CHRISTMAS BREAK. President Benigno Aquino III (R) converses with newly installed PNP Chief Alan Purisima at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III plans to take 3 days off for his Christmas break so he can relax, listen to music, read and practice target shooting.

"It was supposed to be four days but they took one day already," he told reporters on Tuesday, December 18.

The president explained that normally he only takes a day off per week: "So long as I get about a day off in a week, there’s a gap in between the daily grind, it’s enough to recharge."

Aquino's off days are normally for listening to music, reading or shooting.

"Normally daily, I get have to get a chance to listen to my stereo equipment about an hour per day. I read a lot of magazines on, usually books, but unfortunately, the job entails so much reading for the job."

He reads mostly magazines on military history, stereo equipment, cars… and guns.

"Once a week, I go target shooting and we also use it as a training venue for members of the Presidential Security Group."

Aquino admitted his friends, family and even cabinet members have suggested he should rest more, but the President refuses to.

"I’m fixated that I have six years to effect not just changes but transformational changes that will stick (…) It won’t happen if I take my sweet time about doing anything." - Rappler.com