Lights and shadow play at CCP
A SERIES of illuminated images, using stencils that are painstakingly made by creative hands from the Production and Exhibition Department of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), relives the biblical story of how the Jesus Christ was born.
The interplay between lights and shadow, shown every night at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. intervals until January 6, 2019 at the CCP facade, surely brings holiday cheers to every Filipino as it spreads the message of “Christmas Story.” It begins with the Annunciation, or Mary’s journey of obedience that marks her role in giving birth to the Messiah.
The light and shadow play continues with the journey of Joseph and Mary Bethlehem. This is often reenacted in the Filipino setting called “Panunuluyan.”
Accompanied by beautiful carols, the Christmas Story continues to unfold with projected images of the Three Wise Men, with the shepherds, who were guid in a tableaux of the Belen.
The light and sound play also features other story boards – the “Paskong Pinoy Traditions” and “The Promise of a New Year” — which are alternately shown throughout the holiday season.
“My team brainstormed on what could differently adorn the CCP facade; this of the season against the backdrop of sheer fanfare or auspicious display of lights and decorations. It was going back to basics and displaying our expertise in theater; the manipulation of light and a play on shadows, in particular,” said CCP Production and Exhibition Department manager Ariel Yonzon, who is also the project director for the CCP Christmas Decor.
The production team is composed of assistant project director and designer Eric Cruz, production manager Nice Hervas, set supervisor Dexter Hernandez with set assistant Amado Bonifacio 3rd, and Gobo artists Louie Mark Mendiola, Gee Pelaria, Camille Balistoy, Allan Fami, TJ Calma, Jacob Cezar and Claire Navarra.
Also making contributions are light designer Allan Fami, light consultants Danilo Villanueva and Louie Alcoran, and music designer Marvin Fabular.
Fifty Stars of David, designed and made by the magpaparols from Las Piñas, give an added element to the CCP holiday decorations.
The CCP has been showcasing the craftsmanship and ingenuity in creating the traditional Philippine Christmas lantern for the past years. This year, the CCP collaborates with the Samahang Magpaparol ng Las Piñas, through the Villar Sipag for its Annual Christmas Lantern Lighting.