For eight years now, Saint Louis University, also known as the “Light of the North”, has held a tradition every December to literally light up the Baguio streets in their annual Lantern Parade. Every year, the theme for the parade changes, and this time, the theme is “Colors of Mission,” where the different schools of SLU each represented a different nation. As everyone gathered to watch the parade that started from Upper Session Road and traveled down to Melvin Jones, we eagerly anticipated and watched in awe as the creatively made lanterns carried by the costumed parade participants painted the streets in vibrant colors in celebration of the beginning of Christmas season. In this collection of snapshots, we show you what went down.
Before the parade, kids and adults alike excitedly took to the streets to decorate the pavement with chalk drawings and letterings.
The parade commences, headed by the marching band.
Even city officials joined the parade.
The SLU Laboratory High School marched in their oriental costumes and lanterns.
The School of Law’s mother lantern was that of a fiery horse.
The School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts displayed interestingly shaped lanterns of barrels and chocolates from Belgium.
One could immediately recognize the School of Computing and Information Science’s lantern based on the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
The School of Engineering and Architecture could definitely boast about their lifelike, humanoid lanterns and mask-shaped lanterns, each being its own unique piece.
The School of Natural Sciences represented the country of Haiti.
It’s all about Indonesia with the School of Medicine, featuring a gigantic shadow puppet with moving parts.
You could easily identify the School of Nursing with all the pink in their costumes.
Finally, the School of Accountancy and Business Management closed the show in their bright yellow garb.
What a refreshing reminder that Christmas is upon us. We just can’t wait for next year’s lantern parade, not to mention, Panagbenga is just a stone throw away!
Which lantern was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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