Marcos shares Palace ghost stories, recalls Father Brown, moving chairs

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Halloween shared ghost stories which he said happened in Malacañang.

In a Facebook video, Marcos recalled an instance when he was younger and his father was President.

He said he was then staying in one of the guest rooms near the state dining room ("where we now hold Cabinet meetings") and accidentally opened the door.

"Gabing-gabi na. Umuwi ako. Sinasara ko lang 'yung pintuan mula du'n sa kwarto ko. Pagbukas ko ba naman ng pintuan, nakita ko biglang gumalaw 'yung mga upuan," Marcos said.

"'Di nagsisisigaw ako dito at tumakbo ako... Sinabi ko sa security, 'May multo, may multo!'" he added laughing.

(It was late at night when I went home. I was closing the door from my room. I happened to open it and then I saw the chairs suddenly moved. I screamed and ran. I told the security, 'Ghost! Ghost!)

His son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, joined him on the video. "I still find that hard to believe."

"Ay nako. It's true," Marcos said.

He said the security staff told it must have been "Father Brown."

Marcos said there was a time when security personnel at the Palace slept on mats they placed in the hall while it was undergoing renovation. 

'Father Brown'

They told stories about Father Brown, apparently a ghost who woke them up from their sleep.

Marcos said they looked at the history of the Palace and true enough, there was a Father Brown who worked there during the time of the Americans.

"At mukhang hindi na umalis," Marcos said. 

(Who it seems already chose to stay.)

He also shared stories of doors apparently opening and closing on their own, and chandeliers which move even without the draft coming in.

Marcos said he also felt the creeps when walking up the Palace's formal stairs especially when he does alone at night.

He said it was as if somebody was watching him from behind.

"Paatras tuloy ako paakyat dahil nakakatakot. Dahil alam niyo naman kung minsan pag naglalakad ka nararamdaman mo 'pag may nakatingin sayo o may sumusunod sayo,” Marcos said.

(I walk backwards because of fear. You know how it is when sometimes you feel that someone is watching you or following you.) 

Marcos visits father's tomb

Marcos on Wednesday visited the tomb of his father, the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Marcos arrived in Taguig City with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Marcos' sons, Joseph Simon and William Vincent, were also present.

The President's sisters, Senator Imee Marcos and Irene Marcos-Araneta, were also there. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos also visited the tomb of her husband.

A Mass was attended by the First Family.

Marcos on Wednesday urged Filipinos to remember the courage shown by saints and departed loved ones in facing challenges.

In a statement, Marcos wished for a meaningful observance of this year’s All Saints' and All Souls' Days.

“As we celebrate the saints’ staunch devotion and the legacies of those who have gone before us, let us reflect on our purpose and our unceasing need for God’s guidance," Marcos said.

"At the same time, let us remember the courage that our saints and dearly departed have shown amidst their plight so that we may be empowered to be bold in living with and for Christ no matter the difficulties that we face in this world,” he added.

Marcos said the examples of faith demonstrated by forebears should "bind us all in appreciating the joy of leading a virtuous life here on earth as well as in recognizing the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.”

He said the people’s earnest obedience to this holy obligation throughout the centuries has given birth to traditions that Filipinos carry at present.

These traditions, he said, display the essence of the Filipino culture as it give utmost importance to faith and family.

“This time comes as a refreshing gift, for we can also enjoy reuniting with our loved ones while receiving much needed nourishment for out spiritual lives,” Marcos said. —NB, GMA Integrated News