Jaehwa Bernardo

Filipino pride shines bright in California’s biggest parol-lighting event

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735097579935IMG_0756.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Filipino pride shines bright in California’s biggest parol-lighting event"/></div><p>North Hills, CALIFORNIA — The vibrant spirit of a Filipino Christmas took center stage as Seafood City hosted the largest parol (Christmas lantern) lighting event in California. Bringing a touch of home to the heart of North Hills, the celebration was a moment of pride and unity for the Filipino-American community, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.</p><p>The event featured a breathtaking 16-foot parol, a masterpiece crafted by renowned Pampanga artist Arwin Quiwa and his team. This iconic lantern, symbolic of hope and unity, was unveiled in partnership with the City of San Fernando, Pampanga — long celebrated as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”</p><div><strong>A celebration of Filipino craftsmanship</strong></div><p>The evening was marked by heartfelt tributes to Filipino artistry and culture. Mayor Vilma Caluag of San Fernando spoke passionately about the event’s significance.</p><p>“This is a move towards celebrating Filipino craftsmanship and culture, sponsoring a deeper connection between the City of San Fernando and its overseas Filipino communities. Tonight, we light up this masterpiece — a piece of Fernandino heritage, arts, and culture.”</p><p>Distinguished guests, including Eric Elnar of the Philippine Trade &amp; Investment Center LA and Consul Marie Cris Chieng, cultural officer of the Philippine Consulate in LA, expressed their pride in supporting the event. “We are delighted to support this meaningful initiative, especially here in California, home to the largest concentration of the Filipino diaspora” Chieng noted</p><p>The ceremonial lighting of the parol was accompanied by a moving performance of “Pasko Na Naman” by Amanda Basco, while the Malayan Dance Company delighted the crowd with traditional Pandango sa Ilaw dances. Musical performances by Kenneth Laurente and Kevin Hermogenes added a modern flair, blending tradition with contemporary talent.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735097664877IMG_0751.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Filipino pride shines bright in California’s biggest parol-lighting event"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Seafood City: Keeping Filipino traditions alive</strong></div><p>Seafood City’s Executive Vice President and SFC+ President &amp; CEO, Elewin Rebaya, underscored the company’s commitment to celebrating Filipino traditions.</p><p>“At Seafood City, we bring a sense of home to Global Filipinos living abroad. Whether through our stores, food, or events, we keep vibrant Filipino traditions alive. Our SFC+ app takes this further, connecting Filipinos to loved ones in the Philippines with digital gift vouchers, remittances, SMDC investments, and PAL discounted flights. Plus, you can convert your Suki Points to Mabuhay Miles—and vice versa — making travel back home even more rewarding and accessible,” Rebaya said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The SFC+ App: Bridging Filipinos to home</strong></div><p>Seafood City also used the event to highlight the SFC+ app, an innovative tool designed to connect Filipinos abroad with loved ones in the Philippines. This app offers unique features that cater to the needs of the Filipino community, enhancing both convenience and cultural connection.</p><p>Through the app, users can shop for exclusive items, including digital gift vouchers for cherished Filipino brands like Jollibee, Red Ribbon, and Penshoppe. It also provides a platform for investing in SMDC condos and enables secure, fee-free money transfers via BayaniPay.</p><p>Beyond shopping, the app is designed to help users save more with exclusive discounts at Seafood City, Grill City, Bakers Avenue, and other partner establishments. As they shop, users earn Suki Points, turning everyday purchases into opportunities for rewards. These points can then be redeemed to pay for groceries at Seafood City, combining convenience with cost-saving benefits.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735098715267PAROL.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Filipino pride shines bright in California’s biggest parol-lighting event"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>A community united in celebration</strong></div><p>Beyond the dazzling display, the event fostered a sense of pride and nostalgia among attendees. A Pop-Up Holiday Market showcased artisanal crafts and delicacies from Pampanga, while guests enjoyed a Filipino feast featuring dishes from Grill City and Bakers Avenue.</p><p>For many Filipino-Americans, the grand parol lighting was more than just a spectacle — it was a deeply emotional experience. The lantern, a beacon of Filipino creativity and resilience, reminded attendees of their shared heritage and the enduring traditions that define Christmas back home.</p><p>The parol will remain on display at Seafood City North Hills until December 25, allowing more visitors to share in this extraordinary celebration of Filipino pride.</p><p>As the lantern shone brightly over California, it symbolized the unbreakable spirit of the Filipino community, proving once again that no matter where in the world they may be, Filipinos carry the warmth and light of home in their hearts.</p>

<p>The vibrant spirit of a Filipino Christmas took center stage as Seafood City hosted the largest parol (Christmas lantern) lighting event in California.</p>

The vibrant spirit of a Filipino Christmas took center stage as Seafood City hosted the largest parol (Christmas lantern) lighting event in California.