Fil-Am wins design contest for Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

A 25-year-old Filipino-American graphics and web designer — Keith Lapinig, won a contest to design a balloon for the world-famous "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" in the United States. According to a report of the Asian Journal, the balloon that Lapinig designed is a multi-colored elf which he named "Gazer." Lapinig's design will be featured at the 85th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (also known as Macy's Day Parade) on November 24 at 9:00 a.m. The annual parade, which lasts around three hours, is held in New York, from Central Park to Macy's Herald Square. The parade, which features large and colorful floats and balloons, is broadcast in different parts of the world. Lapinig's "Gazer" Lapinig works for Sleepy’s mattress company, the Asian Journal said. His elf balloon "Gazer" was inspired by Macy's "Great American Elf Adventure" promo in August this year. It was a scavenger hunt for 10,000 elves hidden in its stores nationwide. In the 85-year history of the parade, it is only the third time that Macy's Department Store has let someone other other than its own designers create a balloon, the Asian Journal said. Born and raised in New York, Lapinig has watched the parade every year. “I am flabbergasted at winning this contest. It’s my dream and I want to thank all of the people who voted for me. I can honestly say that now I feel accomplished as an artist," Lapinig told the Asian Journal. - VVP, GMA News