1 CommentLIGLIGAN PARUL 2007
THE SAN FERNANDO GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL <<< VIDEO for you!
The San Fernando lantern industry evolved from the Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando. The festival, which is held every December, finds its root in Bacolor where a much simpler activity was held. Following the transfer of the provincial capital from Bacolor to San Fernando in August 1904, this parul event followed as well. “Ligligan Parul” was said to have started in San Fernando in the year 1904. But some say that the “Ligligan Parul” did not happen immediately after the transfer and in fact began in 1908.
2007 Giant Lantern Festival Winner: Brgy. Telebastagan
This predecessor of the modern day Giant Lantern Festival was actually a religious activity which we know today as “lubenas.” The lanterns measured just two feet in diameter, a far cry from the fifteen feet that we see today. These were created in each barrio from bamboo and other locally available materials. During the nine-day novena before Christmas, which coincided with the simbang gabi from December 16 to 24, these paruls were brought around each barrio in procession to their visita. Before the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the lanterns were brought to the town church together with the barrio patrons.
2nd Runner-up: Brgy. San Nicolas
This tradition gradually evolved as the lanterns became bigger and the designs more intricate. Later, one big lantern was made for each barrio, which was created through a cooperative effort. Each resident contributed to its construction, from the concept and design to the materials and labor. In the end, these lanterns became a symbol of unity for the barrios.
3rd Runner-up: Brgy. San Felipe
It was in the year 1931 that electricity was introduced to the San Fernando lantern, thus sparking the birth of the first Giant Lantern Festival. The added illusion of dancing lights highlighted the bright colors and intricate designs of these Giant Lanterns. At this time, the lights were controlled by individual switches that were turned on and off following the beat of the music. The barangays of Del Pilar, Sta. Lucia and San Jose were among the first barangays to participate in the festival.
According to another version claimed by old folks, the Giant Lantern Festival started during the time of President Manuel L. Quezon. At that time, President Quezon was trying to make Pampanga a model province. In fact, Quezon made Arayat his resting place and converted the legendary Mount Arayat into a tourist resort. As a show of gratitude to Quezon, the people of San Fernando held a Christmas lantern contest to honor the first family. Quezon himself donated the prize for this lantern contest which was personally awarded to the winner by First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon.
DON & LORA
December 15, 2007
Islamic Shariah Rites and Traditions
Tivoli Royale Country Club
Last December 15, I was invited in a Islamic Shariah Rites Wedding of Datu Ezzarhaddon Kiram my friend. I’m a guest! Yes Im going to a wedding without obligation or assignment. I don’t have to take a pictures. Being a wedding photographer, I can’t resist to shoot. I made a few shots (almost 400 shots) and I thought I could make an album out of it. I want to know that if I’m not in a contract, what pictures would I produce from a wedding? Here goes:
CHRISCELLE ABULENCIA BOCHOCO
CHRISCELLE A. BOCHOCO Christening
December 15, 2007
Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel
Copyright for this photo gallery belongs solely to © Mardio Nadera. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any photo, feel free to email me at mnadera@hotmail.com. You may also leave comment/critique on any images.
