Pinoys spent Christmas Day early in parks, churches

Several Filipino families gathered early Monday morning to celebrate Christmas Day in parks and churches, while others remained stranded in ports and terminals due to delayed travels.

Many people were already at Rizal Park as early as 5 a.m. to spend quality time on Christmas Day, based on a Super Radyo dzBB report of Tuesday Niu.

They said it was better to bond in Rizal Park because the entrance was free and access to the park was unlimited.

Some people also brought their picnic kits, while the children enjoyed the colored fountain and Christmas lights hanging along the park.

In Baclaran Church, not only churchgoers flocked to the area but also street vendors in front of the church, based on a Super Radyo dzBB report of Mao dela Cruz.

Only one lane was passable for vehicles and garbage were scattered on the road.

There were also police personnel ensuring security inside the church premises, and also outside along the Roxas Boulevard service road.

The Quiapo Church was also filled with devotees during its 8 a.m. Mass, according to a separate report of Tuesday Niu.

Vendors stationed around the church were also selling various items and food, including fresh vegetables and fruits.

Last minute shoppers also flocked to Divisoria on Sunday to buy gifts and firecrackers.

Baguio celebration

Many tourists also went up to Baguio City to celebrate Christmas, according to Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

“Sa tingin ko mas marami ngayon (turista) kasi for some reason, excited sila kasi lalo na’t nababalitaan nila na lumalamig na sa Baguio. Nasa 15 °C to 23 °C kami,” he said in a dzBB interview.

(I think there are more tourists now because for some reason, they are excited, especially now that it is getting cold in Baguio. We are at 15 °C to 23 °C.)

Magalong said that the 3-star to 5-star hotels in Baguio were all fully booked already.

The Baguio City mayor also said that Kennon Road in Benguet is now open for motorists after being temporarily closed for rehabilitation.

In General Santos City, 1,300 security personnel were deployed for security purposes this holiday season, based on a report of John Wilson dela Cruz of Super Radyo General Santos.

They were positioned in malls, markets, checkpoints, churches, and other areas where people were expected to crowd.

More than two million tourists also arrived in Boracay Island in Aklan from January to December this year, exceeding the target of 1.8 million tourist arrivals, according to the Malay Tourism Office.

Many travelers were still arriving over the weekend to celebrate Christmas Day on the island.

Delayed travels

In North Port Passenger Terminal in Manila, many passengers remained stranded on Monday as the arrival of three vessels got delayed.

Due to this, stranded passengers had to spend Christmas at the port.

Some bus passengers, meanwhile, opted to go home to their respective provinces only on Christmas Day so there would be less crowd.

Travels of provincial buses in Cubao, Quezon City were continuous, despite some getting a bit delayed.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the number of passengers recorded from December 1 to December 22 was 14% higher than the number of passengers last year.

The Manila International Airport Authority thus reminded passengers to go to the airport early due to heavy traffic and long lines at check in counters. — Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA Integrated News