THIS WEEK’S FESTIVALS: Dec. 16-22, 2018

Dec. 16 to Jan. 2, 2019: Giant Lantern Festival

The city of San Fernando in Pampanga province lights up for the Giant Lantern Festival, locally known as “Ligligan Parul.”

Thousands of local and foreign tourists come to the city to watch the festive display of lights and lantern designs in the exhibition that will run until Jan. 2 next year.

A giant lantern is usually 6.1 meters (20 feet) high and is made of colorful bulbs intertwined in wires.

Dec. 16 to 22: Paskuhan sa GenSan

A “fantasyland-themed” Christmas festival of General Santos City in South Cotabato province. With a budget of P4.5 million, the festival features the annual grand pyrotechnics competition at the Oval Plaza grounds.

Other events include light-a-tree contest, barangay “belen” competition, Christmas carol for senior citizens and drum and lyre competition.

Dec. 16 to 20: Pasaway Festival

Residents of Sipalay City in Negros Occidental province celebrate the mining industry that transformed Sipalay into a booming town that eventually became a city.

Copper was one of the main products of Sipalay, before several mining operations closed down.

Participants in the street dancing competition are clad in ethnic costumes with copper ornaments.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research