Page 167 - May 2018 - December 2018 Issue

AN MPTC CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Christmas season in the Philippines has always been festive. The cool weather and the
enthusiastic anticipation of a new year, among other factors, combine to create a jovial
environment. Employers are generally generous giving away bonuses in different forms. Gift
giving is prevalent. Many Filipinos based abroad try to come home to spend the holidays in the
country. The less lucky ones who are unable to come home send money or gifts to their
relatives. With more money in circulation and people feeling prosperous, business is brisk.
Even our expressways benefit in form of strong year-end push in traffic.

Christmas is also the season for reunions. Different groups of people who have not seen each
other for some time, like high school classmates or friends or barkadas, get together in a social
event. The usual Christmas reunions though involve extended Filipino families.

Filipino extended family members congregate around Christmas Day to renew family ties. The
reunion is a great opportunity to meet relatives, have fun and hear and record family stories.
The event assembles grandparents, parents, children, cousins and anyone else who is
important to the family. Young kids get a chance to meet and get to know their older relatives.
New members of the family, like new spouses, are introduced. It’s a great way to bond and
keep one’s lineage alive and strong.

Many activities enliven family reunions. Stories are abundant. Games are regular features. And
who can miss the ever present videoke singing sessions? There are endless selfies and family
photo shoots. Of course, the party never runs out of food and drinks.

Even without formal extended family reunions, Christmas is merrier when spent in small family
sessions. It is always heartwarming to see holiday family portraits with a Christmas tree or other
Yuletide displays as background. A family together is the perfect Christmas image. The season,
after all, revolves around the birth of Jesus into the family.

MPTC’s domestic businesses also celebrate like a family during the Christmas season. This year,
six of our business units, including the NLEX Road Warriors, had their respective Christmas
parties. Some departments or sections even hold separate mini parties.

We had fun attending the different MPTC holiday parties. Each party had its own unique
theme and party attire. Lively band music provided merriment. The costumes and group
presentations were the outlet of employee creativity. Party games had ample participation.
Obligatory raffle draws with big prizes added excitement. The parties had no dull moment.
Indeed, the MPTC businesses hold Christmas parties as one big happy family.

After the last party music is played, it is back to business for the MPTC family. We resume our
role as provider of vital service to our nation. But the blast of energy from the holiday party will
keep our spirits high for some time. The warmth of the family togetherness sustains our soul. I
am so proud of our MPTC family!

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Rod E. Franco

MESSAGE FROM LEADERS | 166