THE STAR OF HOPE, Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival

The season of Christmas begins early in the Philippines. As soon as the first day of September commences, you can already hear yuletide songs being played on many radio stations. People also begin to decorate their houses with elaborate Christmas ornaments. Shopping malls display a wide array of different Christmas decorations. Colorful Christmas lights light up the streets all over. Christmas carolers, the Noche Buena (the dinner taken by the whole family on the eve of Christmas) and lanterns hanging on most of the houses. These make the Philippines the home of many Christmas traditions.

But above all these traditions, there is one thing that many people from all walks of life wait for during this yuletide season, the famous Giant Lantern Festival, also known locally as “Ligligan Parul” of San Fernando, in the province of Pampanga. It is a celebration showcasing the popular Christmas product of Pampanga – the parol, or lighted star, that symbolizes the star of Bethlehem that led the Wise men to the baby Jesus. It originated from a classic five-pointed star that resembles the star of Bethlehem. Several others made their own parol creating it with innovative designs according to their liking.

The tradition only began as a simple lantern festival held by the people of San Fernando honoring the then President of the Philippines, Manuel L. Quezon. The primitive lanterns were made of bamboos and were only about two feet in diameter. They were held in procession during a nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas, and brought to the town church before midnight mass on Christmas Eve. This religious activity was known as “lubenas.”

Nowadays, everything has changed. A more elaborate competition is being held. Parols have evolved from simple bamboos to giant lanterns measuring up to 40 feet in diameter; from simple lighted candles to magnificent blinking lights and from star-shaped to different floral pattern designs. At the start of the year, artists begin the designing for the parol. When everything is ready, artisans start creating the parol. The best parol-makers are hired to guarantee that the best parol would be made. The work itself is very taxing. Making one would mean several hours spent just to create a magnificent work of art. Add to that the cost which can rise to several thousands of dollars. Then on December, few days before Christmas, these Giant Lanterns will be displayed before a large crowd, lighting up the dark night, all vying to emerge as the best among the best parols. And winning is not only about bagging the trophy, but more than that, it’s a matter of pride for the winning barangay and reputation for the parol-makers.

The Giant Lantern Festival is truly a remarkable tradition. But beyond the beauty of the parols is the message of hope that these parols bring. Just like the hpe that the star of Bethlehem brought when the savior was born. That amid the trials and struggles that the people are experiencing, beyond the problems and difficulties, there is still hope.
That’s the Lantern of Pampanga – the star of hope.
article written by Allan D. Miranda, Highschool teacher of Colegio de San Lorenzo in Pampanga and a hobbyist photographer
photos by Nelson Gonzales
article featured in HK LIFE Newspaper for December 2013 issue

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HKLIFE News December 2013 Issue 
The Star of Hope
Written by: Allan D. Miranda 
Photos by: Nelson Gonzales 

Hiking/Trekking in the Philippines.

My first hiking experience was during my scouting years in the late 70’s.   Los Baños Laguna was the center of all scouting activities during that time.  I was so excited to look at the lush greeneries of sugarcane plantations along the stretch of old SLEX that leads to Laguna.  Even more excited to learn that we will hike up on the mystique mountain of Mt. Makiling.  After the Makiling experience I never cease to dream of climbing a mountain.   

It is during my high school days in the early 80’s that I experienced the real hiking or trekking experience.   We are on a summer break when we planned to scale what I believe to be the blue mountain that I saw across the lake.  Just for me to find out that it was Mt. Irid a part of Sierra mountain ranges from the eastern side of Rizal. 

Sierra Madre Mountains

Crossing rivers and lakes
Rare Rafflesia Flower

 One of my trekking experience in the 80’s is climbing the mountains in Tanay Rizal. We boarded an old dilapidated jeep bound to Daraitan.  The trip was so exciting  we are on top of a jeep and  as I remember we crossed the river for more than 10 times before we reach sitio Daraitan, a Dumagat sitio. Our guide passed us to a Dumagat (local guide) wearing a G string,  a 3 feet hollow bamboo tube (buho) tucked in his behind and his native bow and arrow. It was a survival kit for drinking.  After locating a moist clay at the edge of a cliff he stucked his buho to a clay and a chocolate brown water runs.  In less than two minutes it becomes a clear water and he invited us to drink (or die without water while trekking).  After less than an hour of walking on a dense jungle we emerged on a miniature falls (spring) on a knee deep water.   We don’t have cameras then but the sight of a natural pool landscaped and encircled with variety of water plants is so enchanting.  Indeed, the Dumagat warned us that the place was enchanted so we move on until we reach our base camp at the foot of a limestone wall facing the mighty Agos river of Tanay. After several attempts, I finally scaled Mt. Irid last 2010.  Last March 2013 was my last visit to this place and I am at a lost due to its changing landscape.
Hiking/Climbing today are made easy with the advent of the technology and information. 
There are places that can be promoted as an Eco Tourism destination but there are some that is better left untouched with nature.   Mountains have their own capacity.  The most frequently visited mountain are the most vulnerable.   Mt. Pulag for example is accepting 25000 tourist a year (this info was based on 2010 data. Mt. Pulag is home to a diversity of a unique flora and fauna.  An indigenous dwarf bamboo and a cloud rat, slightly bigger than your average house cat, is a home on this mountain revered by the locals as the home of their ancestral gods.

