By Darryl John Esguerra

AMUSED. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. laughs off the viral antics of student-athletes who made faces behind him during his speech at the Palarong Pambansa opening in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on May 24, 2025. In his vlog Saturday (June 7), he asked his son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, to help track down the students for a possible meetup. (Bongbong Marcos vlog screengrab)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took in stride the Palarong Pambansa opening video that went viral, addressing in his latest vlog the playful antics of student-athletes who were caught on camera making faces behind him during his speech in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on May 24.

“Noong opening ceremony ng Palarong Pambansa, may mga kabatang atleta na nasa likod ko habang ako’y nag-i-speech. Kung anu-anong mga mukha ang kanilang ginawa. ‘Yun ata ‘yung mga uso sa TikTok ngayon (During the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa, there were young athletes behind me while I was delivering my speech. They were making all sorts of faces. I think those are the trends on TikTok now),” Marcos said, while laughing in his vlog made public Sunday.

The students’ antics quickly gained traction online, with clips of their expressions circulating across social media platforms.

Marcos appeared amused and even asked his son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, to help track them down so they can meet in person.

“Cong. Sandro, baka pwede natin mahanap itong mga batang ito para naman makilala natin. Shoutout naman diyan sa mga kabataan (Congressman Sandro, maybe we can find these kids so we can meet them. Shoutout to the youth),” he said. (PNA)