The University of the Philippines Diliman ushers in the Christmas season with its long-standing tradition of switching on the campus’ festive lights (Pag-iilaw) Friday evening. This year’s community event, which has the theme ‘Abot-Kamay, Abot-Tanaw: Sulong sa Bago at Mas Mainam na Bukas,’ aims to stir hope and anticipation for a brighter future as all commit to one goal of overcoming the global public health crisis. The centerpiece of the Pag-iilaw is Toym Imao’s installation ‘Parola,’ composed of ladders, human-shaped lanterns and red poles. According to Imao, the red bamboo poles crisscross the ladders to bind the installation together, representing the challenges the figures have to overcome and the pandemic that has restricted everyone’s way of life. These are also the catalysts for the ‘damayan’ efforts by the community amid the lockdown. UPD