Article Written by : Roberto Labaniego – A Mountaineer and an Admin of “We are FUNtastic Philippines”

Mt. Pulag by Raymond Medina

The most climbed mountains in the Philippines are Mt. Apo, Mt. Mayon, Mt. Halco, Mt. Mantalingahan, Mt. Hamiguitan, Mt. Guiting guiting, Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Dulang dulang, Mt. Pulag and Mt. Kanlaon.
Article was published in HK LIFE News for November 2013 issue
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HKLIFE News November 2013 Issue
Written by: Roberto Labaniego
 

Way To Go! WAFP!

Weeks have past after WAFP's first year anniversary and still the people in this group haven't gotten over yet from this big celebration. All the photographs they’ve shared and the stories behind those tell all that they really jollified!! Attendees came to the venue early, showing off all the delectable dishes they promised. There was an atmosphere of excitement as seen from their smiling faces, and everybody was eager to meet their new friends met online through WAFP! It was raining the whole week before the celebration and so we were not expecting a favorable weather on that day, but miracles do happen sometimes especially when people ask for the divine intervention of saints by offering eggs, believe me...it works!

The venue in Tagaytay was spacious enough for the all the participants and everyone has their own corner to socialize with their friends. They took pictures in every space they wanted to, they feasted on the mouth-watering desserts and specialty dishes like, lechon, dinuguan, cakes and pastries and nobody complained being starved! They drank and laughed, sang at the top of their lungs, danced or one can just chill and feel the euphoria, believe me nobody will mind you, it’s just everybody feels comfortable with each other. That is how I can describe the camaraderie. And oh by the way, it rained in the middle of the party but the heavy downpour didn’t prevail over the lightness of the occasion and that is something indescribable.

It took months of planning and organizing for the big day, the day that we have been all waiting and excited for...our first year anniversary. Almost everyone shared ideas and contingencies for the event and it came out pretty well! It only proves that nothing is unachievable if a team works together, do one’s part and share responsibilities! And that’s how We Are FUntastic Philippines walk their walk!!

Happy Anniversary to all the gWAFPos and gWAFPas!!

Please join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/we.are.funtastic.philippines/

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The Baroque Churches in the Philippines

The Philippines is the third largest Catholic country in the world and one of the two Asian nations with the most number of Catholic population. The Spaniards played a major role in the propagation of Catholicism in the Philippines when they colonized the country for three centuries. Mass baptisms, the dissemination of Catholic beliefs by the Spanish missionaries and the construction of churches in the localities were the leading factors to the conversion of most Filipinos to Roman Catholics.

Despite the resistance of the Filipinos during those times, churches, as the iconic symbol of the faith were prevalently built in most regions in the Philippines. These churches were built in different architectural designs and with accordance to the geographical location and physical conditions in the archipelago.  At present, there are just about 6,000 Catholic churches in the Philippines and four among them, bears the inscription of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is their architectural ensemble, well-maintained authentic features and its religious significance to the society attributed to its recognition in the  World Heritage List.

The four Baroque Churches in the Philippines were built in the 16^th century and are located in separate areas in the Philippines. Baroque is an architectural design popular during the 16^th  to 18^th century which is characterized by elaborate ornamentations and extravagant decorations which is apparently represented by these four churches. Two of them are situated in the Ilocos region, one is in the capital city of the Philippines and the other is in island of Visaya.

Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion Church, Ilocos Sur by Alet Bernabe 

The Church of Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, was built in 1765 on a hill. The brick church was built in a simple but elegant manner which corresponds to the way of life of the locals.  A leaning octagonal bell tower was built a distance away from the main church which is reinforced by  thick buttresses attached to the walls as protection from possible earthquake damage. Although there’s an easy access to the church by driving through the narrow pavement at the back of the church leading to the parking area, it is more interesting to ascend on its wide 83-steps piedra china stairscase on foot. Legend tells, that before the church was erected on its present site, the statue of the Virgin Mary usually disappears from its place of enthronement, only to be found near a  guava tree which grew on the hill and where the present church stands, the story of the Virgin Mary standing beside the tree was sculpted in one of the buttresses of the church.

