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CEREMONIAL LIGHTING OF PAROLS KICK OFF SIMBANG GABI CELEBRATION AT PHILIPPINE CENTER NEW YORK

11 December 2015 – A parol-lighting ceremony led by Philippine Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lourdes O. Yparraguirre kicked off the nine-day traditional Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado on December 07 at the Philippine Center New York.

The traditional parols, made in San Fernando, Pampanga, were set up at the window display at the Philippine Center as a way to depict how Filipinos celebrate Christmas. The colorful display of lights added to the glitter of Christmas décor that line New York City’s prestigious Fifth Avenue, where the Philippine Center is located, and effectively showcased the artistry and craftsmanship of the parol makers.

In his remarks, the Consul General described the parol-lighting ceremony as a tribute to the Filipino tradition of hanging parols in their homes as an expression of their faith and hope.  The parol is also an expression of gratitude for the blessings in the past year, and a prayer for guidance in the coming one, he said.

He added that the parols represent an important tradition of the Filipino people at Christmas, one that deserves to be shared with our non-Filipino friends.

“It is an important element of our duty to celebrate Filipino culture, and share it with the mainstream community in New York,” Consul General de Leon said.

The lighting ceremony was witnessed by personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and the Philippine Center.