Malacañang opens grounds for Christmas activities from Dec. 16 – 24

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang will open its grounds to the public from Dec. 16 to 24 as part of its Christmas celebration, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Monday.

In a Facebook post, the PCO invited the public to visit Malacañang’s Kalayaan Grounds for several Christmas activities.

The PCO said traditional kakanins usually enjoyed during the holiday season will be available for visitors right after Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo.

Meanwhile, in the evening, visitors may enjoy Malacañang’s colorful Christmas displays and carnival rides.

The exact time for each activity from Dec. 16 to 24 is listed below:

• 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. – Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass)
• 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. – Christmas Kakanin
• 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Christmas Display 
• 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Carnival Rides

The activities are part of government efforts to bring the Christmas spirit to communities nationwide, especially after recent calamities.

These efforts reflect President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s  directive earlier in December to government agencies after expressing hope that Filipinos would have a merry Christmas despite the effects of El Niño, La Niña, and the recent typhoons.