Just an hour and half drive away from Ilocos Sur is the town of Paoay in Ilocos Norte, where the Church of San Agustin is found. Completed in 1710, the Paoay church is a perfect example of “Earthquake Baroque”, represented by its fourteen flying buttresses decorated with spiral carving that adds gracefulness to the structure. Its detached bell tower made from coral stones stands proudly beside the church that withstands several strong earthquakes  that hit the town. The beautiful church in the middle of the town plaza, creates a nostalgic atmosphere especially on twilight hours when it becomes more inviting to wander around the place.Church of Saint Augustine, Paoay, Ilocos Norte by Joel Yonzon

 

The other Baroque church  in the island of Luzon is the Church of San Augustin which is located in the historical walled city of Intramuros, Manila. Built in 1589 and originally known as “Inglesia de San Pablo” is the oldest stone church in the Philippines.  The bell towers of the church are attached to the main structure but unfortunately; the left tower was removed due to a huge crack caused by a strong earthquake that struck Manila. Unlike the other Baroque churches, its buttresses do not extend outward from its walls but they are made into a series of splendid chapels on both sides of the church.  The tomb of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi (founder of the city of Manila) is a tourist attraction and can be found in one of its chapels. Aside from being one of the most popular church  for wedding rites, it is also holds a collection of ecclesiastical artworks and rare books which can be found in the church museum. The San Agustin church was declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1993.

Church of San Augustin, Manila by Alet Bernabe

The Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Miag-ao, Iloilo was completed in 1797, it is erected on the highest  point of Miag-ao and the towers were built as post from Muslim raids. The façade and the color of the church  is full of vigor and high spirits with its extravagant carvings which describes the abundance of life as portrayed by St. Christopher dressed as a Filipino farmer. The coconut tree which is easily recognized on the façade and where St. Christopher clings to, tells a legend about a loving mother giving the tree to her children as the only bequest in order to sustain them for life. It is amazing to see and think about how the story line of life during those times was expressed on the façade of Miag-ao church. Can you imagine?

 Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Miag-ao, Iloilo by Gil Lian 

The Baroque Churches in the Philippines including the hundreds of beautiful churches in different parts of the archipelago built during the Spanish regime could be an emblem to the Spanish hierarchy that we were once under their power. But for the Filipinos it is a great symbol of courage, patience and perseverance and knowing that within those walls, buttresses and façades were taken from God’s creation, it has a spirit and faith as sturdy as these structures that no men could take away again the freedom we Filipinos are enjoying at present.

Written by Aleli Bernabe, blogger of makitambay.blogspot.com and is one of the administrators of We Are FUNtastic Philippines.. Article was published in HKLIFE News for October 2013 issue

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For more photos go to ALTARS, BASILICAS AND CHURCHES - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.360558154022418&type=1

"We are FUNtastic Philippines"

Established on th 22nd of September in 2012, We are FUNtastic Philippines is a group composed of fun-loving Filipinos living worldwide. Assisted by friends from different countries whose primary objctive is to showcase the beauty of th Philippines and invite visitors to visit it's 7,107 islands and experience the culture and hospitality of the Filipinos. https://www.facebook.com/groups/we.are.funtastic.philippines/

The group's primary purpose is to promote Philippine tourism through the collection of photos taken all over the Philippines. The group is also responsible for creating awareness locally through the organization of FUNLakwatsa events. A photowalk event that focuses on the highlights of a particular tourist spot or festival.

Just recently, WAFP (short term for We are FUNtastic Philippines) have celebrated it's first year of existence.
With now 35 administrators and more than 74 thousands members, our advocacy will continue.

PHILIPPINE FESTIVAL

The Philippines, with it's dot-like shape on th map, is an island of great and rich culture. The flag's 8 sunrays and the three stars represent the noble deeds of the country's people and the bright culture it holds. The changes that happened in the land are not just the results from years of invasion but also the drive of it's people to make the Filipinos rise above all. The skills and talents that the natives have acquired are prerogatives, but there's one distinctive mark that the land is known for, th celebration of festivals at it's very best.

     
   People all over the 7,107 islands of the Philippines celebrates festivals all year round. Religious feast are often celebrated in honor of a saint; while cultural festivals focus more on the unique aspect of the place or historical events; and a seasonal festival is a mere celebration of a bountiful harvest. Each festival is highly anticipated by the locals and tourist alike, as they look forward to watching great scenes along the streets, to move as dancers enliven one’s spirit through the beat of the drums, to gaze upon the product of man’s creative minds and hands through the costumes, display of masks or the creation of the giants, to be entertained by the synchronize movements of the colourful costumes worn by the street dancers, to be amazed by the parades of giant colourful flowers as they give pleasure to one’s eye. The crowds also await and pave the way for the parade of Philippine animals dressed like humans as they perform in the streets.

