All of us are dead

BigLights

in the centerof Luzon The Giant Lantern Festival

The Philippines is known for its diverse and unique cultures and one of its brightest is in Pampanga. Inhabited are the Kapampangans who are known for their cooking – from the famously known “pulutan” Sisig to its exotic yet flavorful Tugak (frogs). But Kapampangans are not only recognized for their culinary skills but also for their craftsmanship in making these ornamental star shaped Christmas lanterns which are called “parol” that light up the cold nights of December.

Pampanga is known for its beautiful and dashing parols that symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three kings to the manger. It also represents hope that lights over the darkness in the midst of the Christmas season.

Every Christmas season, kapampangans celebrate a festival of big lights which is the Giant Lantern Festival. The “Ligligang Parul” (giant lantern festival) is home to the city of San Fernando, Pampanga, making it the Christmas capital of the Philippines. It became the paramount of every kapampangans’ Christmas and became a part of their Christmas rituals. The Festival celebrates the art of lights through the craftsmanship of the kapampangans in their parol making. People from around the country gather with their families in San Fernando to witness the dancing lights in the center of Luzon. A total of 10 or so barangays in the city of San Fernando participate in the yearly “Ligligan Parul” where they compete for the best. It has been held every December for more than 80 years where they present a barrage of dancing lights in the night skies of christmas.

These giant lanterns display a barrage of colored lights that spins around your eyes. It dances to the music in the background. At the back of every lantern, there are large steel barrels which many people control. These steel barrels are like switches that turn on and off that add an illusion of different lights dancing with the beat of the music.

Even when the world continuously changes, these lantern makers also continue to preserve the tradition, passing it from generation to generation. These lanterns aren’t easy to make, it requires people to have passion, creativity, and groove. If you ever had the chance to see the people operating these gigantic dancing lights, you’ll see them dancing as if they’re in the disco and that energy somehow radiates to the lights that will instantly hook you up with the music.

These big dancing lights didn’t only light-up the whole Philippines but also shined and were recognized around the globe. It’s also been featured as the national costume of Catriona Gray in the prestigious Miss Universe where she won the title.

The Giant Lantern festival annually held its competition and exhibition nights every December 16 to the first week of January. With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, the organizers encourage the public to set reservations in their official site for seats and parking, for drive-ins, which are free of charge.

Pampanga province, about 75 kilometers outside of Manila where culture, landmarks, people, and food are known. A place in the country that’s full of the brightest and captivating traditions you may want to see, especially in the cold holidays with your loved ones.

Andrei Tayag I Creatives

Alitaptap Alitaptap Village

Leila Clampiano I Writer

Since the pandemic, art has been a good help for us to cope, discover and express ourselves more. And whenever we do our own work or spend personal time, having a designated space is one we highly consider. If you are thinking about upgrading your place or getting your senses for some inspiration for your art, this place is perfect for you.

Alitaptap Village is an artist community located in Amadeo, Cavite. The property is owned by the Ancanan — a family of artists as well. They sold parts of their land to co-artists and this is probably the beginning of this unique path with art. The village comprises several houses with their own aesthetic and character. Distinct shapes, colors, materials used for the construction, and vibe inside and outside the houses. Each house is precisely made according to its owner’s personality and art style. At first glance, you might judge it as unfinished but the details and spirit of how these were made are incomparable to any structural standard compelled by society.

Honestly, putting art in a rural area is unusual, but definitely the best choice that the founders made. The success of this village is due to its purpose— to explore and share art. Normally, people bring their art to the city for people to see. To seek opportunities. Why? The disheartening truth, art is always undervalued. It is shallowly defined as easy. That is why getting away from the sight of validation is frankly one step to redefine art. If you truly invest support and value art, have the courage to seek it wherever it may be. In addition, reconnecting art to nature allows healthy stimulation of ideas for artists and visitors. Aside from enjoying, being a good caretaker is what we owe the environment.

What art can we see? Countless. Spontaneous Remarkable. There are many faces of art present in the village. Literature, music, painting, traditional drawing, exhibits, performances— all in one place. Not only is this welcome to everyone— artists, nonartists, art enthusiasts, critics, etc.— this also encourages participation. Do you want to share? there’s definitely a space for you to talk. Do you want to observe? Feel free to walk around and switch houses to houses. Want to do art? Extend your stay for an hour (or more). You are always welcome. You are not limited to seeing things, you can definitely do your own thing!

So why Alitaptap? What’s the catch? For the day, the village is likewise a simple household. Plants in the garden, pets playing and flying around, small chitchats, and some taking their rest. Because for the night, these artists are alive and having their own shine. The village is energetically awake at night. And like the fireflies, these artists are free. They bring their own light as they mingle with dark. These artists, though their lights twinkle, show no fear to change. Most of all, these artists shine best when put together.

Art exists in each of us. Art is deeply marked in each being. Art should have a place of its own— one where we can see almost everything. And one we definitely can nourish ourselves from. A place where art is freely shown is a place worth seeing. Follow the trade of the fireflies and see one paradise— Alitaptap Artists Village.

Sanctuary of Artists