The Office of the Press Secretary on Thursday welcomed the start of the Christmas season in the Philippines or “ber” months, urging Filipinos to keep safe amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

In her official Facebook page, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles shared a meme featuring singers Jose Mari Chan and Mariah Carey who are both symbols of the yuletide season for Filipinos, thanks to their hits “Christmas in Our Hearts” and “All I Want for Christmas is You”, respectively.

“’Ber months na, mga kababayan! Ano ang wish mo na gusto mong matupad ngayong Christmas season (There ber months are here, everyone! What wish do you want to come true this year)?” she said in her caption.

Cruz-Angeles also reminded the public to continue adhering to minimum public health standards while keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.

“Stay safe always and let’s spread the essence of love,” she added.

As early as August, netizens flooded social media with memes featuring Chan, known as “The Father of Philippine Christmas Music.”

Filipinos also start setting up Christmas trees, lanterns, and other holiday decors around during the “ber” months.

The Department of Trade and Industry earlier urged the public to start stocking up on some Christmas or noche buena (Christmas eve meal) items early while prices are still low.

Christmas Day (Dec. 25) is a regular holiday under Proclamation No. 1236.

This is the third year that people around the world will celebrate Christmas amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (PNA)