NEW YORK—Christmas celebration—the Filipino way—was in full swing around New York as the lobby and glass windows of the Philippine Center along the bustling Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan showcased a colorful collection of traditional Christmas lanterns or parols and Nativity scene.
Thousands of New Yorkers and tourists passed by the Philippine Center everyday and admired the colorful display that depicted the rich values and Christmas traditions of the Philippines.
The project, dubbed as “Feel Pinas,” was a joint undertaking by the Philippine Consulate General, Department of Tourism-New York Office, and the Philippine Center Management Board. It brought together elements of Filipino Christmas that make Filipinos feel at-home and lure foreigners to visit the Philippines.
The launch of Feel Pinas on December 6 was highlighted by the debut of the Nativity scene display, made of images and décors from the Philippines and was complemented by the display of large LED screens that showed videos of lanterns and snippets of Filipino Christmas celebrations.
This year, nine lanterns from the Filipino-American community, each one symbolizing Filipino values or virtue, further enhanced the display. Two of them, made of capiz shells from Sorsogon, welcomed guests as they entered the Center. Bright and colorful lanterns from Pampanga adorned the lobby. Consul General Claro S. Cristobal said it was heartwarming that the Fil-Am community in New York has preserved the Filipino Christmas traditions.
“Our sense of community, bolstered by faith, had given us the inspiration to be here, despite the busy [atmosphere] of our holiday schedules, [as we devoted] our time and resources in nine days of prayer and praise,” Cristobal declared.
New York Philippine Consulate General