ANGELES CITY — The heritage district here on Dec. 14 lighted up in a testament to deep faith, rich culture, and treasured tradition of the Angeleno in the annual “Lubenas ning Pasku.”
Angeles City is among the very few towns still observing this pre-Christmas celebration that derived its name from the Latin novena, a Catholic devotion of nine consecutive days of prayers leading to a sacred feast day.
Held with the official sanction of the Pisamban Maragul (Holy Rosary Parish Church), Lubenas is spearheaded by the city’s tourism office and participated in by the barangays with lanterns bearing specific designs: the cross-shaped lantern at the lead symbolizing Jesus Christ, followed by 12 star-shaped lanterns called “batuin” in two rows representing the 12 Apostles, and the fish-shaped lantern – the ichthys, a secret symbol meaning “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” in Greek used to identify early Christian communities at the time of the Roman persecution.
Images of the individual barangay’s patron saints in decorated carros are processed along with the lanterns. This year’s participating barangays included Cutcut, Malabanias, Pampang, Pandan, Pulungbulu, Sta. Teresita, Sto. Domingo, Sto. Rosario, and San Nicolas.
The evening concluded with a collective blessing of all Lubenas lanterns, the distribution of certificates of participation, and special recognitions, including Most Disciplined Delegate, honoring the reverence and order observed throughout the procession.
Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin expressed appreciation for the collective efforts of the barangays, church partners, and organizers, noting that Lubenas ning Pasku continues to serve as a powerful reminder of unity, faith, and shared identity among Angeleños, most especially during the Christmas season.
Punto News Team/Angeles CIO
