Apalit, Pampanga-native Jerry Santos proud of his Philippine flag-inspired Christmas lantern.
By Daniel Infante Tuaño
SPAIN – Pampanga is considered the Philippines’ Christmas lantern capital, as it produces the country’s most beautiful and colorful parols.
The symbol of Filipino Christmas is displayed in the homes of Filipino residents in Barcelona for quite some time, but for the first time Cabalens, they brought their creativity and craftsmanship to Spain as they made their first-ever parol.
“Ito ‘yung produkto ng Pampanga kaya kailangang ipresenta namin ‘yung maganda naming parol,” said Ramina Espinosa, president of newly formed Pampangueño association Kapampangan Abe Abe Tamu.
The giant parol, which resembles the Philippine flag, is made of gift wrapper, wooden sticks, paper and battery-powered Christmas lights.
In the future, they promised to bring materials from the Philippines so they can make parols like the ones found in Pampanga which are mainly made of capiz shells.
It took two weeks for Apalit, Pampanga-native Jerry Santos to finish the parol.
“Kailangan meron dating, parang tayong mga Filipino makita rin nila na may talent din tayo, hindi yung puros pinagpapasensiyahan lang, mabilisan, hindi ganun,” Santos said.
The parol was offered to the Filipino Personal Parish and is now on display, together with other parols made by Filipino associations, at Iglesia de San Agustin in Barcelona. ABS-CBNnews.com
Barcelona-based Pampanga association Kapampangan Abe Abe Tamu.
