Pampanga giant lanterns light up Phil. Center in New York
THE Philippine Consulate General in New York, together with the Filipinoamerican community, commenced the Christmas season in the “Big Apple” through the first ever giant Christmas lantern lighting ceremony at the Philippine Center.
Almost a hundred attended the historic lighting of two parols, which were shipped all the way from the province of Pampanga through the support of its local government led by Governor Dennis Pineda. Installed as Christmas window decors of the Philippine Center, one measures 8 feet in diameter with close to a thousand light bulbs, while the other is 6 feet tall with more than 500 light bulbs.
“With many Filipinos working in New York missing their families and friends in the Philippines during the Christmas season, we wanted to spread a little holiday cheer—the Filipino way—by having our parols light up the street outside the Philippine Center,” said Consul General Elmer G. Cato.
“For the Filipino, the parol is a symbol of hope, an expression of faith, and a reminder to remain resilient amid personal hardships and societal challenges,” Cato added. “This is the same message we wish to share with everyone…”
Mayor Esmeralda Pineda represented the Pampanga governor, who said that the parols were brought to New York to give an authentic feel of “Paskong Pinoy,” and to allow Filipinos there to renew their sense of country and of home.
Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan of the New York City Commission on International Affairs spoke on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams. Filipino-american New York State Assemblyman Steven Raga, diplomatic corps members led by Consul General Winanto Adi of Indonesia, Consul General Abu Hassan of Malaysia, Consul Christine Tay of Singapore and other officials also joined the ceremony.
The lighting ceremony was followed by a Christmas serenade led by the Filipinoamerican community. Attendees also enjoyed the cooking of classic Filipino dishes.