This Christmas, I extend my warmest greetings to every Filipino—here at home, at sea, in far-flung communities, and across the world. May this season bring peace to your households, comfort to your hearts, and renewed hope for the days ahead. The holidays invite us to pause after a year that has asked much of all of us. They call us to reflect not only on what we have given, but also on what we have received. Beyond the lights, gatherings, and traditions, Christmas is ultimately about gratitude—gratitude for lives preserved, families embraced, faith sustained, and resilience rediscovered when circumstances tested […]... Keep on reading: Standing watch at Christmas: Gratitude, service, and hope