For the first time, the City of New Westminster highlighted the Philippine Parol (star
lantern) at the City Hall lobby for the whole month of December. The display is part of
the Shine and Bright Festival that’s being hosted by the city every year. This initiative is
in partnership with the city through the Office of City Parks and the New Westminster
Philippines Festival Society. “It’s timely that the Filipino Community in New Westminster
is being recognized and it really means a lot to us,” said Salve Dayao, NWPFS
President.
Holiday decorations and Christmas light installations can be seen throughout the city
and there are music and performances at several locations as part of the festival. “The
support of the city and the city council are overwhelming and we’re hoping this will be
celebrated annually,” she added.
Last October the group also organized the Parol Making Workshop and Christmas
Bazaar in the city. The event which is in coordination with INARTE Society also gave
the community a good exposure. The event which was held in the Sapperton area was
widely attended by the local community. Lita Cabal, one of the society directors said,
“Our group really wanted to highlight and share our Filipino culture through arts and
events; specially the context of Christmas tradition, the birth of Christ and the Filipino
family.” And that, “we were able to achieve this vision,” she added.
Various parol designs including the lighted parol made of Capiz shells are on display at
the City Hall lobby from December 1 to 31. The displays were designed and arranged
by Hercules Guidoriagao and Raymon Maliwat.
The group also wanted to thank the following event sponsors for making it a reality.
Larry and Theresa of UMAC Express Cargo; Jun and Linda Dualan of InstantImprints;
Edith Maclang of Pampanga’s Cuisine; Jesse Tanada RBC Mortgage;Ryan and
Theresa of RyTher Financial Services; Michael Cabal Real Estate; Lexi Technologies,
Inc. and Liza Lucion of Canadian Global Construction and Vancouver Oasis Production.
You can visit the New Westminster city hall from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm
until the end of the month.