WE Filipinos are known for warmth and hospitality and being ecstatic about festive occasions, especially the Christmas season.
This is why as early as the onset of the so-called ‘ber’ months, many start feeling Christmassy and thus extend the greetings at every chance we get.
At the premier airports of the NAIA, however, authorities are circumspect or very, very careful, so as to avoid unnecessary misinterpretations.
For instance, in the case of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), it was learned from the bureau’s beauteous and amiable spokesperson Dana Sandoval that frontline officers are permitted to extend holiday greetings to travelers during the Christmas season.
However, she said there is emphasis on the need to keep such greetings respectful and inclusive, ensuring that all travelers feel welcomed regardless of their faith or background.
According to Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, travelers are reminded that “government personnel are not allowed to receive gifts or tokens.”
I think this reminder is misplaced. It should be directed to the BI personnel themselves. No matter how persistent the gift-giver is, it all depends on the receiver’s decision whether or not to accept gifts.
And maybe, Comm. Viado has forgotten that these days, gifts need not be physical and have already levelled up to becoming ‘digital’, also in keeping with the times. Hahah. G-Cash, hellow?
Anyway, there is nothing really wrong with extending holiday greetings.
Not only is this highly respectful and reflective of the Filipino trait of spreading good cheers during the Yuletide season, it is also an age-old tradition of celebrating Christmas in a predominantly Catholic nation like ours.
It’s the manner of extending the greetings that matters, including the tone. Made differently than the usual, it could be interpreted as an indirect way of asking for a gift, more specifically, money.
For his part, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Eric Ines has left it totally up to the discretion of airport personnel whether or not to extend greetings and how it should be done, in case they do.
According to Ines, “they (airport personnel) should be professional enough to know what is best in any given situation.” Correct. Agree.
Merry Christmas, everyone!!!
