Actor Zoren Legaspi is the latest celebrity to react to the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) controversial statement that a Filipino family can prepare a complete Noche Buena meal with just ₱500.
For Zoren, the suggestion misses the essence of the tradition.
“Everyone’s missing the point—the point is Noche Buena. Noche Buena is a feast,” he stressed during the press conference for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry ‘Rekonek’.
He explained that Christmas Eve is a once-a-year celebration when families gather, share stories, and enjoy generous servings of food.
“That’s not a day or a night of nagtitipid, it’s a feast for everyone… It’s a Noche Buena. We have to consider that event na once a year lang nangyayari,” he added.
‘Rekonek’ is the lone Filipino Christmas-themed film in this year’s MMFF lineup. Directed by Jade Castro, the movie explores themes of love, family, friendship, forgiveness, justice, and reconnection. It stars Gerald Anderson, Andrea Brillantes, Charlie Dizon, Gloria Diaz, and the Legaspi family, among others.
While promoting the film, the cast was asked about the now-viral ₱500 Noche Buena claim.
Veteran actress Gloria Diaz said it is possible, noting that DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque—her personal friend—showed her the agency’s sample budget list.
“Of course puwede,” Gloria said. “You can have corned beef, fruit salad, pineapple juice na dadagdagan mo lang ng yelo, and pansit.”
But co-star Carmina Villarroel disagreed.
“Hindi talaga. Sorry ha,” she said.
She explained that family size and preferred dishes matter, adding: “Tayong mga Pinoy maabilidad… pero realistically, for me, challenging at hindi na talaga kasya yung ₱500. Maybe noong 1993 kasya.”
Actress Charlie Dizon echoed this sentiment, saying ₱500 is already difficult to stretch even for a full day’s worth of meals for two people.
“Sa totoo lang, ang hirap nang pagkasyahin yung ₱500. Kahit dalawang tao, mahirap punuin ng tatlong meals in a day,” she noted.
‘Rekonek’ producer and lead star Gerald Anderson acknowledged that many Filipinos are struggling financially, especially when choosing where to spend their hard-earned money this holiday season.
He assured viewers that the film offers meaningful, family-oriented entertainment worth their Christmas budget.
Gerald emphasized that ‘Rekonek’ reflects Filipino values—making it an ideal choice for families heading to the cinemas on December 25.
‘Rekonek’ opens in theaters nationwide on December 25 as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival.
