To usher in the Christmas season, the Cultural Center of the Philippines recently held the ceremonial lighting of Parul Sampernandu, an exhibit of Christmas lanterns at the center's building facade in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
The event was held in cooperation with the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, where the lanterns were made.
CCP President Raul M. Sunico, CCP Artistic Director Chris Millado, CCP Board of Trustee Ambassador Isabel Caro Wilson and San Fernando City Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez led the program, which featured performances by the PPO Brass Quintet, Magsilbi Tamu Brass Band 919, and the City of San Fernando Quintet.
San Fernando City Administrator Engr. Ferdinand Z. Caylao also led the countdown to launch the light and sound show.
Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim was among the esteemed guests who witnessed the event.
The San Fernando lantern display is the second at the CCP under a three year partnership between the CCP and the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
Under the project, the City of San Fernando provided craftsmanship and technical expertise in the production of the eight-foot white lanterns designed by Eric Cruz, head of the CCP Production Design.
San Fernando, Pampanga is known as the Christmas capital of the Philippines.
The San Fernando parol is renowned for its large size, brilliant colors, and flashing kaleidoscopic patterns, made possible by the intricate electrical circuitry fashioned by the craftsmen of San Fernando.
The Ligligan Parul or the Giant Lantern Festival, is the top tourist attraction of the city.
The San Fernando parols will be on display at the CCP until January 6, 2013.