Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) — It’s his first birthday as head of state, but President Rodrigo Duterte prefers no lavish celebrations.
To celebrate his 72nd birthday, the President is spending a quiet day at home with his family.
In a media conference Thursday last week, Duterte said he wants a simple celebration.
The Chief Executive is sticking to his tried and tested tradition — a family get-together in the comforts of his Davao City home.
Davao City residents are not surprised on the President’s choice of a low-key celebration.
They say other than spending time with family, Duterte has never been one to make a fuss of special occasions.
For Davao residents, this proves their former mayor’s simplicity and sincerity.
They say Duterte is a true man of the masses- one who would rather skip upscale festivities to spend his day with the less fortunate.
James Infuesto of the Philippine Sports Development for the Differently-Abled is among those who have the privilege of joining the President on his birthdays.
A former party host and magician, Infuesto said Duterte would often spend his birthday visiting less-fortunate communities and giving food to the poor.
At times, the President would also visit children with cancer, or interact with marginalized sectors such as persons with disabilities and indigenous people.
All of this the President would do discreetly, and with as little media coverage as possible.
“It speaks of a man na very sincere,” Infuesto said.
On Monday, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua gifted Duterte with a portrait painting of him and his family.
In a speech last Friday, the President also said someone had given him an expensive watch, which he wishes to sell.
Duterte said he’d rather not receive any gifts for the occassion.
“My birthday is coming up. Do not give me the gifts. Somebody gave me a Rolex watch, gold, in advance. I returned it. He does not want to accept it. Well, I will sell it again to the-at a discount,” he said.
For now, some residents of Davao are offering good wishes for Duterte, as well as visiting his home in hopes of personally greeting the President.
Others, however, are content with having the President in Davao during his birthday
Davao residents like Emiliano Engcoy, a farmer, say they are praying for their beloved President.
“Ang ipinagdasal ko lang sa panginoon, na sanay bigyan sya ng malakas na katawan, mabilis ang pag iisip sa kanyang isipan,” Engcoy said.
[Translation: I just prayed to God that he gives the President a strong body and a healthy mind.]
They say much like Christmas and Valentines’ Day, Duterte’s birthday is a private occasion.
They add, the Chief Executive deserves a break from the strenuous world of politics.
