Imagine a warm summer night. The streets are illuminated with the vibrant colors of lanterns made of paper and capiz-shells; the glittering lights are guiding you home to family. For many Filipinos the trademark of the Christmas season is not snowy weather and the glow of a fireplace, but the glow of parol lanterns. The parol, or star lantern, is a folk art form that symbolizes the Filipino Christmas spirit. The word parol originated from the Spanish word for lantern, farol. Traditionally parols were used to light the way to church for the Misa de Gallo midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
The Association for the Advancement of Philippine Arts & Culture (FilAm ARTS) would like to extend an invitation to all Filipinos and Filipino Americans to participate in a Parol Making Workshop on August 6, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Bahay Kubo Center in Granada Hills. The Parol ng Pinoy workshop is a partnership project of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Bahay Kubo Center, FilAm ARTS and Western Union in Los Angeles. The purpose of the workshop is to bring life to an old Philippine craft and preserve the art form for younger generations. “By doing this project not only are we tapping into our cultural identity, but we’re doing things together,” said artist Faustino Caigoy who teaches parol-making, “I think it’s important for parents and children to work together.” A goal of this project is to increase consciousness, both of the individual and of the inter-generational community, of Filipino identity and the richness of Philippine culture.
During an earlier workshop in July, community members learned and created parol frames. At the upcoming workshop participants will decorate the parols. The finished products will be part of the Parol Competition at the 20th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC20) on September 10 and 11 at Pt. Fermin Park. 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of FPAC, a tradition that brings together Filipinos from across California to celebrate community and heritage. The parols will then be showcased as part of the “Simbang Gabi parade” in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, Los Angeles on December 15, 2011. The Parol ng Pinoy workshop is a free event, and anyone interested in attending can register online at www.filamarts.org or call Melissa at 213-380-3722.
By Justine Calma
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