MAKATI CITY — The artistry and meaning behind the Filipino parol took center stage as the Makati Museum and Cultural Affairs Office recently brought residents together for a Traditional Parol Making Workshop at the Barangay Carmona Function Hall. The activity introduced participants to the traditional techniques behind creating the iconic Christmas lantern, with cultural masters from Angeles City, Pampanga, serving as mentors. Recognized bearers of the Kapampangan lantern-making tradition, the artisans demonstrated how to bend bamboo, stretch colorful paper, and assemble the distinctive star-shaped frames. Beyond teaching a traditional craft, the workshop reflected Makati’s continuing efforts to keep Filipino cultural heritage alive by passing knowledge and skills from one generation to another.
More Than a Christmas Decoration
For Filipinos, the parol carries a meaning that extends beyond its colorful appearance. Inspired by the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Kings to the birthplace of Jesus, it has long served as a symbol of faith and divine guidance for Filipino Christians. The lantern has also come to represent hope, resilience, community, and a shared Filipino identity. By introducing residents, particularly younger generations, to the traditional process of making parols, the workshop helps preserve not only the craft itself but also the cultural values associated with it. The activity likewise provided participants with an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship of Kapampangan artisans whose expertise has helped shape and sustain the tradition over generations.
Keeping a Centuries-Old Craft Alive
The preservation of parol-making forms part of the broader effort to protect the Philippines’ cultural traditions. The practice can be traced to the Spanish colonial period, when lantern processions were held in honor of the Virgin Mary, eventually developing into the beloved Christmas tradition known throughout the country today. Angeles City’s Parul Angeleño is particularly recognized for its hand-carved bamboo frames and intricate paper designs. The lantern also holds an important place in the Lubenas ning Pasku, a century-old nine-night procession. Bringing this tradition to Makati created an avenue for cultural knowledge from Pampanga to be shared with city residents. At the same time, the skills learned through the workshop can potentially be developed into livelihood opportunities, connecting cultural preservation with community development.
Culture That Connects Communities
The collaboration between Makati and Angeles City demonstrates how cultural activities can build meaningful connections between communities. While Makati is widely recognized as the country’s financial center, initiatives such as this highlight the city’s efforts to preserve and celebrate the cultural traditions that form part of Filipino identity. Through the workshop, the artistry and knowledge of Kapampangan parol-making found a new audience in Makati. As participants learned to create their own lanterns, they also became part of the continuing story of a Filipino tradition that has endured through generations. By keeping the craft alive and encouraging more people to appreciate its meaning, the city helps ensure that the creativity, heritage, and symbolism of the Filipino parol continue to shine into the future.
