MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday shared a light moment talking about Christmas in the Philippines.
During Harris’ courtesy call on Marcos in the Malcañan Palace, the US Vice President said she learned that the Philippines celebrates Christmas for three months – which is “wonderful.”
In response, Marcos confirmed to Harris that Filipinos start celebrating the Christmas season in September.
“We celebrate Christmas like we invented it,” he said, drawing laughter from the US high-ranking government official.
“We certainly own it now. We start in September,” he added.
Harris then said it is “good” that she visited the Philippines during the Christmas season.
The US Vice President, who is in the Philippines for a three-day official trip, acknowledged that Filipino-Americans are devout Catholics.
Her native state of California, Harris noted, is home to a “thriving” Filipino-American community.
“In the United States by last count, there are at least 4 million Filipino-Americans… Very good Catholics who celebrate Christmas,” she added.
Harris arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, November 20. On Monday, she met with her Philippine counterpart Sara Duterte before proceeding to Malacañang to meet with Marcos.
On Tuesday, Harris will meet with members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Palawan province.
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