Thus said Councilor Jimmy Lazatin as he led the blessing and first public showing of the Barangay Telabastagan giant lantern at the Essel Park here on Thursday night.
Although he refused to accept full credit, Lazatin had been chiefly responsible for Telabastagan’s first-ever victory in the annual Giant Lantern Festival last year, said residents.
“There are new features in the lantern but the same winning form will be there,” Lazatin said. He thanked Essel Park Subdivision Homeowners Association President Raul Aquino and Telabastagan residents led by Barangay Captain Remigio de Jesus for their “invaluable support.”
The audience and visitors, including businessman Renato “Abong” Tayag of nearby Angeles City and Essel Park executive Girlie Guarin, marveled at the lights, features and designs of the round-shape lantern designed by Arnel Flores, who was also the designer of the winning lantern in 2007.
Tayag and other viewers asked for the second public showing of the lantern on the same night which was acceded to by Lazatin.
“I brought my family to witness a beautiful lantern,’ said Tayag.
Msgr. Antonio del Rosario blessed the lantern which will be brought to the Robinsons Pampanga for the competition.
