Yesterday, we went to the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines", San Fernando Pampanga, for the LIGLIGAN Parul or the world-renowned Giant Lantern Festival. It was my first time to witness the said festival and I was really amazed. The lanterns were really beautiful and exceptional. The commercial "walang ganyan sa States" comes to my mind while watching the dancing lanterns 'coz it's only in the Philippines where you could see this. Well, all I can say is my 1.5hr trip fom Manila to Pampanga was worth it.
Well, it's not the usual lantern competition we see on TV or in the Mall 'coz the lanterns are really HUGE. As in 20 feet high lanterns carried by a truck, used a gazillion of light bulbs (just kiddding! They only used 5000 light bulbs) and controlled by a rotors. This rotors are the one that makes the light dance to the rythem of the music in various beautiful patterns.
This year 8 barangays joined the competition to show-off their craftsmanship and ingenuity, namely: Brgy. San Juan, San Nicolas, San Felipe, Telabastagan, Santa Lucia, Sto. Nino, Dolores and Del Pilar. It is a community effort where in the entire barangay help in making this lanterns, from the design concept, to the construction and labor. They are doing this not for the cash, but for the barangays pride and honor. And that's something!
Aside from that, there's also a fireworks display after the grand event. And if you want to see this awesome lanterns just head to the Paskuhan Village in San Fernando, Pampanga for they will display the Giant Lanterns there from Dec. 16 upto Dec 30, 2007. Or contact the Pampanga's Tourism Office.
They have lots of special effects and the lights are really in sync with the music.
2nd Runner-up: Brgy. San Nicolas.
This is one of my favorite lantern in the festival. I like the details of their tiles and it really sparkles in this photo.
3rd Runner-up: Brgy. San Felipe
I also like San Felipe's special effect. They started with a little boy, then with an angel flying and after the narration, the lights started to dance with the groove.
More Giant Lantern Pictures here
San Agustin Church is the oldest stone Church in the Philippines. It was built in 1587 and was designed by Juan Macias. The Church was completed in 1607 under the supervision of the Augustinian Father namely, Francisco de Bustos, Ildefonso Perez, Diego de Avila and Brother Alonso de Perea. The church has suffered a lot and was able to stand the test of time. It has withstood the bombings of World War II, numerous typhoons and earthquakes that reduced the city to shambles and also it was restored many times.
Well, in 1993, San Agustin Chruch was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. They stated that the San Agustin Chruch possesses exceptional universal value that deserves protection for the benefit of all humanity.
I'm really proud that some people still care in preserving our heritage. I hope this will not be the only one 'coz there are many beautiful structures there that needs to be preserve and restore to its past beauty.
When we arrived at Freska, the waiter told us their best selling food are the kinilaw na pasayan (shrimps in vinigar), oyster rockafella (oyster in olive oil, with spinach and mozarella cheese), managat and squid and a lot more. So we decided to order Oyster Rockafella, Shrimps in Aligue and Pancit Molo. It was delicious! Not only that they also offer scrumptuos dessert, especially mango salad. YummmyyyY!!!!
The restaurant has a great interior and a nice ambience. The food are not that expensive but unfortunately it has a small serving. The staff are really friendly (of course they should be hehehe... ). And lastly, the service is really good and really fast.
FRESKA
2nd Floor Promanade Greenhils
Katipunan Extension, Blue Ridge, QC
Tiendisitas Frontera Verde, Pasig City
Who would have thought that in the busy, populated, traffic congested Manila there's a hidden gem in it? The fabulous FEU is the country's largest and best preserved ART-DECO complex. It also won an honourable mention at the prestigious 2005 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards!
I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.
OLD MANILA WALKS
by Ivan Man-DY
oldmanilawalks@gmail.com
+632-917-329-1622
Campus sidewalk
National Artist Vicente Manansala's sculptures
"Empowering the Youth" mural
