100 days before Christmas: Colorful parols light up San Fernando, Pampanga
With just 100 days to go before Christmas, colorful lanterns are already lighting up the streets and stores in San Fernando, Pampanga, known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.
According to Mariz Umali’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, lantern makers in the city are now working nonstop to meet the demand for the iconic Filipino Christmas decor.
Despite the crises and challenges faced by the country in recent months, some residents said they are choosing to embrace the Christmas spirit.
“Every day is Christmas because the Lord is in our hearts,” one resident shared.
“What matters most, of course, is that we celebrate the birth of our Lord,” another resident said.
Meanwhile, Jude, has already bought a lantern that he plans to bring to Paris, France, where he lives.
“Without a parol, the house feels dark. In that way, it makes my Christmas feel warm even though it’s very cold there,” he said.
Jude’s friend added that having a parol at home makes life feel happier during the holiday season.
Meanwhile, despite portions of Renan Cayanan’s lantern workshop still being flooded, his business continues to operate as lantern makers push forward.
“We have experienced different kinds of calamities. It is better to have a parol in our homes because it symbolizes the birth of our Lord,” said Cayanan, who owns Starstruck Lantern Maker.
“Basically, when you have a parol, you have the spirit of Christmas and the spirit of the Lord,” the lantern maker added.
Customers can choose from a variety of designs, including traditional star-shaped parols, Capiz lanterns, Christmas trees, snowmen, reindeer, angels, candy canes, teddy bears, and newer designs made from fabric.
Prices range from around P1,000 to P25,000, depending on the lantern’s size and design.
“The light output is better, and the LED lights are brighter. They also consume less electricity, last longer before burning out, and are safer because there is less risk of fire now,” Cayanan said.
