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RP Consulate holds lantern parade
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Posted on Dec 12 2000
Christmas came early on Saipan.
The most unique of holiday lanterns made out of materials readily available on the island light up the Nauru Building grounds Sunday night as spectators from Saipan’s multi-ethnic community gaze in awe.
The lanterns were submitted as entries to the Parol-making contest sponsored by the Philippine Consulate and the Filipino community in the CNMI. The competition drew 23 participants from throughout the island.
Consul Julia C. Heidemann said the competition attracted participants not only from among the members of the Filipino community on Saipan but also from other ethnic groups on the island.
The competition, held to relive on Saipan the Philippines own way of celebrating the holidays, was divided into individual and group categories which solicited 11 and 12 entries respectively.
Pastor Ramir Trinidad and company bagged the first place in the group category, while the Cavite Association of Saipan cornered the second prize and the Halina’s Boyz won came in third with 82 percent.
For the individual category, Hamor V. Manahan grabbed victory by garnering the most points at 85.3 percent; Artemio Villones came in second with 80.8 percent; and Cid Mostales finished close at third place with 80.5 percent.
The entries were judged according to originality, creativity, relevance, design and use of indigenous materials.
To most Filipino homes, Christmas is best signified by the Parol, a lantern which symbolizes the star that led the Three Wise Men to a manger in Bethlehem where Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ.
