San Fernando Lanterns

They have gone a long, long way. The lanterns of San Fernando or the Parul Sampernandu, as local folks would call them, has travelled not only in the country but also in other parts of the world. They shine not only in the land where they were made but elsewhere.
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The lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga form part of the Kapampangan culture and history. They were conceptualized, made and re-made for several years now. They humbly started as bamboo sticks and Japanese colored paper in crude but elegant designs that shine like a speck in the sky on a starry night.
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Kapampangan ingenuity, perhaps, made lantern makers to use other materials such as tie wires and colored plastics that replaced the bamboo sticks and the colored papers. Other materials such as capiz shells are likewise used nowadays. Other lanterns are adorned by Christmas lights to add glitter to the lantern bulbs that wink.
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History shows that Kapampangan craftsmen have “invented” lanterns to symbolize the biblical star that guided and led the three wise men to the stable where Christ was born. Through the years, the lantern became a symbol of Christmas.
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For Kapampangans, the lanterns are more than just a symbol of Christmas. They are an industry now. While they are mere “seasonal products”, they rake in thousands of pesos in earnings including those which are exported to other countries. The latter are dollar makers for some.
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Lanterns also symbolize Kapampangans’ reverence to the nativity that without the Christmas star (which the lanterns signify), the holy occasion wouldn’t be complete. The people of Pampanga are generally religious. Such religiosity enjoins Kapampangans in the Christian world’s celebration of Christ’s birth.
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Last Monday, 30 Christmas lanterns shone at the chancery grounds of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Over the years, there were a number of San Fernando lanterns that were lit in different private and government offices in other parts of the globe.
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Malaysia is a Muslim-dominated country, yet San Fernando lanterns made their way in being lighted up at our Embassy in the said country. They represent not only the Kapampangans but likewise the whole country, Philippines.
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The recently held competition in the Giant Lantern Festival of the city has drawn crowds from all walks of life. Barangay Del Pilar has regained its crown as the best, the brightest of them all. The annual competition is just one of the highlights of the Christmas celebration in Pampanga.
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If one would like to see how giant the San Fernando giant lanterns are, they are still on display at one of the giant malls in the city. They continue to light up the night, complementing the festive mood of the yuletide. In their kaleidoscopic designs, they continue to impress people as they also showcase Kapampangans’ ingenuity when it comes to lantern-making.
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As the day nears, I take this opportunity to greet all the readers of my column a very Merry Christmas to all. Let us live the meaning of Christ’s birth by emulating the goodness our Savior has done for mankind.
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For other opinions, comments, suggestions or adverse reactions, you may reach iWrite at 0918-4899920. ●
http://www.headlinegl.com/san-fernando-lanterns/
Families with small children prefer outdoor resort in Manila clean and safe place in Pampanga Clark to bring kids to relax and unwind.

Clearwater Resort and Country Club is well regarded by trip planners and Manila residents as one of the best resorts in Pampanga for family bonding. This is one resort near Manila that enables guests to relax and unwind, away from the stress of living in the city. Clearwater Resort is generally regarded as one of the best holiday spots near Manila.

Travel groups recommend Clearwater Resort for this Holy Week and Easter holidays because this hotel resort in Clark Philippines is a private resort that is near Manila and is highly recommended for families with children to relax and unwind in a safe and secure location. Clearwater Resort is one of the resorts in Pampanga that are highly recommended for visitors coming to Angeles City or Clark Pampanga during Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, New year and especially during the Philippines Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Quiet place for rest and relaxation near Manila, in Subic, Angeles City Pampanga and Clark Philippines is something that residents of Manila travelling to the north for a short getaway are looking for. Today, Clark is no longer just a golfer’s paradise, it appears to tourists and visitors who are not just interested to play golf in one of the best golf courses in Pampanga. This resort in Clark Philippines is generally considered by Manila residents to be a good place for family trips in Pampanga.

Top rated tourist spots and places to see and visit in Clark Philippines include Clearwater Beach Resort Clark Pampanga. It is in this private resort in Pampanga that Manila residents travel out of town on a short getaway to savor the American lifestyle of laidback leisure living by the famous lake of Clark Airbase. Clearwater is one of the best hotel in Clark and the resort is a very popular venue for rest and relaxation especially for golfers after a round of golf at one of the best golf courses near Manila. Clark is home to some of the best golf courses in Pampanga.

Pampanga Angeles City and Clark Philippines is a popular choice for event organizers and company event planners because it is safe, secure and conveniently accessible from Manila. The short travel time from Manila to Clark means there is more time for participants to enjoy the programs, relax and unwind in the outdoor facilities of this highly recommended resort hotel in Clark. This is also one of the best resorts in Pampanga that offers good picnic spots near Manila.

For inquiries and bookings, Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort for inquiries and reservations now

Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clark Pampanga
Creekside Road near Centennial Expo,
Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023
(045) 889-5151 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177
Joanne or Jeremy or Loydha

Getting to this lake and beach resort in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines

After entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway MA Roxas, passing the stand-along wine shop called Clark Wine Center on the right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, one will hit a major intersection. Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road. YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on the right just 200m down.

Family Bonding by the famous lake of Clark Pampanga

http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

Email: Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort to reserve a venue for your upcoming event now

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit http://www.yilp.com

Hot Line for what’s happening in Clark: 045 889-5151 or 0927-940-2669 ask for Loydha

0915-542-6250 (Jeramie)