Christmas in the Philippines is usually a time for family. Families get together, eat a lot of good food, and exchange gifts. It’s also the time to celebrate as all Catholics do – that is, to wake up early in the morning to attend a series of masses for nine days. There are also decorations like wreaths, Christmas lights, and lanterns. But most of all, it’s the time when people solemnize the birth of Jesus.
One of the most important symbols in Philippine Christmas though is the lantern, or locally called “Parol”. The “parol” is usually a huge star hung in front of houses, in malls or stores – all of them uniquely adorned with vivid colors and extravagant trappings and some of them with playful, blinking lights. Over the years, however, the concept of the “parol” in the Philippines has evolved to take on different forms aside from a star.
This Christmas, the different departments here in Monol created their own lanterns to decorate their offices. Despite the materials being recyclable items, each department did their best in making lanterns. They strived in creating their creative ideas to hang the most dazzling star in the academy.
