Illuminating Parol

Parol symbolizes lights. With or without lights, we take parol as symbol of lights and hopes. In our parol making workshops, we usually follow the three-step instructions: 1) Constructing the structure or the body (Star) 2) Covering the structure 3) Decorating or putting ornaments (tails, tassels) .

In today's workshop at YBCA, attended by 56 participants, the biggest so far among our workshops, I added the putting lights in their Parols. Our parol trainers were worried at first that the participants might not be able to finish their parols before the closing time at 5:30 pm, and we started at 2 pm with my introduction on the story of parol lantern festival in SoMa Pilipinas, the Filipino Cultural Heritage District in San Francisco.

Before the workshop time, I did not take my lunch, and instead I worked and tested three different kind of led lights and made proto-types and designed the step-by-step instructions. When I showed the proto-types during the workshop, the participants were excited to have their parol lit.

Parol with colorful lights are great to carry during the Parol Stroll on December 10th, from 5 pm, at Yerba Buena Gardens in SoMa Pilipinas.

Lights on, I see smiles, glee in their eyes, and face lit up, and they (participants) make our (SoMa Pilipinas staff and volunteers) day!

Gearing up for the Parol Festival night, there are two more workshops at YBCA.

Indeed, parol is Filipinos' contribution to the Festival of Lights in San Francisco.