Caluag: Christmas lanterns illuminate hope, inspiration

THE City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga launched the holiday season with the ceremonial lighting of Christmas lanterns and decorations.

Lanterns and ornaments of various colors, shapes and sizes were installed in several places in the city including the Heroes Hall, Jose Abad Santos Avenue, portions of McArthur Highway in Barangay Baliti, the city’s Giant Lantern and Tourist Information Center, and Command and Control Center, among others.

The lanterns were simultaneously lit up on Friday evening.

Mayor Vilma Caluag said the Christmas illuminations were designed and made by Fernandino lantern makers.

“Siyempre proud tayo sa ating mga lantern makers kaya bilang suporta sa kanila, sila talaga ang tina-tap natin na magdesign at gumawa ng mga parol. Actually, ako din nakisali na rin sa pagdedesign ng mga parol doon sa Baliti,” Caluag said.

The mayor said the lanterns illuminate hope and inspiration to Fernandinos and tourists who will visit the city.

“Sana kapag makita nila ang mga magagandang pailaw at disenyo, makakalimutan nila kahit sandali ang mga pinagdadaanan nila. Kapag nagpapicture sila sa mga parol natin, kahit sandali ay mag-smile sila at mawala sa mukha nila ang mga problema,” she said.

The mayor added that this year’s theme — “Sala ning Tala, Aslag ning Sala” — represents the bright tourism and economy of the city today.

“Katulad ng ating mga parol, makinang na makinang din po ang San Fernando ngayon sa dami ng mga awards na ating natatanggap mula sa national government at private sector,” Caluag said.

She added that more events are lined-up in the city — known as the Home of the Giant Lanterns — as the Christmas day nears.

“Siyempre dahil tayo ang Christmas Capital of the Philippines at Home of the Giant Giant Lanterns, gusto natin na bongga, masaya at makulay ang Pasko natin kaya abangan natin ‘yan,” Caluag said.