Grandparents Day Philippines 2025

In the Philippines, Grandparents’ Day is officially designated as the Saturday of every Family Week celebration. This originates from Proclamation No. 2145, issued in 1981, which declared that Saturday within Family Week would be recognized as Grandparents’ Day.

Meanwhile, Family Week itself is observed annually in the last week of September, officially supported by the government and churches—championed to strengthen family bonds and quality time. In 2025, Family Week runs from September 22 to 29, meaning Grandparents’ Day falls on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

It’s worth noting that some modern sources and media also mention Grandparents’ Day being commonly observed on the second Sunday of September, aligning with a more international timeline—but officially, in the Philippines, the legally recognized observance is the Saturday of Family Week.

The Significance of Celebrating Grandparents

Guardians of Family, Culture, and Values

In Philippine society, grandparents—our Lolos and Lolas—are much more than extended family. They are guardians of family history, cultural knowledge, and treasured values like resilience, perseverance, and morality. These elder family members often contribute materially and emotionally, especially when parents are employed outside the home.

Through their stories and guidance, grandparents pass down:

• Family traditions and oral histories.

• Beloved recipes and cultural rituals.

• Lessons in love, hard work, sacrifice, and virtue.

They inspire, guide, help raise grandchildren, and strengthen the societal fabric through their unwavering involvement in family life.

Celebrating Grandparents’ Day – Traditions & Activities

Family-Centered Acts of Appreciation

On Grandparents’ Day, Filipino families typically express gratitude through:

• Felicitations and visits—sharing meals, giving flowers or handmade cards, and offering heartfelt words.

• Small gestures—helping with chores, preparing their favorite dishes, or simply spending quality time together.

• Observances in schools and daycare centers, where kids may perform songs, present crafts, or host bonding activities like storytelling and art sessions.

Community & Commercial Celebrations

Local institutions and businesses often stage thematic events:

• For instance, SM Supermalls held a “Granny & Apo Fun” week-long event with a Granny & Apo Market, disco-themed photo booths, and wellness areas in early September 2025.

• Restaurants like Mang Inasal offer special food combos for grandparents and grandkids—e.g., promotions of Palabok, Halo-Halo, or Crèma de Leche from September 1–15.

Across the country, malls and establishments may host themed fairs, free movie nights, or interactive games to foster intergenerational connections.

What to Expect on September 27, 2025

Here’s how families can make Grandparents’ Day on September 27, 2025 both meaningful and memorable:

At Home:

• Family gathering: Host a reunion over food, stories, and laughter. Encourage grandchildren to prepare handmade cards or share memories.

• Activities: Enjoy traditional games, watch old family videos, cook or bake together, or go through family photo albums.

• Simple kindnesses: Run errands, offer foot massages, listen to their stories—small acts of care go a long way.

In Schools & Communities:

• Celebratory programs: Kindergarten to elementary–level schools can hold short programs where children perform songs or crafts for their grandparents.

• Public service gestures: Create art exhibits, reading circles, or wellness workshops designed for older members of the community.

At Malls & Public Venues:

• Visit mall events like “Granny & Apo Market” or “Groove & Snap” for fun family photos and bonding moments.

• Enjoy restaurant promos like those from Mang Inasal, available through mid-September.

Cultural Reflections: Why Grandparents Matter in Filipino Life

Central Pillars of Family

Filipino grandparents are not just relatives; they are pillars of emotional strength, mentors, and second parents. Many households rely on their presence for childcare, moral guidance, and preserving cultural identity.

Legal Recognition

The importance of grandparents isn’t only cultural—it also has legal backing. Under Article 312 of the Civil Code, grandparents are to be consulted on important family decisions—though parental authority remains primary unless parents are absent or have passed away.

Nurturing Legacies

When grandparents pass on stories of bygone times, regional customs, or unique family experiences, they ensure that heritage threads weave through generations—keeping family roots vibrant and alive.