LOS ANGELES - Historic Filipinotown is going to look a lot brighter this Christmas. The Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council (HIFI) launched a “Parol Polemount project” program a month ago for members of the Filipino and FilAm community to adopt-a-parol lantern at Historic Filipinotown during the Christmas season.
So far the response from the Filipino community have been great, said HiFi President Cecil Ramos.
Ramos said The Asian Journal, Seafood City, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Max’s Restaurant, Chow King, University of the Philippines Nurses Alumni Association, Manila Terrace, Remy’s on Temple, Andy De Vera, Councilman Eric Garcetti’s office, James Santamaraia and more have all bought parol lanterns.
Even Philippine superstar Nora Aunor will have her name up in lights in Historic Filipinotown.
“We are so excited,” said Ramos. “She [Aunor] is also donating some portions of her future show earnings from her January 10 show at the Convention center to the parol project.”
The HiFi council announced its parol project two months ago during a press conference at the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles.
“This is a project of the heart, from the heart,” said Ramos during that press conference at the Philippine Consulate. “We are looking for sponsors to adopt a parol lantern. This will finally fulfill that Historic Filipinotown is a tourist destination.”
Inspired by the Parol Lantern Festival and Parade held in San Francisco annually, the organization had set their hearts to have over 140-lighted parol lanterns light up along the 2.1-square-mile Historic Filipinotown District.
However, they had to scratch that idea when they found out that parts of Beverly Boulevard would be closed during the Holiday.
Ramos said their new goal is to have 25 parol lanterns along Temple Street.
The parols (with the person or corporations’ name) would stand nearly 7 feet tall and hang from the streetlights from the day after Thanksgiving to the Three Kings Day. The parol lantern is weatherproof, durable and lasts four to five years, said Ramos.
Ramos said that it’s not too late to have your name or company name in lights.
“If you want your business or your families name light up Historic Filipinotown and have tourists from all over to see it, then adopt a parol,” said Ramos.
The deadline is November 7.
The parol lanterns are $1,200 for the first year and additional $240 for the subsequent years for maintenance and storage.
Each parol lantern will have a number, and signage of either the person’s name or business on it. The lanterns will light up when the city lights turn on nightly.
“The parol lanterns will beautify the community,” said Pam Darden, HIFI Board member.
If you are interested in adopting a parol lantern, please contact Cecil Ramos (213) 413-3323 or visit www.historicfilipinotown.org. (www.asianjournal.com)
(Published November 1, 2008 p.B6 LAWKND)
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