'Tis the season of giving: Filipino celebrities reveal the best Christmas presents they've given, received
The holiday season is here—the malls are decked out for the holidays, promos are everywhere, and the kids are singing Christmas carols. This also marks the season of giving, so everyone has been working on their wish lists.
Filipino celebrities, albeit busy with work commitments, are also looking forward to the magic of the holidays—from gatherings and vacations to giving and receiving gifts from their loved ones.
From special tangible items to priceless moments, PhilSTAR L!fe asked celebrities about the best gifts that they've given and received.
Jose Mari Chan
Jose Mari Chan, a Filipino icon of the holiday season, shared with L!fe the best gift he had ever received.
“God’s blessing upon me, that’s my best gift,” he said. His songs are currently featured in the musical stage play Going Home to Christmas inspired by his album of the same name which opened on Nov. 29 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. It will run until Dec. 15.
Marian Rivera
Award-winning actress Marian Rivera said the best Christmas gifts she has received are from her family and Pop Mart, which recently opened a pop-up store at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
ICYDK, Marian has a vibrant collection of trending Labubu and Molly dolls.
R’Bonney Gabriel
Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, known to be passionate about making upcycled fashion outfits, shared that the best Christmas she has received or given “is something handmade.”
The Filipina American beauty queen is a fashion designer by profession. Before winning the Miss Universe crown, R’Bonney has been using her platform to advocate for responsible fashion by inspiring others through her upcycled works. She often shares her WIP (work-in-progress) videos on her Instagram account.
Enzo Pineda
Enzo Pineda shared a sweet response to the question, putting the spotlight on Michelle Vito, his girlfriend of four years.
“The best Christmas that I received is a golf bag from my girlfriend, Michelle, and the best Christmas that I’ve given is probably Michelle’s favorite candle,” he told L!fe.
Christi McGarry
For beauty queen Christi McGarry, who represented Taguig and finished as fourth runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, quality time with her family is the most precious gift she ever got.
“The best Christmas that I received isn’t something tangible, I think it’s just the opportunity that I’ve got to spend time with my family back in the States,” she said.
Liz Uy
Being a busy mom-entrepreneur, Liz Uy, said the best Christmas she has received and given is time.
“Time. Time is the most precious of all,” Liz said, who recently launched her new clothing line, BYLZ.
Sofia Andres
Having a successful career as an actress and entrepreneur, Sofia Andres said that “love” is still the most precious thing she has ever received and given.
“I think the best gift that I’ve ever received and given in my entire life is love, it’s priceless,” she said. “Most importantly, love that comes from family.”
She also shared that her Christmas wish is happiness and peace. Sofia recently had a unicorn-themed birthday celebration for her daughter, Zoe, whom she shares with Daniel Miranda.
LA Aguinaldo
Also putting aside tangible gifts, model LA Aguinaldo shares that having quality time with his friends and family is what he treasures the most.
“The best that I’ve ever received is time with family and friends during holidays,” he told L!fe.
“I’m very sentimental when it comes to spending time with each other and just enjoying the holidays together,” he said, adding that people who make time for him are what he appreciates the most.
Anne Curtis
Anne Curtis, who has been busy with her upcoming movie and teleserye—the Philippine remake of hit K-drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay—said also values the gift of time the most.
“The gift of time, because this is something so priceless yet so valuable,” she shared. Anne recently joined the unveiling of her Madame Tussauds wax figure, making history as the very first Filipina actress and TV host to have been immortalized in wax at the popular tourist attraction.
