MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Filipinos celebrate the longest Christmas season in the world. It comes with the age-old traditions, big family reunions, Kris Kringles with friends, extended shopping time for gifts, neighbourhood carols, and the nine nights of Simbang Gabi.
The present situation, with the pandemic and the natural calamities that have upended many lives, may have brought a feeling of uncertainty for many families. But there’s no stopping Christmas for the fun-loving and family-centered Filipinos. The indomitable spirit of the Filipino endures, and it is strongly affixed to traditional values of bayanihan and malasakit.
PLDT Home released its Christmas ad titled “Mine”, which highlights the joy of giving. It goes beyond than the mantra of ‘treating yourself’, to show that there is more satisfaction derived from treating others and sharing the spirit of the season, even more. The strong connection of PLDT Home enables Filipinos to extend help and give more hope to others through the different online platforms that are available.
Filipino music icons also expressed how the internet enables them to share their gifts and blessings this season of giving. National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab says that “The true meaning and joy of Christmas is sharing.” He adds, “For me, the joy of music and songs is what I can share this Christmas season.”
Powered by PLDT Home, sharing gifts and spending meaningful time with loved ones have become more convenient for families despite the social distance. Mr. Cayabyab notes, “With PLDT Home, we can all rediscover the joy of sharing this Christmas.”
For Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, what’s important is the happiness of her loved ones at home. She shares, “Nakakamiss din ang mamili ng pangregalo at panghanda para sa pasko. Bagamat iniisip ko din maging praktikal muna at magtipid bilang hindi natin alam hanggang kalian pa ito. Pero kasi tayong mga Pinoy kahit mahirap ang buhay, we are still able to celebrate Christmas. Bilang nanay gusto ko lang naman ay maging happy ang anak ko. Dahil ang pasko ay para naman talaga sa kanya.”
An artist and a father to three children, Franco Laurel says, “We are grateful this year that we are all together and safe at home.” He adds that for the family’s safety, their reunions and get-together with loved ones are now done virtually. He shares, “The great thing about doing all the Christmas parties virtual at home is the super high speed and reliable PLDT Home Fibr connection. Now it covers our whole house with fast internet connection.”
The true meaning of the season and its source of joy comes from caring for others and keeping the family together at home. This Christmas, it is time to rediscover the gift of sharing and re-establish the strong connections, not only to our family, but equally so, to the community.
CREDITS:
Agency: Ace Saatchi & Saatchi
