CITY OF SAN FERNANDO— The spirit of Christmas came alive early in the country’s Christmas capital as the Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) 2025 officially kicked off with a spectacular lighting ceremony and a touching gift-giving program for children battling cancer.
Held at Robinsons Starmills, the event gathered city officials, festival organizers, and Kapampangans in a festive celebration led by Mayor Vilma Caluag, together with Vice Mayor Aurelio Brenz Gonzales, GLF 2025 chairperson Engr. Noel Gomez, and Robinsons Land Corp. external affairs director Irving Wu. The centerpiece of the evening was the towering Christmas tree that illuminated the mall, marking the beginning of the world-renowned festival.
But beyond the dazzling lights, the highlight of the program was the heartfelt distribution of gifts to young cancer patients, whose smiles brought warmth to the celebration.
Among them was Yesha, a 5-year-old cancer warrior, who clung tightly to a stuffed bear she received. For her mother, Lindsay Canlas, the gesture meant more than just a holiday present.
“If it makes my child happy, the happier I will be, especially now that it is the season of giving. Christmas is finally here,” Canlas shared.
Organizers emphasized that this year’s festival is not only about lanterns but also about spreading hope and joy to those who need it most.
According to Gomez, the essence of GLF remains rooted in tradition and service: “The true essence of the festival is continuing our mission of passing and preserving the tradition of making and operating the giant lanterns, while encouraging the youth to help safeguard this cultural treasure.”
Adding excitement to the festivities, it was also announced that 10 barangays will participate in GLF 2025, each receiving a ₱400,000-subsidy to support their lantern-making efforts.
With lights, laughter, and love filling the air, the kickoff event set the tone for a meaningful celebration, reminding Fernandinos that the Giant Lantern Festival is not just about brilliance on stage, but also about shining kindness in the community.
