What did the earliest parol look like? Kuya Kim sheds light on the origins of the Christmas lantern

When Christmas season arrives in the Philippines, colorful and shining parols of all sizes also start to appear and light the streets at night. But were they always this grand?

On Monday's "24 Oras," Kuya Kim said the concept of the parol began during the Spanish period. The name itself came from the Spanish word farol, which means lantern.

And that was how the parol started—a transparent jar enclosing a light source, which were used to light up the path towards churches. These helped guide the people who attended the Simbang Gabi held days before Christmas.

Eventually, the design of the parol evolved into what it is today—a Christmas lantern. Kuya Kim said the earlier parols were made using bamboo for the frame and Japanese paper.

Parols are typically shaped like a star, which is based on the star that guided the three kings towards Baby Jesus.

Among the first ones who created the parol was Francisco Estanislao from San Fernando, Pampanga. He is known as the Father of Modern Filipino Parol.

From starting the modern parol in 1908, Estanislao's family still lives up to his legacy. In fact, his great great grandson Eric Quioa III is still in the business as a parol maker in the country's Christmas capital.

Among Quioa's many creations was Catriona Gray's national costume during the Miss Universe 2018 pageant.

In case you've lost count, Christmas is just 26 days away!

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News