Lanterns shine at Cultural Center of the Philippines

By Jovi T. De Leon
Monday, November 14, 2011
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The world-famous “Parul San Fernando” is now the newest attraction at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Mayor Oscar Rodriguez said Monday.
Rodriguez said huge crowds, including national and international media, were wowed by the nearly half a million pesos worth of lanterns adorning the entire CCP Complex.
Even CCP president Raul Sunico was overjoyed with the state-of-the-art and top-of-the line lanterns, the mayor said.
“It is another pride for the center to house another authentic culture and tradition of the Filipinos. For three years, we will display the lanterns in the façade of our building, which will add to the festive atmosphere here during the yuletide season,” Sunico said.
Dubbed as “Sulu: Parul San Fernando goes to CCP,” the program aims to promote the industry of San Fernando as well as showcase the creativity of the makers who use manual techniques in producing the Christmas lanterns.
“Isa itong paraan para maibahagi namin ang tuwa at saya hatid ng mga parul lalo na sa mga taga-Manila na hindi makakapunta sa Giant Lantern Festival natin,” Rodriguez told Sun.Star Pampanga.
The lanterns, which measure eight feet in diameter, are replicas of the giant lanterns of the city, which are usually 20 feet in diameter.
“Matagal na naming gustong mailagay ang ‘Parul San Fernando’ dito sa CCP and we are happy that after five years of planning, makikita na ng lahat ang makukulay na ilaw ng hatid ng parol,” added Ariel Yonzon, CCP associate artistic director.
Published in the Sun.Star Pampanga newspaper on November 15, 2011.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/11/14/lanterns-shine-cultural-center-philippines-190546