In every flicker of light, there is a dream waiting to ignite.
In the City of San Fernando, Pampanga—widely known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines”—those dreams shine brightest through its famous giant lanterns, or parol.
For more than a century, San Fernando’s lanterns have illuminated Filipino Christmas celebrations. What began as simple star-shaped decorations made of paper has evolved into massive, intricately designed giant lanterns powered by complex electrical mechanisms.
Beyond their beauty, these lanterns tell a deeper story of craftsmanship passed down through generations within communities bound together by a shared purpose.
At the heart of this living tradition are the lantern makers—the hands that do not merely create decorations, but shape livelihoods and preserve a unique cultural identity.
New team of light makers
A new chapter in this story of light and labor unfolded in Barangay Sta. Lucia. With the support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), a newly-formed group has begun strengthening both tradition and livelihood. Composed of 30 members, the Sta. Lucia Lantern Makers Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) proves that while traditions may age, there are always new hands ready to carry them forward into the future.
The group is led by Janice Bondoc, whose journey into lantern-making began after marrying a lantern maker and eventually learning the craft herself.
“Bali ako, originally hindi po ako dito, bale nakapangasawa po ako ng lantern maker, tapos naadapt ko po yung ano nila, kung kanilang business hanggang natuto na po ako, hanggang nakahawak na po ako ng sarili ko pong mga kontrata,” Janice shared with the DSWD’s Kwento ng Pag-asa at Pagbabago (KPAP) team.
Over time, her experience and leadership led her to organize and head the association. When the SLP extended assistance to lantern makers in September, Janice was chosen to establish the group and recruit its members.
“Napakasaya po namin kasi magkakaroon po kami ng budget para makapag tayo po kami ng sarili naming parol (business), para po makabili po kami ng mga materyales,” Janice said.
Vision for long-term development
The livelihood grant amounting to Php450,000 was personally awarded during the visit to Barangay Sta. Lucia by no less than the DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who emphasized his long-term vision for the SLP.
“Ito yung essence ng SLP, yung patuloy mong i-improve yung negosyo para sumabay ka sa agos ng panahon, para maging sustainable ka, hindi yung ngayon uso to bukas pag may iba nang uso, matatalo ka,” Secretary Gatchalian told the Sta. Lucia Lantern Makers SLPA.
“Kasi sabi nga natin the whole essence of sustainable livelihood ay pangmatagalang negosyo para maiahon natin ang ating mga kababayan mula sa kahirapan,” the DSWD chief pointed out.
Through the support of the DSWD’s SLP, the Sta. Lucia Lantern Makers SLPA underwent skills training and moved on to the actual production of their first batch of modern lanterns.
No shortcuts in parol-making process
Each parol is created using time, exercising patience, and showing dedication—from metal framing and welding to wiring and final wrapping. There are no shortcuts in the process, only discipline and teamwork.
Janice explained the careful process behind each lantern, saying, “bago po mag umpisa yung pagbuo ng lantern, una po tayo sa framing– yun pong framing itong base po bago po siya mabuo kasi dadaan pa siya sa nagbabalantok. Tapos after po niya nabalantukan, ililipat na po niya sa welder, tapos after welding mabubuo na po yung isang plain tapos lalagyan na po siya ng mga electrical.”
For the members of the association, lantern-making has become more than a source of income. It has strengthened their confidence, unity, and sense of pride.
Orders now range from barangay requests to tourism installations and Christmas village displays in different parts of the country, allowing their market to steadily expand.
As the association grows, the SLP continues to guide them through monitoring, business seminars, and future incentives. The goal is not only about immediate success but a long-term and sustained livelihood, ensuring that the association can stand on its own in the years to come.
As Christmas draws near, the spirit of the season becomes even more alive through the work of San Fernando’s lantern makers. With every parol they create, streets glow brighter, homes feel warmer, and communities are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas—hope, unity, and faith.
Because of their dedication, the joy of the season is not only seen but deeply felt, as their lanterns bring light to public spaces and households alike, turning ordinary nights into celebrations of togetherness and happiness.
The #KPAP — the DSWD’s award winning online documentary – is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS) which are under the agency’s Strategic Communications. It is hosted by Information Officer Bianca Piedad-Tamondong and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (KI)
