To liven up the Christmas spirit in Xiamen, Consul General Julius A. Flores officially lit up two brand new traditional Pampango star-shaped lanterns from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga known as the Parul Sampernandu, in the early evening of 30 November 2013 at the Consulate General grounds. The ceremony was attended by about 70 guests, including officers of the Filipino Association in Xiamen (FAX), FilCom in Xiamen, Chinese and Singaporean friends.

With the Parul, an enduring and beloved symbol of Filipino Christmas lighting the gathering, FAX officers delighted everyone present with their annual Christmas Caroling performance, which featured well-loved Filipino and foreign Christmas carols. After the caroling, guests were treated to Filipino and Chinese food and desserts.

In the spirit of Yuletide season of giving and sharing, FAX dedicated the evening's performance as thanksgiving to the donors who contributed to their "One Cause One Heart" donation drive to benefit Filipinos adversely affected by the recent earthquake in the Visayas, as well as super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). FAX President-elect Johnny H. So announced the list of sponsors and contributors during the event. END.