ASIDE from the beginning of the nine-day Simbang Gabi, December 16 seems to be a very significant date for Kapampangans, Fernandinos specifically, as this date marks the much-awaited Giant Lantern Festival Competition being held every year, while it is unfortunate that because of the pandemic, the annual event has been limited to a virtual or online exhibition of the marvelous lanterns crafted by the giant lantern makers in the city. Similar to last year, there will be no competition and the annual festival will simply be an exhibition of the participating barangays.
For this year, the "New Normal Festival" will take place for the upcoming Giant Lantern Festival 2021 as seven barangays in the City of San Fernando will participate in the said exhibition. These are Barangays Telabastagan, San Juan, San Nicolas, Bulaon, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Nino. and Calulut.
Yes, the thrill and fun of rooting for our barangays will not happen, and the GLF Committee emphasizes that it will be a "friendly showcase of the best lantern-making barangays." This is understandable because we still need to be cautious and avoid the spread of Covid-19. But just the same, this friendly exhibition proves that the City Government maintains its commitment to keeping the GLF tradition alive and the pandemic will not be a reason for the yearly festival to be put aside. After all, many of us are indeed longing for the merry-making that we used to do during the Christmas season, and watching the lanterns through the television and social media sites will still brighten up our mood as celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Similarly, the stretch of the Jose Abad Santos Avenue or JASA is once again filled with the lovely color and lights of the Christmas lantern decors installed on the light posts, and they truly are able to lift our spirits up in the midst of the health crisis that we are still experiencing. Truly, anyone even with the heaviest heart can rest and leave his or her worries while enjoying the ingenious and fascinating display of lights.
It is a given that the simple parols and even the giant lanterns are a tourist attraction that draw many visitors, both local and foreign. For me, however, I see these colorful, artistic masterpieces not only as a source of entertainment, but also a source of reprieve from all the problems that gloom my life. For me, as I look and enjoy the sparkle and play of the lights of the parols I see everywhere, I am able to muster up the strength needed and the courage to always look at the brighter side of everything.
As they say our life is made up of the yin and yang, of black and white, of light and dark. In between, we can always look for the pieces and sources that can add color and brilliance to our existence. The parol is not just a symbol of the Christmas season, as the star is also symbolized to have guided the Three Kings in searching the birth place of Jesus Christ, but the lantern, whether big or small, is the constant reminder that there are things which can be turned off by life’s uncertainties.
Through our faith, passion, and the will to push forward, we can always find a light amidst the darkness that surrounds us. We have to remember that we, ourselves, can also serve as a light for others and add a colorful value in their lives.