On Wednesday, Parul was launched at the Robinsons Starmills here as a leading even to the epic Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) on Saturday at the same site.
From a “simple souvenir program of the GLF that more often than not.
Is just discarded and left behind after the event,” said Engr. Fer Caylao, chair of the GLF souvenir program committee, “we have decided to make a lasting keepsake by which to remember the event.”
Hence, the coffee table book preserving more than the names of the entries to the festival, to include the history and evolution of the iconic lanterns, the mechanics of construction and operations, even traditions attached to the most Filipino of the Christmas symbols.
Its very cover, done by Kapampangan artist Alvaro Jimenez, harks back to the traditional art form Letras Y Figuras, the letters of Parul made out of figures in traditional Filipino Christmas scenes against a backdrop of an old church plaza.
The visual feast Parul offers is complemented by articles from local journalists Tonette Orejas of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Joey Pavia of Business Mirror and Bong Lacson of Punto! Book editor is Jovi de Leon of Sun Star-Pampanga.
With its own ISBN number, a first in the history of the festival, the book is “fit to be placed inside libraries in the country and the world over.”
For his part, GLF 2015 Execom Chair Engr. Ernesto Cunanan said “the hardbound edition is a sure keepsake and would serve to further promote interest and attention on the festival and the San Fernando lantern industry.”
