The night fell upon Diliman. It cloaked the University of the Philippines (UP) in a velvet embraced with a million sparkles. Excitement crackled in the air, thicker than the December chill, as the annual Lantern Parade prepared to ignite its magic. After a three-year pandemic slumber, the “Bagong Lakas” (New Strength) theme thrummed in every heart. It served as a melody of hope. This melody was etched in twinkling lights.
Seventy lanterns, each a luminous Goliath, stood poised to conquer the university’s academic oval. Traditional parols, simple stars embellished with intricate filigree, danced side-by-side with giant lanterns. A jeepney, its headlights blazing neon, rumbled alongside a majestic vinta, its sails billowing with dreams of resilient fishermen. Laughter rang out from a mobile concert perched atop a truck, punctuated by the rhythmic stomp of cheerleaders’ acrobatic performance.
But the lanterns were more than just dazzling spectacles. They were storytellers, their incandescent canvas pulsing with messages that resonated with the Filipino soul. An enormous whale shark swam the campus street made out of recycled materials and whispered warnings of environmental injustice. A giant squid had tentacles stretching out from the box. It claimed first place from the College of Fine Arts. The bioluminescent glow served as a stark reminder that ink can create misleading news.
Each lantern sparked a conversation and ignited a question. The jeepney was adorned with placards demanding a “just transition.” These pleas were instead of its forced retirement. The situation ignited debates about public transport and progress. A schoolhouse lantern had a happy face. An open book on its head served as a roof. It whispered the promise of a brighter future built on education.
And then, the parade began. A wave of light swallowed the university oval, washing away the darkness with a kaleidoscope of colours. Music soared, laughter rippled, and cheers thundered as the giants rolled by. Faces, young and old, glowed in the reflected brilliance, etched with wonder and a renewed sense of community.
The parade flowed, not just along the path, but also through the veins of the crowd. It was a transfusion of “Bagong Lakas,” a collective surge of hope and resilience. The pandemic had tested, but it hadn’t broken. This celebration was a testament to that, a vibrant tapestry woven from creativity, courage, and unwavering Filipino spirit.
The last lantern faded into the distance. Its final flicker left a trail of starlight in its wake. A hushed awe descended upon the campus. The echoes of laughter and music lingered, a sweet symphony of a community reborn. ..At that moment, under the luminous gaze of the lanterns, the future seemed a little brighter. It felt a little bolder. It appeared a little more full of “Bagong Lakas.” The UP’s lantern parade wasn’t just a spectacle. It was a promise. It was a whispered oath. Even in the darkest of times, the Filipino spirit would always find a way to shine.
All photographs credit to George Buid ©2023.
