CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The 112th Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) illuminated the enduring tradition of the City of San Fernando as it lives its name as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.
The seven lanterns from Santo Niño, San Nicolas, San Juan, Sta. Lucia, Bulaon, Calulut and Telabastagan served as century-old emblems passed through generations.
Mayor Edwin D. Santiago said the lanterns depict that life is colorful, and the hope that this pandemic shall pass stays bright.
“The city government is elated that this year, despite the current pandemic, we are able to showcase the lanterns which are the pride of the city. The giant lanterns will bring to shine hope, faith, and love to all Kapampangans,” he said.
However, the festival had gone fully digital for the first time, and held online via livestream considering the guidelines on community quarantine.
GLF 2020 had also set aside the competition as the GLF Foundation agreed to just stage an exhibition.
Executive Committee Chairperson Felix Paras said that no matter the challenges, the giant lanterns of the Fernandinos will continue shining this christmas season.
“Because of the pandemic, we have seen and experienced many changes in our daily lives. In spite of the changes and challenges that we, citizens face, we did not let the bright and colorful stars of the City stop from celebrating,” he stated.
Also, the festivity hailed another milestone as purely Kapampangan songs were played in the three rounds of the exhibition.
Organizers said that they tapped Kapampangan artists, and songwriters as a promotion of Pampanga’s for local music.
The first round was an individual exhibition, second round was the performance per group, and the third round involved a simultaneous lighting of the lanterns.
The giant lanterns will still be exhibited on December 17-23 but it will be purely drive-in and no walk-in. There will only be limited slots for the nightly show, and viewers are required to register online or on site on Robinsons Starmills. — Jag Lyra D. Costamero