Noy to spend New Year with 4 sisters

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will likely spend the New Year in Manila with his four sisters, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said yesterday.

“I think he’s spending New Year here at the Bahay Pangarap. He will be spending it with the family, I’m sure. He normally spends it with his family and his sisters,” Almendras told reporters.

Aquino spent a four-day working vacation after Christmas in his hometown Tarlac and later in Baguio City, where he was accompanied by very close friends that included Almendras and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) chairman Cristino Naguiat.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Baguio City said Aquino was also able to visit the eco-trail in Camp John Hay as well as several shops at the Ayala Techno Hub.

The President also went to the paintball shooting range and gave some children some tips on shooting. He watched members of his entourage, including Almendras, on horseback at the eco-trail. The President also had a meal at the Filling Station.

Aquino went back to Manila on Saturday and yesterday led the wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremonies at the Luneta, in commemoration of the death of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino was able to relax, unwind and recharge. She said the President was able to rest and “spend his downtime” in Baguio with Almendras and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

Valte said Aquino was able to do a bit of walking and unwinding, even while keeping abreast of national concerns.

“The presidency is not a hat that you can just take off. I’m sure they were able to talk about work while the President was on vacation,” she said.

Valte said it was good that the President had a change of scenery and a chance to interact with people in Baguio City.

“That is something that the President looks forward to (being with children), even the time with his nephews and his nieces... Even in normal coverage, you notice that the President really takes time to go out of his way when there are children around. It’s something that is very pleasant to him,” Valte said.