The Christmas season holds a special place in the hearts of the ambassadors of the United Kingdom and Japan to Manila. British Ambassador Laure Beaufils and Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, along with their fellow envoys, Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke, and United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, came together to extend their warm greetings to the Filipino people with a resounding “Merry Christmas!”
In a heartfelt video message shared by Ambassador Beaufils on X (formerly Twitter), she expressed her fondness for Christmas in the Philippines, saying, “Christmas is my favorite time of the year in the Philippines.” She reminisced about her arrival in Manila in 2021, where she was pleasantly surprised to see Christmas trees already adorning the city as early as September. Over time, she has come to appreciate the early start to the Christmas festivities, and each year spent in the Philippines has only deepened her love for this joyous season. Beaufils shared, “I bring forward the putting up of our family Christmas tree. I’m so pleased to be celebrating another Christmas in Manila this year.” Furthermore, she expressed her excitement about having her entire family present for the first time, including her parents, sister and her family, and brother and his family, to celebrate the Paskong Pinoy (Filipino Christmas) together.
Ambassador Koshikawa echoed the sentiment, sharing his delight in celebrating his fourth Christmas in the Philippines. He acknowledged the warmth and joy that Filipinos bring to the holiday season, making it truly unparalleled. Koshikawa expressed his enjoyment of the festive spirit and cherished the company of the wonderful Filipinos he has encountered during this time.
Ambassador Carlson expressed her happiness in having her daughters with her during the holidays, especially during the festive Christmas season. It is a time for families to come together and create lasting memories.
The ambassadors were not the only ones extending their warm wishes. Ambassador Yu, on behalf of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, shared a message of safety and happiness for the holiday season. Ambassador Pfaffernoschke also joined in, wishing everyone a day filled with love and joy, and raising a toast to a magical Christmas and a season of happiness.
The Embassy of Canada in the Philippines also joined in the celebrations, sending their heartfelt wishes to their Christian friends in the country, saying, “Merry Christmas!”
Ambassador Beaufils, as a representative of the United Kingdom, shared the traditions and experiences that her family cherishes during Christmas in the Philippines. She expressed her love for the parols that come in all shapes and sizes, the mesmerizing lights that illuminate the city, the never-ending Christmas parties, the larger-than-life Christmas trees in malls and hotels, and, of course, the Noche Buena, the festive Christmas Eve feast that ties it all together. She concluded her message by wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas, whether they are in the Philippines or the UK.
As we can see, the Christmas season holds a special place in the hearts of these ambassadors. Their shared love for the Philippines and its unique Christmas traditions is a testament to the warmth and joy that permeate the holiday season in this country. It is a time for families to come together, for communities to celebrate, and for people from all walks of life to share in the festive spirit. Merry Christmas to all!
Source: The Manila Times
