Wednesday, December 19, 2007

MANILA'S GIANT LANTERNS


























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posted by Señor Enrique at 8:14 AM


36 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous 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! :)

December 19, 2007 9:01 AM  

Blogger 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 :)

December 19, 2007 9:44 AM  

Blogger 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.

December 19, 2007 10:10 AM  

Blogger 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

December 19, 2007 10:22 AM  

Blogger 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.

December 19, 2007 11:00 AM  

Blogger 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.

December 19, 2007 11:18 AM  

Blogger Unknown said...

Love these lanterns---very creative! Thanks, Eric!

December 19, 2007 2:09 PM  

Blogger 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.

December 19, 2007 2:13 PM  

Blogger 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

December 19, 2007 2:35 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

now this made me just a li'l bit teary-eyed and homesick.

happy holidays to you!

December 19, 2007 2:41 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous 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.

December 19, 2007 2:54 PM  

Blogger Toe said...

These parols are beautiful. How big are they? I miss Christmas in the Philippines.

December 19, 2007 4:44 PM  

Blogger 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!

December 19, 2007 5:26 PM  

Blogger 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!!

December 19, 2007 11:02 PM  

Blogger 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!

December 20, 2007 6:56 AM  

Blogger 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.

December 20, 2007 7:00 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

They are huge, Toe, and truly beautiful.

Trust your Christmas over there is just as joyous :)

December 20, 2007 7:02 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Thanks, Jo Anne!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas :)

December 20, 2007 7:12 AM  

Blogger 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.

December 20, 2007 7:16 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous 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!

December 20, 2007 7:18 AM  

Blogger 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.

December 20, 2007 7:20 AM  

Blogger 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!

December 20, 2007 7:23 AM  

Blogger 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.

December 20, 2007 7:30 AM  

Blogger 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!

December 20, 2007 7:37 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Many thanks, Anonymous :)

December 20, 2007 8:35 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said...

love the colors eric, really really nice...

http://linophotography.com

December 20, 2007 1:41 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Thanks, Lino!

December 20, 2007 3:40 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous 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.

December 20, 2007 5:56 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Thank you, Dine.

Wishing you and your family the same :)

December 21, 2007 7:51 AM  

Blogger INKBLOTS said...

Absolutely a feast for the eyes and the downtrodden spirit!

Your images are great and I am simply in awe!

Merry Christmas!

December 21, 2007 1:30 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

Maraming salamat, Ding!

And a Merry Christmas to you as well :)

December 21, 2007 7:37 PM  

Blogger -= 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?)

December 23, 2007 11:16 PM  

Blogger 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!

December 24, 2007 6:09 AM  

Blogger Photowalker said...

Haven't been here for quite a while.

Happy Holidays.

December 25, 2007 8:30 PM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

It's nice these days, Photowalker.

Thanks and I bet you're enjoying the holiday season as well.

December 26, 2007 9:15 AM  

Blogger Señor Enrique said...

It's nice these days, Photowalker.

Thanks and I bet you're enjoying the holiday season as well.

December 26, 2007 9:15 AM  

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