This year’s GLF competition set on December 19 at the Starmills will have 11 barangay-participants.
According to GLF Executive Committee chair, Engr. Ernesto Cunanan, the 11 barangays will divide the P2 million allocation given by the city government as a form of subsidy.
Cunanan identified the competing barangays in this year’s festival as San Jose, Dolores, Santo Nino, San Nicolas, San Juan, Telabastagan, Del Pilar, Santa Lucia, Calulut, and newcomers Sindalan and Pandaras.
GLF Foundation President Alfrito “Bong” Mah said for this year, the foundation has entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) led by President-CEO Emigdio “Dino” Tanjuatco III for the promotion of the event, Robinsons Starmills led by its manager Jodee Paulette Arroyo for the venue and CLTV 36 led by its president/ general manager Sonia P. Soto for the exclusive live television coverage.
Cunanan said one of the things to watch for this year will be the improved designs of the entries as one of the lanterns will display 13,500 bulbs. He said ordinarily, only about 6,000 to 7,000 bulbs can be accommodated in the giant lantern which measures 20 feet in diameter.
Cunanan also said a nightly giant lantern exhibition from December 20 to January 6, 2016 in different places in the province will be held to give tourists an opportunity to enjoy the “colorful and creative heritage treasures” of the city.
The kick-off ceremonies also included the opening of the lantern outlet operated by the San Fernando Lantern Makers Association at the mall grounds and the unveiling of the Giant lantern Festival Countdown Billboard.
This year will mark the 107th year of giant lantern- making in San Fernando which earned for the city the distinction as “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”