As the "Ber months" usher in the festive season, the town of Pili in Camarines Sur anticipates the arrival of Christmas eagerly, marked by the creation of traditional parols by 71-year-old Tatay Cesar in Barangay San Isidro.
Nanay Nora from Barangay Anayan believes that Christmas doesn't need extravagant displays to be meaningful.
"Dae man po kaipuhan na bongga para ma-experience ta ang spirit kang Christmas," she says.
Tatay Cesar has been crafting parols since his youth using Japanese paper. He used to offer his creations to his neighbors.
"Kadto po kayang dinadagsa na kami ta puro libre, sabi kan agom ko, magbenta na kami kaini. Ako na lang ngaya mag-design. So, siya na nagpara-design kaini," he says.
Every year, starting in October, Tatay Cesar and his family wait for orders eagerly, offering each 1-foot parol for P15,000. The modest cost of P35 per piece or a discounted rate of P40 for bulk orders makes these parols accessible to everyone in the community.
From crafting the frame to attaching plastic sheets and embellishments, the Clavero family works together to produce the lanterns.
"Dakol man po kaya kaming nagigibo. Halos gabos kaming magturugang, tarabang-tabang. Nakakatabang man po siya dawa dikit na panggurugastos," says Clavero Degoso, Tatay Cesar's daughter.
The orders keep pouring in until December 14, and Tatay Cesar is open to various sizes and designs. Moreover, they also provide repair services for old parols, reinforcing the frames and applying new designs upon request.
According to Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria, Parish Priest of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish, the parol symbolizes hope and light amid life's challenges.
"Pagliwanag kan parol, iyan ang madara nin paglaom sa satuya na kaya tang lampasan an gabos na pagsubok, pagbalo na pigaagihan kang tawo. Saro man iyan na ang parol, iyo ang lampara na nagdadara satuya sa belen, ki Hesukristo na siya ang tunay na liwanag," he says.
Beyond mere decorations, these parols carry a profound symbolism, embodying the shared spirit of Christmas and the resilience of a community working together to illuminate the season for everyone.
