The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) ushers in the Christmas season with a festive light display on the facade of its Main Building, featuring a Lubenas parol from Pampanga and a belen logo.
Titled “GABAY,” the installation symbolizes the enduring spirit of Christmas for Filipinos.
The display, running from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily until Jan. 6, also incorporates the ongoing construction of the building, highlighting its structural elements as part of the visual presentation.
The lighting references the traditional Filipino belief that a star-shaped lantern guides worshippers to dawn masses, or Simbang Gabi.
CCP Trustee and Gawad CCP Awardee for Lighting Design Felix “Monino” Duque directed the display, working alongside culture and arts officer and lighting designer Jericho Pagana.
Pagana said the centerpiece of the installation is the belen logo, lit in warm red and orange tones to guide visitors toward the CCP Annex where Simbang Gabi is held.
Duque emphasized the importance of highlighting the building’s architecture rather than using it as a projection surface.
“We light the building the way it is now, and not the way we thought it was. We light it with all the elements of the construction,” he said.
Despite the temporary closure of the CCP in January 2023, the institution continues its tradition of lighting the Main Building for special events, showcasing Filipino creativity and cultural identity.
The installation draws inspiration from the warm colors of the Genesis artwork by National Artist for Visual Arts HR Ocampo, the stage tapestry of the CCP Main Theater. The CCP logo is integrated into the display atop scaffolding and metal structures, reflecting the center’s ongoing projects, productions, and outreach efforts despite renovations.
The display was executed with technical support from the CCP Tech Team, including Danilo Villanueva, Shantie De Roca, Lucio Tapiru, Earl Barrera, Mary Grace Budol, Benjamin Lim, Joefel Alas, and Jovel Bensurto, under the supervision of CCP artistic director Dennis Marasigan and Production Design and Technical Services Division head Ricardo Eric Cruz.
