The UP Asian Center won third place in the University of the Philippines Diliman 2024 Lantern Parade with the theme, “Nilay at Sikhay,” held last 18 December 2024.
ABOUT THE LANTERN
This year, the lantern of the UP Asian Center featured Juan, who for centuries has been branded by European colonizers as the image of laziness of the Filipino people, Orang Melayu, and Orang Jawa. Known as “Juan Usong” in Bicol, “Juan Pusong” in Visayas and Sulu, “Pilandok” in Lanao, and “Juan Tamad” or “Juan Loco” in the Tagalog region and Pampanga, the real Juan sits beneath the guava tree, not waiting for the fruit to fall, but contemplating and thinking deeply and profoundly.
Juan is presented in the form of Avalokiteshvara or the boddhisattva with a thousand arms, also known as Guanyin in China, Kannon in Japan, Gwaneum in Korea, and Quan Am in Vietnam. Similar to the meditation of Avalokiteshvara, Juan’s compassion and concern for his people are matched by the enthusiasm and work of a thousand hands that are ready to face the future. Made out of recycled, recyclable, and indigenous materials, the lantern is powered by solar-charged batteries.
ABOUT THE THEME: NILAY AT SIKHAY
The theme of the 2024 Lantern Parade is "Nilay at Sikhay." It reflects UP Diliman (UPD) remaining steadfast and strong despite the trials and challenges that have come to the academic institution and the broader community. The theme encourages the UP Diliman community to review and reflect on our experiences as we formulate plans and preparations for the coming year. It emphasizes that we can only achieve our goals and aspirations for the University if we accompany our reflection with aspiration, our creation with expression, and our work with criticism. As the year comes to an end, we look back on the invaluable efforts of the entire UPD community. Let us diligently fulfill the mandate of the University and wholeheartedly serve the University and the people.
ABOUT THE 2024 LANTERN PARADE
Over 25 academic units and institutes within the UP Diliman campus joined the competition and parade. Winning first place along with a fifty-thousand-peso prize was the College of Law, followed by the College of Engineering winning Second Place. The College of Arts and Letters and the College of Architecture also made it to the top five winning fourth and fifth place respectively.
In a separate competition, the sections within the College of Fine Arts also showcased their lantern creations. The winning parol was the themed “Horror Train” by section FA 14 V; followed by the second placer, “Jester,” of Block X VC; the third placer, “Amazing Salamangkero,” of VC 24 WJ; and “Marionette” of sections D 20, D 22, and D 26 in the fourth place.
The Lantern Parade (Parada ng Parol) is an annual year-end tradition of the University of the Philippines Diliman which aims to showcase not only creativity but, more importantly, the spirit of honor, excellence, and service among students, faculty, staff, and the whole UP Diliman community. All units and organizations within the University are qualified and eligible to join the parade and competition. The lantern entries must be aligned with the theme and should introduce the different themes and focus of each unit. Promoting sustainability, the lantern must not exceed 12 feet in length, width, and height, must be made out of recycled materials, and must use alternative sources of energy.
The live stream recording of the festivities is available on the Facebook page of UP Diliman through this link. You may view the Asian Center’s presentation by scrolling to the 3:26:25 timestamp.
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The award-winning lantern was made possible by the 2024 Asian Center Lantern Parade Committee:
COMMITTEE HEADS:
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- Dr. Gonzalo Campoamor II
- Dr. Aaron Jed Rabena
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COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
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- Danae Pantano
- Phoebe Pangilinan
- Frankie Bogoc
- John Lemuel Magnaye
- Paul Anthony Colina
- Christian Lleno
- Jhonalyn Calamanan
- Kristine Joy Jaromamay
- Michelle Deloria
- Jon Jon Katigbak
- Leigh Donaire-Dastas
- Bless Lorraine Desabelle-Merjudio
- Avelino Golondrina
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The Asian Center 2024 Lantern Parade Committee also thanks its graduate student volunteers, and interns from the E. Claro Academy - Ever Gotesco Mall Campus for their indispensable contribution to the construction of the lantern.