Bold green minds shine at the UP Lantern Parade
CARMELA LAPEÑA, GMANews.TV
12/20/2009 | 07:31 PM
All work and no play makes Isko a dull student. Thus, the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman makes sure that its community of students, teachers, and staff get a huge dose of fun during the Christmas season.
The famed Lantern Parade of the University of the Philippines, which was held last December 18, 2009, takes hours. With more than 20 schools and colleges going around 2.2-kilometer Academic Oval of the Diliman campus, it’s no surprise that it begins in the afternoon and ends way past sunset.
Working under the theme, “Kapaskuhan, Kalikasan, Kinabukasan," this year’s parade featured ecologically conscious floats. Artistic renditions of the newsmakers of 2009, such as boxer Manny Pacquaio, were also incorporated in the floats’ design. Even the ghastly symbol of the Ampatuan massacre was highlighted in the parade. Indeed, a number of backhoes were incorporated in the floats.
Though it started in 1922, the parade didn’t acquire its activist flair until the 1960s, when it became an alternative venue for protests. The lanterns are not just lanterns, they’re statements. This is what makes the UP Lantern Parade different from other holiday spectacles—it’s committed to injecting social relevance into the festivities.
But the activism doesn’t put a damper on the fun. A variety of food booths are also set up on the campus grounds during the parade. Parade-goers can munch on everything from rice meals to peanuts, and of course, the famous fishballs.
Arguably, the lantern from the College of Fine Arts is the main attraction of the parade. Their creations are expected to steal the show. For a time, they were inducted into the parade’s Hall of Fame and excluded from the contest. They had, after all, monopolized the grand prize for so many years.
This year, the College of Engineering took home the top prize for its robot lantern. The parade then ended on a high note with the much-awaited fireworks display.-FVI, GMANews.TV
In your face. Despite the festive vibe, the UP community retains its activist flair with startling creations. Carmela Lapeña.
The famed Lantern Parade of the University of the Philippines, which was held last December 18, 2009, takes hours. With more than 20 schools and colleges going around 2.2-kilometer Academic Oval of the Diliman campus, it’s no surprise that it begins in the afternoon and ends way past sunset.
Working under the theme, “Kapaskuhan, Kalikasan, Kinabukasan," this year’s parade featured ecologically conscious floats. Artistic renditions of the newsmakers of 2009, such as boxer Manny Pacquaio, were also incorporated in the floats’ design. Even the ghastly symbol of the Ampatuan massacre was highlighted in the parade. Indeed, a number of backhoes were incorporated in the floats.
Recycled art. This gingerbread house is made up of plastic bottles. Carmela Lapeña.
Though it started in 1922, the parade didn’t acquire its activist flair until the 1960s, when it became an alternative venue for protests. The lanterns are not just lanterns, they’re statements. This is what makes the UP Lantern Parade different from other holiday spectacles—it’s committed to injecting social relevance into the festivities.
But the activism doesn’t put a damper on the fun. A variety of food booths are also set up on the campus grounds during the parade. Parade-goers can munch on everything from rice meals to peanuts, and of course, the famous fishballs.
Manny for the win. A giant Pacman wows the crowd. Carmela Lapeña.
Arguably, the lantern from the College of Fine Arts is the main attraction of the parade. Their creations are expected to steal the show. For a time, they were inducted into the parade’s Hall of Fame and excluded from the contest. They had, after all, monopolized the grand prize for so many years.
Eat your heart out, Optimus Prime! UP College of Engineering takes home the grand prize for its robot lantern. Carmela Lapeña.
This year, the College of Engineering took home the top prize for its robot lantern. The parade then ended on a high note with the much-awaited fireworks display.-FVI, GMANews.TV
