Wednesday, December 19, 2007
MANILA'S GIANT LANTERNS
posted by Señor Enrique at 8:14 AM
36 Comments:
- said...
OH, WOW AGAIN!
I was really hoping for you to post pics such as these, Eric, because somehow, I can't feel the Christmas spirit - yet.
Thanks! Awesome lanterns! :)- Señor Enrique said...
I'm gald you like these giant parols, Rhoda!
Actually, my spirit needed some lifting up yesterday so I decided to drive over to Luneta to take pictures of these grand lanterns and the rest of the park. And boy, was it fun :)- joe said...
Hi Eric,
The Parols(lanterns)look good. Were they displayed too in Luneta? Take time to get out of your element Manila sometime and catch the Giant Parol Competition in San Fernando, Pampanga. I don't know what night it's held. But i'm sure you'll have a blast. Great to know too that you have you nephew with you on your photoshoots. You never know when muggers strike but safety in numbers so they say.- pusa said...
wow luv it luv it luv it! i somehow still cant believe that its just a week before christmas and yet i cant feel the spirit :( i'd better visit this. thanks senor
- Señor Enrique said...
My pleasure, Pusa.
There's a number of other places within Manila that's well-illuminated with Christmas lights which I'd love to photograph.- Señor Enrique said...
Some of the cities of Metro Manila submitted a giant lantern in which the public, via their cellphones, will vote for the best one, Joe. They are now displayed along Roxas Boulevard/Bonifcio Drive.
I'm not much into crowded scenes, Joe; hence never inspired to check out the lantern festival in Pampanga. Even in art exhibits, I'd rather go and take pics a day or two after the opening whens it's more pleasant to shoot without getting an elbow on the side of the ribs ... hehehe.
Most people I know who'd gone to see the Pampanga lantern parade claimed the event as overcrowded and over-rated. Teenagers love it, though.
Yes, I always have to take along someone else whenever doing night photography.- Unknown said...
Love these lanterns---very creative! Thanks, Eric!
- Oman said...
Merry Christmas Señor. Whenever i need a christmas spirit boost, i usually go to my neigbooring province of Pampanga where lanterns such as these abound.
Beautiful pics and beautifully captured.- reyd said...
Ang gaganda naman. Sa Pampanga lang ako nakakita ng ganyan karaming parol.
I remember, sa Cubao lang kami nag-eenjoy ng magandang christmas decorations when I was a kid.
C.O.D. department store started the tradition of showing their holiday spirits for everyone.
I'm glad, there are lots of places now sharing this holiday spirit and I heard about Makati would do a grand Chistmas to New Year show near the Manila Pen.
Thanks again, Eric- said...
now this made me just a li'l bit teary-eyed and homesick.
happy holidays to you!- said...
Yes, these beautiful lanterns which garnish the streets of Philippines during Christmas season. They are different and unique unlike other normal lanterns!
(:
I'm lovin' the photos Eric. By the way, did you go out for night shootings alone or with friends? I don't dare to venture out alone because it's dangerous here.- Toe said...
These parols are beautiful. How big are they? I miss Christmas in the Philippines.
- nutart said...
As my nephews would loved to say "AWESOME!"
My mother has this penchant of nagging my father (when we were young) and then whoever likes to drive at night (my youngest sister) to go out during the Christmas holidays and watch the different Christmas lights and decors. We would all enthusiastically ride in the car and ooh and aah :-).
Are parols intrinsically Pinoy? I know we have somewhat similar arts and crafts with Mexico. But then, who cares? :-) The parol has, for me, reached a level were it can be hailed as a cultural treasure. Has someone written a book featuring the parol?
Hope your spirits have risen by now, Eric! Christmas in the Philippines has always touched the child in me :-)...the colors,perhaps? Cheers!- Aura said...
Love all the photos,lanterns and luneta by night!!!
No "parol" here just lights.Its been so long since i last spent my xmas in Phils.
Miss na miss ko na talaga xmas dyan sa atin...sighhhh
Thanks for sharing!!- Señor Enrique said...
Thanks, Aura! I've a feeling that you're long overdue for a Christmas holiday here in Pinas ... hehehe.
Perhaps, you and your husband will plan to visit and enjoy the charimng aspects of our city.
Happy Holidays!- Señor Enrique said...
I wouldn't be surprised if the parols, like many other things in our Pinoy culture, are traced to the Chinese, Bernadette. But don't quote me on this ... hehehe. I just suddenly thought of the movie, "Raise The Red Lantern."
There might have already been a book published on parols considering what beautiful and colorful subjects they would make for a coffee table book.
Thank you, too, Bernadette. Glad you enjoyed these images.- Señor Enrique said...
They are huge, Toe, and truly beautiful.
Trust your Christmas over there is just as joyous :)- Señor Enrique said...
Thanks, Jo Anne!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas :)- Señor Enrique said...
Ah, yes, Reyd! When I was a kid, it was sort of a family tradition to check out the Christmas display of C.O.D. Department Store.
Interestingly, I notice that most homes these days have mostly Christmas lights, unlike when I was young when parols were more of the norm.
Unfortunately, in Makati, they do not allow any pictures to be taken. Kaya sa kanila na lang mga display nila ... hehehe.- said...
I saw the Lantern Parade at UP, held yesterday. I was thinking - sana nagpunta ka. Eric, please - more Christmassy pics! Gem is already here and Marco is coming home on Friday. The kids won't hang the stockings anymore. I am going to be the one to hang mine for Marco to fill. hahaha! - I am feeling very Christmassy na! Yey!
- Señor Enrique said...
Thank you, Lawstude :)
Christmas light and lanterns do have the magic to incite euphoria in all of us. Sometimes I wish we don't have to take them down after the holidays ... hehehe.- Señor Enrique said...
When you do go to Luneta, Luna, stop by and enjoy these lanterns ... and then cast your vote for the best one with your cellphone!
- Señor Enrique said...
I usually go with a group of shutterbugs, Kyels, or take along someone to help me carry my gear. But I often check out the place first before shooting its night scenes.
UP campus also has a lantern parade whish supposedly feature even more unique shapes and sizes.- Señor Enrique said...
Was this in UP Baguio, Rhoda?
Glad to know that you've started to pick up the Christmas spirit :)
I think Marco makes a good salaray so he can definitely play Santa this year ... hehehe.
Enjoy the holidays, Rhoda!- Señor Enrique said...
Many thanks, Anonymous :)
- said...
love the colors eric, really really nice...
http://linophotography.com- Señor Enrique said...
Thanks, Lino!
- said...
they are really beautiful! thanks for sharing.
dropping by to say
MERRY CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS AND BLESSED NEW YEAR!
to you and your loved ones.- Señor Enrique said...
Thank you, Dine.
Wishing you and your family the same :)- INKBLOTS said...
Absolutely a feast for the eyes and the downtrodden spirit!
Your images are great and I am simply in awe!
Merry Christmas!- Señor Enrique said...
Maraming salamat, Ding!
And a Merry Christmas to you as well :)- -= dave =- said...
Hope you also took a video of the lanterns. I think their lights would blink in mind-boggling patterns. (Or was that in Pampanga?)
- Señor Enrique said...
No video, Dave :(
But I had to time my shots so as to capture most of the lights while on in those lanterns. Quite challenging but lots of fun as well!- Photowalker said...
Haven't been here for quite a while.
Happy Holidays.- Señor Enrique said...
It's nice these days, Photowalker.
Thanks and I bet you're enjoying the holiday season as well.- Señor Enrique said...
It's nice these days, Photowalker.
Thanks and I bet you're enjoying the holiday season as well.