon sa magandang regalo na ’yun (But it doesn’t have to go to waste. Pass it on to someone else who can benefit from that wonderful gift).”

Holiday food also took center stage. Asked how much leche flan or how many pieces of lumpiang shanghai one should eat, President Marcos encouraged Filipinos to enjoy without overthinking.

“Basta’t nabubusog kayo… Pasko naman eh, dapat medyo mag-enjoy tayo (As long as you’re full… it’s Christmas after all, we should enjoy a bit),” he said, reminding hosts to prepare plenty of food, enough even for guests to take home.

When asked how to respond to relatives who comment on weight gain during reunions, the President delivered a witty comeback: “‘Uy, tumaba ka!’ ‘Oo nga eh. Ikaw din.’”

First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos joined the vlog and shared her own lighthearted response, saying, “Dapat naman, wala akong stress. Happy ako.”

On the perennial question of whether ninongs and ninangs can avoid giving gifts to their godchildren, President Marcos joked that escape is impossible.

“Hindi kayo makakatago,” he said, noting that they keep a complete list of their inaanak. He suggested sending cash gifts through electronic wallet apps for those unable to meet in person.

Even Christmas potluck dilemmas were addressed. Asked what dish he would bring, the President answered with practicality: “Spaghetti,” citing its ease of preparation and ability to feed many.

Marcos wished Filipinos a joyful, safe, and meaningful Christmas celebration with their families and loved ones, reminding everyone that the season is about happiness, generosity, and togetherness.