The Office of the President (OP) is calling on the students from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) nationwide to join this year’s “Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin” national parol (lantern)-making contest, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
With the theme “Traditions and Innovations,” the OP wants to inspire competition participants to craft original lanterns that bridge the past with the present, as well as celebrate the country’s heritage that pays homage to the heart of Filipino traditions.
In a statement, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said each participating group, composed of a maximum of four students, must submit an “original” and “recycled” lantern on or before Oct. 27.
She said the lanterns must be made of recycled endemic materials such as bamboo, paper, and coconut palm “representing the unique traditions of their schools or universities they belong to.”
“Participants are required to submit printed and soft copies of the official endorsement letter from the SUCs they represent. Submission of entries in Malacañang is only on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on or before October 27 only,” Garafil said.
Winning SUCs will receive a photo and video editing package composed of a gigabyte G7 laptop; one-year Adobe Creative Cloud subscription; Canon M50 camera; 1 DJI Ronin-SC camera stabilizer 3-Axis Gimbal; and one INSTA 360 Flow AI-powered smartphone stabilizer.
For students, around PHP1 million will be given to 1st place; PHP500,000 to 2nd place; PHP250,000 to the 3rd place; and a special prize of PHP100,000 to the online poll winner.
The OP hoped that the launching of the nationwide lantern-making contest will not only ignite creativity, unity, and hope among young people, but also remind Filipinos that “there is light and promise even in the darkest of nights.”
“The beloved parol, or lantern, has long held a cherished place in the hearts of Filipinos. Beyond its radiant glow, it embodies the enduring spirit of hope and unity,” the OP said. “The parol, our people’s symbol of hope, serves as a guiding light during the holiday season, reminding us that even in the darkest of nights, there is light and promise.”
Globally-acclaimed Architect Conrad Onglao; former Commissioner for Cultural Heritage of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and former Commissioner for Culture of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Architect Mico Manalo; actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista; celebrity host Boy Abunda, and Fr. Ranhilio Aquino will serve as judges of this year’s competition.
Representatives from SUCs are encouraged to contact Ching Villas at +639173206047 for clarifications and queries about the competition, Garafil said. (PNA)