ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA — Angeles City's iconic Lubenas Parols are about to illuminate two of the University of the Philippines' most anticipated Christmas events, carrying the faith, unity, and heritage of the Angeleño people to a wider audience. The UP Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo requested to borrow the lanterns from Mayor Carmelo "Jon" B. Lazatin II for their holiday celebrations, and the mayor readily agreed, directing the Angeles City Tourism Office to prepare and lend the parols.
More Than Just Decorations
Mayor Lazatin emphasized that the Lubenas Parols carry a deeper meaning. "We are pleased that universities like the University of the Philippines are recognizing the Lubenas Parols of Angeles City. This is proof that our identity as Angeleños, with our rich culture and traditions, is gaining greater recognition," he said . He added: "Each Lubenas Parol is more than just a Christmas decoration. It also symbolizes the faith, unity, and heritage of the Angeleños, traditions that continue to be passed on to the next generation. Wherever the Lubenas Parols go, they carry with them the story, identity, and colorful traditions of Angeles City." The lanterns will be featured in two events: the Pag-iilaw lighting ceremony on November 27 at the UP Clark campus, and the iconic Lantern Parade on December 18 at the UP Diliman campus, giving students, faculty, and visitors from across the country a chance to witness the craftsmanship and cultural significance of these beloved Kapampangan symbols.
The Tradition Behind the Lanterns
The Lubenas is a centuries-old Kapampangan Christmas tradition—a nine-day lantern-led religious procession held on the eve of each Simbang Gabi from December 16 to 24, with the term "lubenas" being a Kapampangan corruption of the Spanish word "novena," referring to the nine days of prayer . In Angeles City, the tradition dates back to at least the 1800s, with the first celebration tied to the La Naval Fiesta in October 1830. Each participating barangay crafts its own Lubenas lanterns—distinctive white, star-shaped structures accented with intricate cutout patterns that create a soft, ethereal glow when illuminated . The Angeles traditional parol is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the city under Ordinance No. 417, Series of 2017, which mandates its safeguarding and promotion. For Angeles City, this collaboration with UP is more than a lending arrangement—it's a validation that Kapampangan culture, often overshadowed by the province's culinary fame, deserves national recognition. From Angeles City to UP, a tradition is carried forward and a heritage is illuminated.
