Addy Raj —INSTAGRAM
Indian actor-model Addy Raj isn’t a Christian, so he plans to work during the holidays—but he also plans to enjoy the festivities, he tells the Inquirer.
“You got it right,” he says, laughing. “That’s the fun part about being an artist: I get to experience Christmas with so many different people in different settings. I am looking forward to all the Christmas parties!”
The Kapuso hunk adds, “Maybe I will vlog all of it and put it on my YouTube channel, as I want to show my Indian friends and followers how much fun it is to be in the Philippines during Christmas season.”
He says the Hindu festival of lights resembles the local holiday revelries. “Diwali in India is similar to Christmas in the Philippines,” notes Addy. “It’s one of the most important festivals, and all families get back together to celebrate. There is delicious Indian food everywhere and colorful traditional clothes. Gifts and fireworks are the main attractions, especially for the young ones. Houses are decorated with lights and oil lamps and it’s the start of winter.”
Describing it actually makes the erstwhile “Sirkus” actor miss the holiday: “I haven’t been able to attend Diwali in the past two years, as I was in the Philippines.”
On getting presents, Addy says, “People overthink gifts and often end up buying unnecessary stuff. I like practical gift-giving. If you know the person well, you can figure out what they need. I like giving people Indian stuff as I know they can only get it from me. Which is why everyone needs an Indian in their life!”
On what he hopes to have, Addy half-jokes, “I need a girlfriend this Christmas.”
Seriously though, he thinks that a trip to India would be the perfect gift: “It’s winter right now … We even have snow in many parts of India. Tara!”—OLIVER PULUMBARIT