What can be most fitting in this most festive time of the year than a profusion of lanterns?
Glittering examples of the Philippines’ “parol” and Korea’s Jinju silk lantern are on view in “Light the Season: A Korea-Philippines Lantern Display” presented by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) at the façade and lobby of the NCCA building in Intramuros, Manila, and at the ground floor of the KCC in Taguig City.
The display celebrates the Philippines’ Christmas lantern tradition as well as the rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage it shares with Korea, as first highlighted in the “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” exhibit that ran last May–July at KCC.
Traditionally shaped as a star, the “parol” decorates homes, streets, and communities across the Philippines during the holiday season, with its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and handcrafted details reflecting the Filipinos’ festive warmth and sense of community. Korea’s lanterns crafted from fine Korean silk originating from Jinju in Gyeongsangnam-do Province offer a captivating interplay of light, color, and tradition, embodying the artistry of its lantern-making heritage.
The exhibit was formally opened last Dec. 1 at the NCCA building lobby.
“Christmas holds significant meaning in the Philippines, and it is an honor to display Jinju silk lanterns with the Filipino symbol of Christmas, the ‘parol,’” KCC director Kim Myeongjin said.
In turn, NCCA deputy executive director for operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz said: “The idea of collaborating the Jinju silk lantern with the ‘parol’ has now come to life, and it truly offers us a glimpse of continued partnership between Korea and the Philippines.”
The ceremony was further enriched by a Pansori (Korean traditional singing) and a Gayageum (Korean traditional string instrument) performance featuring traditional Korean pieces as well as a Christmas song.
In addition to the opening ceremony, a special workshop was held featuring a lecture on Jinju silk lanterns and a hands-on “parol”-making activity led by invited artist Harvey San Miguel.
The exhibit runs at the NCCA building in Manila Mondays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. and at the KCC in Taguig Mondays–Saturdays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. until Jan. 6.—CONTRIBUTED
