Traditional Christmas lantern or ‘parol’ manufacturers in Las Piñas are struggling to make some sales with 45 days to go before Filipinos mark the annual holidays.
Colorful lanterns and other Christmas ornaments were already put on display on Sunday, 10 November 2024, at the Plaza Quezon in Las Piñas City.
But according to some stall owners and workers, sales at the moment remain slow compared to previous years. They are hoping to get additional orders from customers by November 15.
‘Parol’ is the most common emblem for Filipinos during the Christmas season to represent the ‘Star of Bethlehem.’ It is usually made of bamboo and colorful paper and designed accordingly.
Over the years, some innovative Filipinos also made Christmas lanterns out of recycled materials such as plastic bottles, discarded plastics, among other reusable objects.