11 villages to vie in Pampanga’s Giant Lantern Festival

Eleven villages will compete at this year’s Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) to be held on December 16 at the Robinsons Starmills here. (Photo By Ramon FVelasquez – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga– Eleven villages will compete at this year’s Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) to be held on December 16 at the Robinsons Starmills here.

This was announced on Monday by GLF 2017 chairperson Gil Cortez during the launching of the 100-day countdown before the most colorful festival in the country’s Christmas capital.

The participating barangays are Calulut, Del Pilar, first-timer Del Rosario, Pandaras, San Jose, San Juan, San Nicolas, Sindalan, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Nino and Telabastagan.

“We welcome all of you in this grand event that is not a mere competition or attraction but a symbol of hope and perseverance of a united community. This is the essence of the Fernandino spirit,” Cortez said.

During the launching, Mayor Edwin Santiago together with Cortez, GLF Foundation Incorporated president Bong Mah and Councilors Harvey Quiwa and BJ Lagman also awarded each barangay a subsidy of PHP190, 909.09.

The executive committee said that all giant lantern entries must measure 20 feet and shall not use more than 10,000 bulbs.

Mayor Santiago said more visitors are expected to watch this year’s Giant Lantern Festival considering the expanded lot venue which can accommodate an additional 6,000 people.

Last year, reports estimated 100,000 people watched the lighted lantern show.

Robinsons Land Incorporation and CLTV 36 also entered into an agreement to help in the promotion of the festival through caravan and tours in other Robinsons malls and exclusive media coverage.