UFO to hold Christmas Lantern Competition

As part of its celebration of Paskong Pinoy 2022 in the CNMI, the United Filipino Organization would be holding an on-the-spot parol (Christmas lantern) making contest at the Marianas Business Plaza this Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. The contest will be held in the plaza’s covered parking area and is open to everyone.

All lantern entries will go through a judging panel and will be chosen based on originality, workmanship, relevance to Christmas (pasko) celebration, presentation and overall appearance.

The first-place prize is $300; the second-place winner will get $200, while third place will get $100. The judges have yet to be announced.

UFO stated in its social media page that the main objective of the competition is to “…encourage organizations and individuals to continue the creation of the Christmas symbol in the Philippines which graces the windows, doorways and streets during this holiday season. This also provides a venue for artistic expression among kababayan [compatriots].”

Traditional or modern parols will be accepted but the parol must have a five-point star design, and innovative or stylish design.

The lantern’s frame can be bamboo or any bamboo substitute, and its cover can be paper or any material, including recycled or indigenous material. No commercially produced parol may be entered in the contest (e.g. made of capiz or other material/or parol manufactured in the Philippines).

Its size must be no less than a foot in diameter and no greater than three feet across, excluding the tassels or tail. It must be capable of being hung or may be propped up on a pole that can be carried. Although not required, participants may add an electric or battery-operated lights to the parol, excluding candles.

The Christmas lanterns must be handmade at the venue location. The competition will begin at 10am and all submissions must be completed by 3pm for the judging panel. Group participants as well as individuals are welcome to join, but only one entry will be allowed per group or individual.

If you are interested to join the contest, contact Paskong Pinoy 2022 event organizers Mar Masilungan (president) at 483-9440, Birhen Martinez (secretary) at 483-0915, Annamae Adaza (UFO past president) at 285-4388 or any of the UFO officers to register.

Registrations on the day of the event will also be accepted from 9am to 10am.

For more information, check United Filipino Organization – CNMI Facebook page.