Thousands of well-wishers from Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Nueva Ecija and Ilocos Norte, joined the festive Salo-Salo sa Palasyo at the Kalayaan grounds of Malacañang on Friday to extend their birthday greetings to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
President Marcos, together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, joined the jubilant crowd for food, music, and cultural performances in what has become a tradition of opening the Palace to the public for the President’s birthday celebration.
Among those who visited Malacañang was Elza B. Batara, 71, from Ilocos Norte, who wished the President good health and long life, expressing hope that he would continue his good work for the Filipino people.
“Happy birthday, Apo Presidente. Long live, God bless, at always take care. Sana po ay maipagpatuloy niyo pa ang magagandang gawain para sa ating mga kababayan,” Batara said.
Marietta P. Sumagan, 70, from Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, said she was thankful for being part of the celebration and prayed for more birthdays for the President. She also shared her wish that the President’s programs and reforms will carry on beyond his term.
“Happy birthday. More, more birthdays to come. Sana maipapatuloy lahat-lahat ‘yung mga gusto niyang mangyari sa mga Pilipino. Sana sa 2028, sana magpatuloy sya. Siya pa rin ang presidente natin sa Pilipinas. Maraming salamat sa salo-salo na pina-birthday sa amin ng Presidente BBM,” Sumagan said.
For Teodora C. Nuñez, 65, also from Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, the event was a meaningful moment to personally greet the Chief Executive. She extended her well-wishes for continued blessings in his leadership.
Traveling from Nueva Ecija, Florencia F. Morales, 79, offered prayers for the President’s health, safety, and guidance in leading the nation, thanking him for inviting ordinary citizens to the Palace on his special day.
“Narito po ako para batiin po siya ng maligayang maligayang kaarawan po, Mr. President. Pagpalain nawa kayo ng Diyos at subaybayan sa lahat ng mga bagay-bagay na gustong ikaloob sa iyong mga mamamayan,” Morales said.
Community leaders around Malacañang also shared in the festivities.
Barangay 829 Chairman Romualdo Billanes expressed happiness that the President remembered their community, saying they felt honored to be part of his celebration.
“Kaming nakapalibot sa Malacañang, bilang chairman ng Barangay 829, ay masayang masaya po kami kasi naalala po kami ng ating Pangulo. More birthdays țo come,” Billanes said.
Kagawad Helen Aguilar of Barangay 829 described the gathering as a blessing for their community, noting that the President’s gesture of sharing his birthday with the public shows his generosity and accessibility. She also encouraged him to stay focused on his work despite criticisms, comparing his leadership to a fruitful tree that naturally draws attention.
“Nakikita naman po natin ginagawa naman ni Presidente ang lahat. Ngayon po siya ang may birthday, siya ang may regalo sa amin. Bibihira po. Ilang presidente na po ang nadaanan namin. Iba po talaga ang panahon ng mga Marcos,” Aguilar said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was born on September 13, 1957.
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