During the holiday season, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos kept busy with engagements, attending gatherings of prominent figures and organizations, as well as special events at home in Malacañang Palace.

Perhaps the “merriest” of all the First Lady’s activities was the annual Tara sa Palasyo! held at the Palace grounds.

Through the initiative, the public was invited to enter the Kalayaan Grounds and feel the warmth of Christmas through Simbang Gabi, bright amusement attractions, and the aroma of delicacies such as puto bumbong and bibingka, staples of dawn Masses.

From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., guests of all ages enjoyed claw machines, basketball hoops, a carousel ride, a train, a space rocket and a drone ship.

While billed as an event “for kids,” the Palace grounds were geared toward families, a direct reflection of the First Family.

Beyond the bright lights, Malacañang was also filled with familiar Christmas music from the First Family’s favorite chorales.

Medics get equipment

As the groups serenaded guests, a cold breeze ushered in the fresh evening air.

Beyond these activities, the Marcos family also attended Advent Masses, keeping Jesus Christ at the center despite their busy schedule.

In line with her advocacy, Mrs. Marcos did not forget Filipinos in need, particularly in health care.

To strengthen these efforts, the First Lady turned over a mobile clinic and a laboratory van to the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

“With this new unit, quality medical care can now reach our soldiers in far-flung areas. It will also help the families around them who often have little to no access to basic health services,” she said.

“This will translate into more checkups, earlier diagnoses, and better protection for the men and women who quietly serve our nation every day,” she added.

With the help of private sector partners, Mrs. Marcos said her advocacy will continue to reach more Filipinos.

“My heartfelt thanks to Lance Gokongwei and the Universal Cultural Foundation for making this possible. Thank you for standing with us in this shared mission of compassion, service, and care for our people,” she said.

According to the Lab for All website, the First Lady has been present at at least 15 Lab for All caravans, covering all such activities to date.

For now, Mrs. Marcos is taking a brief break to rest with her family before the full ASEAN 2026 schedule begins in January.