“Parol” Making Contest at Santa Teresita Parish - STP News - Santa Teresita Parish

Christmas in the Philippines will not be complete without the traditional “Parol”.  It has become an iconic symbol of Filipino Christmas.   The word “parol” came from the Spanish word, “farol” that directly translates to “lantern.” Historians believe that the parol was influenced by the Mexican pinata that was brought by the Spaniards. Parol was originally made of bamboo sticks and papel de japon. The design was a simple five-pointed star and was illuminated by a candle or kalburo (carbide).  Local people used the parol to illuminate their path to the church during dawn masses called “Simbang Gabi.”

Every Filipino household can be seen with hanging lanterns in their homes. For us, it is an expression of shared faith and hope, aside from a symbolism of the triumph of light over darkness and goodwill during Christmas season.  It also represents the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the manger of the newly born Jesus Christ.  Parol is still the most important symbol of Christmas for the Filipinos that should be promoted.  It is for this reason that the Parish Pastoral Council with the suggestion of the Fr. Richard Magararu, SMM decided that all Religious organizations and ministries join in the competition of making the best “Parol.”

The guidelines given were, 1) only traditional design of parol (star) is allowed, 2) size should not be more than 32 inches in diameter, 3) only recyclable materials of any color are allowed, and 4) only one entry by ministry or organization is allowed. The Criteria for judging were creativity-25%, workmanship-20%, originality-25%, Visual impact-30%. The presentation and judging of the lanterns (parol) was made during the Parish Christmas Party last December 12, 2014.  Each group was given a chance to briefly comment on their contest piece citing the materials they used.

Fr. Ting Casing, SMM, Rev, Benjie Notarte, SMM and Bro. Federick Yumang, SMM served as the judges of the contest.  At the end the program the winners were announced.  The first place received a prize of five thousand pesos (5,000.00) went to the group of PREX (Parish Renewal Experience). The second place with a prize of three thousand pesos (3,00.00) went to the Youth Ministry and the third place with a prize of two thousand pesos (2,000.00) went to the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist.  The Parish Staff, Ministry on Ecology and the Ministry of Lectors and Commentators got the consolation prizes of one thousand pesos (1,000.00) each.  

All entries were nicely made and obviously every group exerted efforts to produce a masterpiece.  They all deserved to be recognized and appreciated. The spirit of bayanihan (cooperation) in each group was once more highlighted in this simple activity.  All the lanterns were used to adorn our parish church and were displayed throughout the Christmas season. May this symbol of Filipino Christmas remind everyone that the birth of Christ who is the light of the world would really illumine their lives.

-Fr. Richard Magararu, SMM

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