19 December 2014 – The Guam Filipino Artists (GFA) in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General in Agana held its third annual Christmas Lantern (Parol) Making Contest on December 14 at the Agana Shopping Center.
The contest aims to encourage Filipino creativity and ingenuity in making the traditional Parol using non-traditional and recyclable materials. There were a total of 26 entries from various individuals and students in Guam who showcased their talent on how to make the traditional star-shaped Christmas lanterns and reinvented them by using indigenous and recyclable materials like achuete husks, coconut leaves, banana stalks, different kinds of beans, wood, recycled paper and plastic products that are seemingly mundane but were impressively transformed into works of art.
The 26 entries were judged according to creativity and ingenuity in the use of materials, aesthetic appeal, workmanship and harmony of colors. The contest’s board of judges was composed of Philippine Consul General Marciano R. de Borja as Chairman, the members of the Guam Filipino Artists headed by its President Mel Santos, Ms. Mila Moguel, Ms. Caroline Baal and Mr. Marcial Pontillas as well as Ms. Jackie Balbas of Guam Council of the Art and Humanities (CAHA), as members.
Mr. Emelio Uy, a Fil-Am businessman and Chairman of the Filipino Community of Guam (FCG) Board of Trustees, donated cash prizes of US$500, US$300 and US$200 for the first, second and third prize winners, respectively.
The Parol designed by Zariel Mapilisa, a student of St. Anthony Catholic School, was adjudged first prize winner of the contest. It is made of recycled plastic spoons, chopsticks, soda caps put together with a used wood designed like leaves and formed into a star. The Parol has been donated to the Consulate General and is currently displayed in its reception area. The other winning Parols were entries by Edilie Propel (6th Place), Tina Dela Marquez (5th Place), Jean Mangune (4th Place), Eleanor Doromila (3rd Place), Noel Semolata (2nd Place).
Consul De Borja delivered a message by thanking the Guam Filipino Artists for bringing alive the rich Filipino Christmas traditions such as the midnight and dawn or Aguinaldo masses, Noche Buena and the Chrismas lantern/parol making which evokes the star of Bethlehem that guided the three kings to the manger and symbolizes the Filipinos’ hope and goodwill during the Christmas season. END