WHEN “Ber” months kicked off, many Filipinos started flocking to shopping centers to prepare for the most-awaited Holiday of the year.

Some of them did early Christmas decoration shopping for their Christmas motif this year, while others were already buying gifts for their loved ones.

Several individuals, on the other hand, were busy planning and preparing for their Holiday trips.

Just like ordinary Filipinos, celebrities have also been getting themselves ready for Christmas.

Republicasia had the opportunity to ask Miss International third runner-up Nicole Borromeo, drag star Taylor Sheesh, and “Tawag ng Tanghalan” season six titleholder Lyka Estrella about their Christmas plans during the “Giant Christmas Tree Lighting” event in Araneta City in Quezon City, and here’s what they said:

Quality time with family

Filipina beauty queen Nicole Borromeo just came from the recently concluded 61st Miss International pageant, where she finished third runner-up.

After spending months of training and preparations for the competition, Borromeo said she has a simple plan for December: to be at home with her family. 

“I feel like I’ve spent this whole year doing so much, going places. December, I want it to be at home with [my] family. I want it intimate, just us,” she told republicasia.

Apart from Christmas, Borromeo will also celebrate her 23rd birthday next month. 

She said that she wants to have quality time with her loved ones by cooking with them, unwrapping gifts under their Christmas tree, and setting up Christmas ornaments.

“Just spending time with family, some quality time. That’s my biggest wish right now,” she added.

Take a rest

2023 has become a busy year for Taylor Sheesh, whose real name is Mac Coronel, after she caught the attention of both local and international media outlets when she headlined her own version of Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” in a mall in Quezon City.

Her popularity earned her back-to-back engagements, including several shows across the country for her viral “Taylor Sheesh: The Eras Tour.” 

The drag star also announced the release of the movie version of her tour, as the American singer-songwriter dropped “The Eras Tour” concert film worldwide.

Taylor Sheesh recently made a surprise television appearance when she joined “Its Showtime” hosts Karylle, Amy Perez, MC and Lassy for their “Magpasikat 2023” performance.

With all these projects, Taylor Sheesh wants nothing but to take a rest on Christmas day.

“Matulog! Sa sobrang busy, matutulog lang tayo for the whole night,” she said.

She will also celebrate her achievements this year with her family and friends.

Continue working

While many Filipinos will be taking off work on Christmas Day, Estrella will continue working during the Holiday.

“You know, it’s so sad kasi I think parang malabo talagang magkaka-Christmas ako with my family because malayo [sila],” the singing champ said.

However, she said she will still try to reunite with her loved ones.

“But gagawin ko pa rin talaga yung Christmas with my family and friends pero at the same time, nandun pa rin yung work ko,” she added.

Each Filipino has their own wishes this Christmas. For the three celebrities, these are the things that they want to receive:

More time with family

Noticing how time flies so fast, Borromeo said she wants to take this holiday season to bond more with her family.

“I feel like these days people are always in a hurry to go to the next thing, jump to the next problem, the next event, right?” she said. 

“This time, it’s just intimate. It’s just me, my family, and just enjoy what we have because time moves really quickly these days. It’s already close to December, my God!” she continued.

To be noticed by Swift

Currently, Singapore and Japan are the only confirmed Asian stops for “The Eras Tour.” But many Filipino Swifties are still hoping for the 12-time Grammy winner to bring her headline-making tour to the country, including Taylor Sheesh.

“Ma-notice ni Taylor ang Philippines, hindi lang ako. Especially the Filipino Swifties,” she said.

Swift’s last visit to the country was in 2014 for the Manila leg of her “Red Tour.”

Live a healthy life

With all that has happened in the past few years, including the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, Estrella has only one wish for all Filipino people: to live a healthy lifestyle.

“Simple lang naman yung Christmas wish ko. Maghi-heal lahat ng mga taong nasaktan, tsaka nagkasakit. At magkaroon ng healthy lifestyle lahat,” the General Santos City pride said.

Estrella also wishes for good mental health for herself.