LIGLIGAN PARUL 2020. The Giant Lantern Festival beams with hope lighting the night sky in honor of the frontliners amid these challenging times. Photo by Joann Manabat
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Illuminating hope amid these challenging times, the Giant Lantern Festival continued its tradition through its first virtual event broadcasted live via CLTV 36 at the Robinsons Starmills open grounds on Wednesday.
All eyes and ears were set as the traditional Ligligan Parul showcased true Kapampangan craftsmanship and creativity from seven participating barangays namely: Bulaon, Calulut, San Juan, San Nicolas, Sta, Lucia, Sto. Niño, and Telabastagan lighting up the cold skies of this city bringing the warmth of hope with tunes from Kapampangan songs to complete the lanterns’ dance of light through the night.
The GLF event was graced by the presence of Mayor Edwin Santiago and Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin together with Robinsons Land Corp. regional operations manager Jodee Arroyo, GLF executive committees, and the media. The event was hosted by city tourism officer Ching Pangilinan and CLTV 36 Paulo Gee Santos.
According to Arroyo, though this year may have been different as it is pandemic, Robinsons Starmills adapted accordingly by holding the nightly displays via drive-in in time for the holidays.
“Because of the pandemic we have restrictions. There will still be nightly displays but it will be drive-in. It will begin on December 17 at 5:30 p.m. and another by 8 p.m.,” said Arroyo.
“Ang inapprove palang po na show is from December 17 to 20, under observation pa dahil depende kung paano ang outcome ng nightly displays nito,” she added.
All seven giant lanterns will remain on display at the Robinsons Starmills open grounds from December 17 to January 3, except December 24 and 31, with two scheduled nightly displays by 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. respectively. Arroyo also noted that gates will open one hour before the show.
Arroyo said pre-registration is needed through the giant lanterns website or via onsite registration as slots will be limited and health declaration is also needed. Drive-in food booths will also be available as Arroyo also advises stepping out of the car during the show is not allowed.
“You can do online registration since slots are limited through the giant lanterns website. We also have onsite registration at the Robinsons Movieworld ticket booth here at the second floor. Automatic na po na may health declaration ang pre-registrations,” she said.
For online registration, visit www.giantlanterns.com or you may also register at the Robinsons Starmills Movieworld ticket booth.
