The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen reports the successful lighting ceremony of parols/lanterns at the Robinsons Mall-Xiamen Courtyard (main lobby area) on December 2016. It is Consulate General’s cultural diplomacy initiative in cooperation with Robinsons-Mall Xiamen to showcase the lanterns from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

In brief remarks, Consul General Flores conveyed appreciation to Robinsons Mall-Xiamen through Ms. Viola Wang, Assistant Manager, and her staff for being a valuable partner in promoting the Filipino Christmas traditions in Xiamen and Fujian. Consul General Flores also expressed gratitude to the City of San Fernando, Pampanga and the Giant Lantern Festival Foundation, Inc. for providing lanterns to showcase once again the world class skills and craftsmanship of its parol makers and its city as the “parol” capital of the Philippines.

In simple rites, Consul General Flores pressed the ceremonial switch that simultaneously lit the “parols” bright and colorful display of lights at the mall’s entrance.

The lighting ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Benito Choa, General Manager, Eton Properties (Xiamen) Ltd., Mr. Allan Vibar, Robinsons Mall-Xiamen, Mr. Bong Antivola (Filipino Association in Xiamen representative), Consulate General’s officers and staff, members of the Filipino community and other guests.

A Filipino band also performed during the lighting ceremony, dishing out both Filipino Christmas and pop music as well as global hit tunes to the delight of the shopping public.

The parol display will run for the whole month of December 2016 to early January 2017. END