Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Pampanga’s first-ever digital Giant Lantern Festival

Who else is excited for the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga?

The UNESCO-recognized event, known locally as “Ligligan Parul,” is going live via CLTV and Facebook on Dec. 16, Wednesday, at 6 p.m.

This means spectators from all around the world can enjoy the giant lantern show from the safety of their homes—but, while you wait, photographer Gerald Gloton has shared an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at the festival preparations.

Lantern-makers have unveiled some of the beautifully designed, 20-foot-tall parol expected to give spectators an incredible light show after a long, challenging year.

Personnel were also seen doing last-minute checks on the thousands of light bulbs and sequencers to be switched on this evening.

The Giant Lantern Festival is the time of the year when lantern-makers from various barangays in San Fernando, Pampanga—known as the Christmas capital of the Philippines—showcase their marvelous creations for thousands of spectators to see.

However, to assure everyone’s safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers are skipping this year’s annual parol-making competition and will instead air a friendly digital showcase as Christmas approaches.

The Giant Lantern Festival can be viewed via CLTV and the City of San Fernando’s official Facebook page later starting 6 p.m. – RC, GMA News