BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The spirit of Paskong Pinoy shone brightly as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos led the annual Christmas tree lighting at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace on Sunday.

The first family also led the awarding ceremony of the National Parol-Making Competition, “Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin.”

During the event, the President, alongside the First Lady and Education Secretary Sonny Angara, awarded Pedro V. Panaligan Memorial National High School of DepEd-MIMAROPA as the first-prize winner. Meanwhile, Panabo City National High School (Davao Region) secured second place, while Roxas City School for Philippine Craftsmen (Western Visayas) claimed third prize.

With the theme “Harmonies of Hope: Illuminating Filipino Resilience,” the third edition of the competition featured 148 intricately designed Christmas lanterns crafted by public secondary schools across the country.

According to entertainment icon Vice Ganda, who served as one of the judges, the event served as a showcase of artistic talent and ingenuity in our public schools. Vice Ganda is a proud product of the Philippine public school system.

President Marcos also took the opportunity to remind everyone of the need for solidarity and compassion, especially for Filipinos affected by recent calamities. “Let’s just keep them in mind and do what Filipinos do. Let’s help each other,” the President said.

The nationwide parol-making competition was a collaboration between the Office of the President, the Office of the Social Secretary, and the Department of Education (DepEd).

“This competition brought DepEd’s communities together—students, teachers, and parents pitched in to showcase their creativity and talents,” Secretary Angara said. “Our learners are truly creative thinkers, able to adapt to a rapidly changing world with ingenuity and resourcefulness.”

Highlighting the evening were performances by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, Jose Mari Chan, and Ms. Carla Guevara-Laforteza. More than 1,000 learners from the Schools Division Offices of Pasay, San Juan, Malabon, and Mandaluyong also enjoyed a full-length all-Filipino Christmas ballad presentation titled “Puso ng Pasko” by The Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.

*All Photos from DepEd