The day Malacañan became a playground

For most of the year, Malacañan is a place of furrowed brows and heavy folders—an office defined by crisis meetings, policy debates, and the quiet tension of decisions that shape anation.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS B. GEDUCOS

But once a year, the gates open and the mood shifts. The marble floors echo not with protocol but with the footsteps of children running toward Christmas.On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Palace transformed into an enormous playground for the Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya 2025 Nationwide Gift-Giving, as 3,000 children from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) centers and nearby barangays filled the Kalayaan Grounds with laughter, shrieks, and the kind of joy that makes even the most hardened bureaucrat smile.

Itwas the one day when the Palace looked far less like the seat of executive power and more like a theme park. Giant inflatables towered over the lawns. Magicians, circus performers, and mascots pulled squeals from toddlers. Booths offering games, snacks, face painting, and treats lined the walkways. And everywhere—the unmistakable glow of children who knew they were somewhere special.

When smiles replace statecraft

President Marcos, opening the program, captured the shift perfectly.

“Pag nandito kayong mga bata... lahat nakangiti (When the children are here, everyone is smiling),” he told the crowd.

“Lahat magaang ang loobat lahat naramdaman ulit ang tunay na Pasko dahil nakita natin ‘yung inyong mga ngiti (Everyone feels light and they feel the true spirit of Christmas because of your smiles),” he added.