The Christmas tree at the Palace grounds has been attracting visitors who also attends the Simbang Gabi there. (Photo from an RTVM video)
President Marcos on Wednesday night surprised families visiting Malaca帽ang鈥檚 Kalayaan Grounds to view its Christmas tree and lantern displays. The President made the surprise visit while on his way to a get-together with officials and personnel of the Radio Television Malaca帽ang (RTVM). Mr. Marcos arrived in the area past 8 p.m., shaking hands and having his picture taken with visitors who came from nearby cities and as far as Cavite and Laguna. The public can enter the Palace grounds to view the Christmas tree and 鈥減arol鈥� (lanterns) and attend the 鈥淪imbang Gabi,鈥� or dawn Mass, until Dec. 24. During a gift-giving activity on Thursday morning, the President called on those who have time to visit the Palace grounds where children enjoy the view and the free treats. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e all welcome. The Palace is already open. It鈥檚 not my house anyway, it鈥檚 yours,鈥� Mr. Marcos said. The President ordered the opening of the Palace grounds to the public on Dec. 18 until Dec. 24, from 7 p.m. up to 6 a.m. the following day. Traditional Simbang Gabi have been held in front of the Mabini Hall every 4:30 a.m. Those who want to visit Malaca帽ang can enter the Palace grounds through Gate 6. 鈥擩EROME ANING