20 December 2012 – The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur brought festive Filipino Christmas cheer to Malaysia as it held a parol (Christmas lantern) lighting ceremony on December 17 at the Embassy grounds.

Members of the diplomatic corps, select members of the Filipino community and other guests received a taste on how the Philippines celebrate the Christmas holidays through entertainment, good food and the twinkling lights of the parols.

Featured during the event were 30 parols from the San Fernando City government, fresh from its celebration of the Giant Parol Festival during the weekend.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said that Christmas in the Philippines is a time for family and friends to gather and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

"The Philippines has one of the longest, liveliest Christmas celebrations in the world, and it is our honor to bring and share it with the Malaysian people," Ambassador Malaya said.

Acting Apostolic Nuncio Msgr. Marek Zalewski welcomed the Embassy's initiative, adding that the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate the Yuletide season in the unique Filipino way.

For his part, San Fernando City councilor Alex Patio lauded the efforts of the Embassy to showcase the famous Pampanga parols, the city's products under the One-Town-One-Product project, in line with their vision to be a Habitat of Human Excellence.

"The parol, which is shaped like a star, symbolizes hope and goodwill, much like how the shepherds and the Three Wise Men overcame the darkness to find the Child Jesus through the Star of Bethlehem," he said.

A mini-concert preceded the lighting ceremony, featuring performances by the Philippine Embassy Chorale led by Embassy First Secretary and Consul Maria Antonina Mendoza-Oblena, and pianist Gladys Gulapa and saxophonist Zul. Ambassador Malaya also took to the piano to entertain the audience.

After the musical performances, guests trooped outside to the Embassy grounds to witness the lighting of the parols, which was placed around the Embassy grounds and at the façade of the main Chancery building. The guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, took the opportunity to have their photos taken with the lanterns.

Guests had the chance to sample Filipino Christmas food at the reception, served by Merienda de Eva, a Filipino restaurant based in Kuala Lumpur. They flocked to the areas serving tsokolate eh (hot chocolate), pan de sal, queso de bola and chicken morcon.

The parols will be on display at the Embassy grounds until December 31. Members of the Filipino community and other interested individuals are invited to stop by the Embassy to behold the beauty of the parols. END