Stars of wonder, stars of night keep UP Christmas tradition alive
ONE CHRISTMAS lantern resembled the solar system, another a giant glimmering microphone made of used CDs. Two floats handed out cupcakes and pomelo.
Those were some of the amusing sights at the University of the Philippines’ (UP) traditional Lantern Parade held recently on the Diliman campus.
The rains caused by Typhoon “Nona” drenched the floats and lanterns but did not dampen the spirit of UP students and university staff.
Colleges and school departments showcased their creativity and wit once again in the university’s culminating activity before the Christmas break.
More than a dozen floats went around, adorned to reflect the theme “Dingas: Adhikaing Diliman, Adhikaing Bayan” that meant to highlight the university’s being always in the front line of sparking change to promote the country’s progress.
The College of Engineering won first place with its entry of the Oblation towering over a diorama of skyscrapers and houses. Engineering students turned it up a notch by adding a light and sound show to their miniature townscape.
The College of Architecture was second with a “bahay kubo” that transformed into a couple of “sarimanok,” the mythical bird of the Maranao. Third place was UP National College of Public Administration and Governance with a huge spinning sun.
As with Lantern Parades past, crowd-pleaser College of Fine Arts did not disappoint, taking the audience back through time with its take on 100 years of Philippine cinema.
The Lantern Parade Hall of Famer featured classic Pinoy films such as “Dalagang Bukid,” “Dyesebel,” “Facifica Falayfay,” “Asiong Salonga,” “Panday,” “Himala,” “Bagets” and “Heneral Luna.”