THE lantern entry from Barangay Sta. Lucia in the City of San Fernando shone the brightest during the Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) held at the Robinsons Starmills on Saturday, December 14.

The village's lantern crafted by second generation lantern maker Byron Bondoc defeated the entries of 11 other villages in the three-round competition.

Barangay Sta. Lucia, headed by its chairman Herman Quiwa, received P150,000 cash prize, aside from revolving GLF trophy and the yearlong bragging rights.

Barangay Calulut, meanwhile, was adjudged first runner-up followed by Del Pilar and Sindalan, respectively.

Other participating barangays were Pilar, San Pedro, Bulaon, San Juan, San Nicolas, Telabastagan, San Jose, San Agustin, and Sto. Nino.

Vice President Leni Robredo attended the annual and most anticipated Christmas event.

Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Jana Sediva, London Ambassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo, former Capas, Tarlac Mayor Antonio “TJ” Rodriguez, Jr., Architect Dionisio Salvador III, film directors Emmanuel Quindo Palo and Jason Paul Laxamana, and Ms. Millenial Pampanga Angela Maria Robson served as judges.

GLF, now on its 111th year, is an inter-barangay competition that showcases the talents of Fernandinos in crafting up to 20-foot high lanterns with a maximum of 10,000 bulbs each. Princess Clea Arcellaz