Philippine booth displaying Pampanga’s iconic lanterns and other Philippine products.
Radiant parols (colorful lanterns) filled the Philippine booth in the nine-day annual National Festival of Tolerance and Humanity which was held at the Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from 08 to 16 November 2019. Forty (40) Embassies and Abu Dhabi government entities participated in the Festival of Tolerance. Thousands of guests from the UAE government officials, diplomatic corps, business community, media personalities, Filipino community, and other nationalities in the UAE visited the festival. The UAE has declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance.
The display of the iconic Christmas lantern called Parul Sampernandu is the Embassy’s cultural contribution to this year’s Festival which highlights Philippine lantern-making technology and tradition.The parols were specifically flown in from the City of San Fernando Pampanga, known for its Giant Lantern Festival and has earned the title of “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”
Filipino cultural group performing the Mazurka Boholana.
The display was made possible through the generosity of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, the City Tourism of San Fernando, and the assistance of the Bayanihan Council.
The iconic parols will also be displayed in the “Paskong Pinoy in the Year of Tolerance: AChristmas Concert,” on 06 December 2019 in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Embassy’s major cultural diplomacy project that ushers in the Christmas season for the Filipino, expatriate, and local communities in Abu Dhabi.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn M. Quintana (fifth center from left) and First Secretary and Consul General Maria Cynthia P. Pelayo (third from right), with the Bayanihan Council and Filipino visual artists.
The Embassy also showcased Filipino traditions and heritage through cultural performances from different artist groups in Abu Dhabi. This year’s festival highlights the importance of strengthening the values and principles associated with tolerance and coexistence in building meaningful relationships.
