Colorful lanterns illuminate PHL's Christmas Capital
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Christmas capital of the Philippines is shining every night starting Friday, September 23.
This, after the city government officially ushered in the holiday season with the lighting of its Christmas lanterns and decorations.
The lights were placed in 13 locations in the city to welcome visitors and tourists.
The Christmas decorations are found at the City Hall’s facade, Heroes Hall, fence and park, Giant Lantern & Tourist Information Center (Paskuhan).
The stretch of Jose Abad Santos Avenue (JASA) flyover and its lamp posts, Lazatin Boulevard flyover, the city’s roundabouts and welcome arches, Civic Center , portion of the Acacia Trees along McArthur Highway in Baliti were also lit up.
Mayor Vilma Caluag led the ceremonial light-up of the lanterns and decorations held at the Heroes Hall Friday night. She said this year’s set-up were inspired by her administration’s advocacy of inclusivity among all Fernandinos.
“Itong mga parol natin this year ay represented by all sectors. May life-sized na pamilya, workers at iba pa dahil ganun po ang gobyernong gusto natin sa San Fernando, inclusive,” Caluag said.
She added that inclusivity was also fostered in this year’s selection of suppliers of lantern makers.
“First time na lima ang mga nakuha natin na lantern makers ngayon. Dati, dalawa lang pero ngayon siniguro natin na mas marami tayong mga talentadong magpaparol na mabibigyan ng opportunity,” Caluag said.
Suppliers of the lights include Quiman Trading, RolRens Lanterns, Big 3 Enterprises, David-Mallari Lanterns, and Wish Craft Events and Designs.
Caluag said the bidding was also opened to lantern makers from within and outside Pampanga.
“Binigyan natin ng opportunity ang ibang magpaparol na kabalen sa Pampanga pero siyempre iba po talaga ang gawang San Fernando,” she said.