5TH PAROL FESTIVAL USHERS THE
CHRISTMAS SEASON IN LAS PIÑAS CITY

Christmas is indeed in the air in Las Piñas City as local government officials and constituents celebrated their annual Parol (Christmas lantern) Festival on Friday showcasing the creativity and artistry of its parol makers.

Las Piñas City Representative Mark Villar, together with Nacionalista Party Chair, Senator Manny Villar kicked off the fifth year of festivities with a glittering display of Christmas lanterns at the St. Joseph Bamboo Organ Church turning it into a glittering spectacle of color and craftsmanship. Students from various schools and organizations also gave out stellar musical and dance performances to keep up the festival mood in the city.

"The festival seeks to bring back the old, glory days when people look up to Las Piñas as the country's 'Parol Capital'. It has also transformed the industry to being one of the major sources of livelihood and income of Las Piñas folks," Villar said.

Eleven participants from various barangays and organizations in Las Piñas showcased their unique and world-class parols. Mr. Rogelio Apuli and Mr. Teofanes Bernal won the grand prize worth P20, 000. Mr. Ignacio Gallardo was second place, receiving P15,000 while Ms. Lolita Ladiana went home with P10, 000 as third placer.

"We also want to further hone and highlight the talent of Las Pinas residents in parol-making. More than the cash prize, the participants look forward to being recognized as the best lantern maker of Las Piñas," Rep. Villar added.

Rep. Villar also led the blessing and turnover of new equipment in support the city's Sagip Ilog program aimed at rehabilitating and preserving Las Piñas City's river system. A seminar on Ecological Solid Waste Management was also conducted to educate constituents on proper waste segregation and recycling. The day-long event also included the distribution of 500 land certificates to indigent families in Brgy CAA, Las Pinas.

"There is no better way to bring Christmas cheer to the people of Las Pinas than by providing them with a roof over their heads or shelter where they can hang a parol this Christmas," Rep. Villar said.

Rep. Villar also joined in a blood-letting activity spearheaded by the Philippine National Red Cross-Las Piñas Chapter and led the blessing of a new pharmacy at the Las Piñas General Hospital.

"We hope that our gift to Las Piñas constituents will make their Christmas more memorable as look forward to another year ahead," Rep. Villar said.