(LANTERN AVENUE. Traditional Parul Sampernandu lights up a stretch of the Jose Abad Santos Avenue as fitting welcome to the Lantern Capital of the Philippines. Photo by Bong Lacson)
CHRISTMAS TIME is in the air again.
A living testament to the City of San Fernando’s brand – “The Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” and “Home of the Giant Lanterns,” ‘Parol San Fernando’ can now be glimpsed at city’s major thoroughfares, in time for the forthcoming Yuletide season.
During the “Lights and Lanterns: Launching of San Fernando Citywide Christmas Decoration 2018,” on October 30, ‘parol’ played the lead in welcoming the “most wonderful time of the year” as they were lit up along Jose Abad Santos Avenue and Heroes Hall.
Arvin Quiwa, a renowned Fernandino lantern maker who created the designs and figures of this year’s lights and lanterns, shared that “innovation” became the key, making the ‘parol’ noteworthy to the present era.
“Yung tema na ‘lights and lanterns,’ is part of the innovation sa ating designs, through the use of LED (light-emitting diode). At dahil we are innovating, mas lumalago at mas lumalawak yung pagkakakilanlan at market ng ating mga parol,” explained Quiwa.
In his message, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago cited that a ‘parol’ is the city’s utmost symbol, as it injects “cultural excellence” and “investment stability” to the city.
“One major factor why we are being visited by local and international audience is our culture. The lanterns are our culture and lantern-making is our industry—when combined, we are not just doing culture promotion, we also expand our capacity in investment,” expressed Santiago.
On the other note, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region III Director Judith Angeles warmly congratulated the city in making the event a major success.
“I heard that they have been doing the activity for four years now and I am grateful for having the opportunity to witness it. I was amazed by the talents and creativity of Fernandinos, and I warmly congratulate the city government, of course, Mayor Santiago,” remarked Angeles.
Apart from the ceremonial light up, Christmas carols by the City Choir and performances from young and talented Fernandinos, including the Rondangklung Ensemble from Dolores and Sinukwan Dancers from Northville, added color to the event, highlighting the rich Kapampangan culture.
Also present during the activity were Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, City Councilors Nelson Lingat and Ayzel Macalino, DTI Pampanga Provincial Director Elenita Ordonio, former Pampanga Board Member Raul Macalino, some city barangay officials, members of the Giant Lantern Festival Committee, and CSF-LGU Department Heads and employees.