 

 

           Festivals are part of our culture, it uplifts the spirit of every Filipino and it is a great manifestation of unique talents. Filipinos love to celebrate even life’s simplicity. They laugh in the midst of a calamity thus there’s no reason for them not to celebrate life’s goodness. For them almost everything calls for a celebration and festival is a tool for unity and togetherness, a cultural aspect that is being passed on from generation to generation.
Article written by Nelson Gonzales, a high school teacher at Colegio de San Lorenzo in Pampanga, a hobbyist photographer of landscape, street photography and festivals, and is one of the Administrator of  We are FUNtastic Philippines

WAFP FUNLakwatsa group recently experienced the dazzling display of costumes in Pahiyas Quezon, the most energetic performance of Dinagyang Iloilo, the colorful parade of Ibon-Ebon Pampanga, the excitement of Hot Air Balloon, the exquisite cuisine and most especially the hospitality and merriment that these festival offers. Other festivals worth experiencing are Sinulog in Cebu, , Maskara Festival in Bacolod, Morions in Marinduque, Pintados in Tacloban, Panagbenga in Baguio, Higantes in Angono Rizal, Kadayawan in Davao and more! For more information on Philippine Festivals, join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/we.are.funtastic.philippines/

Article published on Sept 2013 for HKLife Newspaper in Hong Kong Filipino Community

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WAFP FUNlakwatsa @ Lobo Batangas June 29, 2013

The reports are true! The gWAFPos and gWAFPas of "WAFP" has invaded the Atis Capital of the Philippines! WAFP members (Professionals, Photographers and Students) from everywhere in the Philippines have gathered to this wonderful town of Lobo to discover and exprience the untouched beauty and of course to savor and taste it's bountiful produce,  the sweet and tasty "Atis".

Lobo (Lu-bo/pronounced like tubo - sugarcane) got it's name during the middle part of the Spanish regime. One evening a group of settlers residing in the place called Poblacion, gathered together to talk and decide as to what name they will call the place, when suddenly over Mt. Banoy they saw a balloon. The balloon which was believed to have flown from then the town of Batangas, while the they are confidentially celebrating the eve of their town fiesta.  Because of that very wonderful incident, they unanimously agreed that "LOBO" meaning balloon be adopted. Lobo was founded on September 27, 1871.-WOWBatangas.com

At meeting time of 5:00am, the happy group of about 60 gWAFPos and gWAFPas on convoy took the route going to Batangas via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway), CALABARZON - Star toll ways exiting Balagtas, Batangas then taking the National road (Gov. Antonio Carpio) going to Lobo Proper.




 

The group arrived at the town of Lobo at around 7:30am and met with local tourism officer Mr. Roubin Ayag outside the St. Michael Archangel Parish Church. After a short briefing, the group listen intently about the history of Lobo during the orientation. Excitement started to build up, pumped up photographers shouts out the groups battle cry, "WE ARE FUNTASTIC PHILIPPINES"!  

 First stop is the Mangrove swamp forest at The Batangas State University extension campus in Brgy. Lagadlarin. We were all ears as the people managing the Campus informed us about the importance of the Mangrove trees in the community and most specially the environment.Boats were hired to accommodate the group during the ride along the mangrove forest. 

Next stop is Known as the Faro de Punta de Malabrigo, Designed in 1891 by Guillermo Brockman, and built by by Jose Garcia in 1896,declared as national landmark in November 27, 2006. An outstanding work of architecture from the spanish colonial period. The parola guides the seafarers passing the Verde Island Passage to Tayabas Bay. 

In many ways, Malabrigo in Lobo, Batangas is not your ordinary white beach it has a different characteristic because it's not sandy but it is littered w/ pebbles. The shorelines are filled with pebble stones of different sizes, which makes the water clearer than any normal sandy beach. However, the stones are not rough ones. According to a local, the stone are carried to the shore during monsoon months. 

During the break, there are group games prepared for the FUNLakwatsa members. It is a regular part of program to establish fun and camaraderie among the WAFP members.

And of course food, very FUNLakwatsa is an opportunity to practice the traditional food fest called "boodle fight" where everybody shares whatever is served.

Interview with Councilor Ilagan about Lobo, Batangas      PTV4 crew is also present during the FUNLakwatsa to cover the event for media exposure :)

For more photos about the event click on
  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.472196762858556&type=1

Join our WAFP FUNLakwatsa, get some updates  https://www.facebook.com/groups/we.are.funtastic.philippines/