Filipina Soul

I could have titled this as “Wordless Wednesday”, but decided against it. The story behind this picture needs to be told, and I could not wait for Christmas.

This is a typical Filipino Christmas Star Lantern, or Parol in Tagalog. It’s quiete easy to make, nothing to it, really. Circular frame, a few wires, colored crepe and japanese papers and lights are all it takes, and you have one like this in your home. But this one is rather SPECIAL.

It was made by Joey’s dad… I’ll let Joey tell the story –

Tatay (Tagalog for Dad) made this Parol several years ago before he passed away. Last year it got beat up from the wind and rain, so I spent the past two nights fixing it up.
I took off all the cellophane panels from the star and replaced them with new ones. I also replaced the white borders with tissue paper which I cut to be frilly. The Parol originally had lights with green wire, which didn’t look so neat against the white circle, so I replaced it with lights with white wire.
Although it took several hours to finish this, I was really glad I did because it gives me pride to display this creation that my dad made.

I felt lumps in my throat when I read this. Joey’s Parol is not just a Christmas decor anymore.

Why a Christmas post in September? Here’s why.

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