Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

"This project signals a revival of a tradition which was started in the Philippines some 500 years ago," declared Cecille Ramos, President of Hi Fi Neighborhood Council. "It was started by a Spanish priest who used lighted paroles to guide the farmers to the church at 4 o’clock in the morning where an early Mass—which was called misa de gallo (early morning Mass), was held."

She said that lighting the lanterns was a revival of a Hispanic-Filipino event for many years. "And now, the parol will make Historic Filipinotown a tourist destination," Ramos said.

"I just want to say a special thanks to you for the vision that you had," declared Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti, who envisioned and worked for the creation of the district.

"We love you and the Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council and all the leaders of Historic Filipinotown. We have seen leadership emerged here and been here for a long time. We’ve seen leadership that’s creative, the most determined, and the most loving; and you are at the tip of that sphere," Garcetti told officers of the HFNC.

Outside the FACLA headquarters, the paroles, made of special weather-proof materials and which draw power from the power grid of Los Angeles, gave off a bright, a multi-colored glow along Temple Street, from Glendale Blvd. up to Hoover Street to the west. Ramos announced that the number of lanterns would double next year.

"I hope that this is just the beginning and not the end, and hopefully every year we will have more and more Christmas lanterns in Historic Filipinotown," wished Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) Director Annie Cuevas. "I thank you for bringing a very distinct Philippine tradition to the Christmas spirit here in Los Angeles," Cuevas said. She said that Christmas is the longest holiday in the Philippines, beginning in September and ending in January.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on December 6, 2008 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. A1 )