Take it easy, mom

The daughter of President Gloria Arroyo, Maria Lourdes Evangeline "Lulli", said her New Year's wish is for her mother to be less of a workaholic.

In an interview, the young Arroyo said, "I wish my mom would get all the rest that she needs, although I doubt if she would (stop working at all next year)."

"She is so hard-working," said Lulli. She did not say if the first family has suffered from the big workload and responsibilities of a leader.

Arroyo, an economist, is well known for her long work hours that often extend beyond 16 hours a day. The diminutive president who stands at 1.28 metre has been called "small but terrible" for her energy.

"She's indefatigable," another insider vowed.

Earlier, there were photos of Arroyo going to watch the Spiderman movie, but sources said the person in the picture was not the president.

There were also photos that showed her walking leisurely with her husband at the newly refurbished bay area in Roxas Boulevard.

"The real President Arroyo is always behind her desk, and in conference with her key officials for strategies to solve problems faced by various departments," said an insider.