CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Raring for showtime!
The capital city is all set to reaffirm its claim as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines with its “Ligligan Parul” (Giant Lantern Festival) going even “bigger and brighter” this year.
Slated on December 19 at the Robinsons Starmills here, 11 barangayswill try to “outdo, out-color, out-bright” one another in the spectacular kaleidoscope of titanic lanterns, to the beat of brass band music.
This year’s entries come from barangays Calulut, Del Pilar, Pandaras, San Jose, San Juan, San Nicolas, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Nino, Sindalan, Telabastagan and 2014 grand champion Dolores.
Foreign dignitaries and president-CEOs of multinational corporations make up the board of judges of the festival which routinely draws thousands, including foreign tourists.
While the competition is only for one night – December 19, the lanterns will be exhibited in different venues hereand in nearby Angeles City and the Clark Freeport: Robinsons on Dec. 20-21, Dec. 25-30, and Jan. 1-6; Essel Park, Telabastagan on Dec. 22; Greenfields, Sindalan on Dec. 23; Poblacion, CSF on Dec. 24; Marquee Mall on Dec. 26-27; Clark Freeport on Dec. 31.
Robinsons Starmills has served as official GLF venue and co-presenter for eight consecutive years now.
2015 marks the 107th year of giant lantern- making in San Fernando, an industry founded on the people’s deep religiosity and expression of their innate creativity and craftsmanship.
“It is one heirloom passed on from generation to generation, which we should protect, preserve and promote,” said Mayor Edwin Santiago of his city’s signature industry. This, even as he hailed the “strong public- private partnership behind the success of the festival.”
Heading this year’s GLF Executive Committee is Engr. Ernesto Cunanan with co-chairs Jim Jimenez and Gil Cortez.
The GLF Foundation is headed by Alfrito “Bong” Mah.
