San Fernando Lanterns Now on Full Display on Pampanga’s Major Roads

No one does Christmas like San Fernando, Pampanga, the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” To realize that, all you need to do is to check out its major roads and highways.

With less than a couple of months left before Christmas, the city has already bedecked its thoroughfares with the well-known “Parol San Fernando.” These beautiful lanterns that are seen every yuletide seasons were lit up during the “Lights and Lanterns: Launching of San Fernando Citywide Christmas Decoration 2018” held last Tuesday.

The lanterns that can be found along Jose Abad Santos Avenue and Heroes’ Hall signify the start of the much-awaited Christmas season.

The People Behind the Christmas Lanterns

Every year, a renowned Fernandino lantern-maker spearheads the design and creation of Pampanga’s Parol San Fernando. This year, it was Arvin Quiwa who took the helm.

“The theme ‘lights and lanterns’ is part of the innovation in our designs through the use of LED (light-emitting diode). And because we are innovating, the identity and market of our lanterns are expanding,” said Quiwa on what makes this year’s parols different.

Mayor Edwin Santiago, when asked what the “parol” represents, said it is San Fernando’s own symbol because it provides “cultural excellence” and “investment stability” to the city.

“One major factor why we are being visited by local and international audience is our culture. The lanterns are our culture and lantern-making is our industry — when combined, we are not just doing culture promotion, we also expand our capacity in investment,” said Mayor Santiago.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3 Director Judith Angeles extends her congratulations to the city for coming up with a successful event.

“I heard that they have been doing the activity for four years now and I am grateful for having the opportunity to witness it. I was amazed by the talents and creativity of Fernandinos, and I warmly congratulate the city government, of course, Mayor Santiago,” she said.

The performance of young and talented Fernandinos such as the Rondangklung Ensemble from Dolores and Sinukwan dancers from Northville also added fun and entertainment to an already-merry event. The Kapampangan culture is truly alive and well during the ceremonial light up.

via Philippine News Agency / Zorayda Tecson