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Published November 13, 2025 9:34pm
Even as Filipinos look back on a year marked by difficulties, the Christmas spirit persists, driven by resilience and a focus on family.
According to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, people see the season depending on the stories they carry from the year that passed.
"Hindi ko masabi kasi 'yung ibang region, 'di ba, marami silang na-experience na calamities pero I hope kahit papano ma-celebrate pa rin nila nang maayos ang Pasko," one interviewee said.
"Iba 'yung Pasko ngayon, iba rin 'yung Pasko noon. Siguro mas masaya noon," another said.
This year's celebrations come after a series of calamities, including successive earthquakes and typhoons, as well as the issue of alleged corruption in flood control projects.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, meanwhile, has forecast up to three more storms before the year ends.
Sociologist Dr. Gerald Abergos said some Filipinos may feel conflicted about celebrating amid widespread loss and hardship.
"Sometimes we feel guilty, hindi tayo makapag-celebrate nang magarbo parehas ng dati dahil alam natin na may mga iba na walang pagkain sa hapagkainan at wala ring hapagkainan dahil naubos ang lahat. But that does not mean hindi na tayo magse-celebrate ng kapaskuhan. That does not mean na papababain na natin 'yung festive mood natin ngayong Pasko," he said.
Abergos said Filipinos demonstrate resilience, always finding a way, a reason, or an opportunity to celebrate Christmas.
"The Filipino people always find something to celebrate—'yung sinasabi nating beyond that silver lining, may makikita at makikita ang Pilipino ng paraan, ng pagkakataon, ng dahilan kung paano at bakit tayo magse-celebrate ng pasko," he said.
For many, that reason remains simple: family.
"Uuwi sa province," an interviewee said.
"After the whole year na pagkakawala-wala because of work, studies, magsasama-sama ulit 'yung buong pamilya," said another interviewee.
"Kahit simple lang handa namin, basta sama-sama, OK na kami," one added.
"Especially if kasama mo 'yung family mo, hindi naman mababago 'yung saya 'pag Pasko," said another. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News
