Filipino X’mas lanterns join festive colors of NY’s 5th Avenue

Traditional Christmas lanterns were lit up December 7 at the Philippine Center in New York to start the nine-day “Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado” (Night Masses at the Consulate). CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

NEW YORK CITY— The lighting of traditional Christmas parols or lanterns kicked off the nine-day “Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado” December 7 at the Philippine Center here.

Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lourdes O. Yparraguirre led the ceremonial lighting of the lanterns.

Consul General Mario de Leon described the parol as a symbol of Filipinos’ faith and hope.

The traditional lanterns, made in San Fernando, Pampanga, were set up at the center’s window display to depict how Filipinos celebrate Christmas. The colorful display of lights added to the glitter of Christmas décor that line New York City’s prestigious Fifth Avenue, where the Philippine Center is located, effectively showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the parol makers.

Consul General de Leon described the parol-lighting ceremony as an expression of Filipinos’ faith, hope and gratitude for the blessings in the past year and a prayer for guidance in the coming one.

He added that the parols represent an important tradition of the Filipino people at Christmas, one that deserves to be shared with our non-Filipino friends.

Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lourdes O. Yparraguirre turned on the switch that lighted the parols as well as orange lights in solidarity with the Orange the World initiative to end gender-based violence.

The evening was also the occasion to officially launch the “Orange the World” initiative, led by the Philippine Mission to the United Nations, to support the global campaign to end gender-based violence. Orange-colored lights illuminated the entrance of the Philippine Center in solidarity of the worldwide initiative.

De Leon and Permanent Representative Yparraguirre ceremonially pressed the switch that simultaneously lit up the parols and the orange lights.

The lighting ceremony was attended by personnel of the Philippine Consulate General New York, the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and the Philippine Center.

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