The giant lanterns of Pampanga are back, blinking in their full splendor, giving renewed hope and joy after their two-year absence during past Christmas seasons.

On Saturday, 17 December, the distinct design of Kapampangan lanterns — with their kaleidoscopic patterns in larger-than-life sizes — kept spectators in awe at "Ligligan Parul" (Giant Lantern Festival) held at Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando, Pampanga. The festival is also a competition participated in by various barangays and highlights the long tradition of lantern-making in the province. Ligligan Parul was believed to have been first celebrated in 1908.

The returning event reclaims Pampanga is indeed the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines" and "Home of Giant Lanterns" as hundreds of locals and tourists trooped to the mall's outdoor area to admire the craftsmanship and creativity of lantern makers from participating barangays such as Bulaon, Calulut, Del Pilar, Dolores, Pandaras, San Juan, San Nicolas, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Niño and Telabastagan.

Though all giant lanterns didn't fail to keep an appreciative audience in awe, a tough decision had to made by judges on which one stood out to be the best among the festival's 10 entries.

Barangay San Juan emerged was declared the grand prize winner, with a cash prize of P300,000. Barangay Telabastagan was named first runnier-up with a P200,000 cash prize, while Barangay Sta. Lucia brought home P100,000 as second runner-up winner.

Catch the lighted display of the winning lanterns at Robinsons Starmills Pampanga until, 23 December through 1 January 2023, except on 24 December and 31 December. The giant parols will also be on exhibit in Poblacion, Barangay Sto. Rosario on 24 December and at Marquee Mall on 29 to 30 December.