by Juvimin Mustar
“ I love Christmas, not just because of the presents but because of all the decorations and lights and the warmth of the season.” Ashley Tisdale
Such quote encapsulated one of the most awaited events of the year which brings the real festive mood of love and giving, the 2019 Lantern Parade held last December 9, 2019. Early morning of the said day, schools submitted their lantern entries for competition and at exactly 1:30 PM amidst the scorching heat of the sun students, teachers , principals, supervisors and parents joined the long trail of parade which started from the Tapinac Oval which finally converged in front of SM Downtown Olongapo.
This activity has been participated by all schools in Olongapo City and how they demonstrated their creativity could not be captured alone by the cameras. The display of colors, essence of theme coupled with graceful moves while dancing on the streets, the joyful noise of the drum and lyre plus the cheers of the crowd have made this event truly memorable.
Behind the success of this parade are the very supportive City Officials spearheaded by Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., Schools Division Superintendent Ms. Lelailani Samson Cunanan, Asst. Schools Division Superintendent Mr. Enrique E. Angleles Jr., teaching and nonteaching personnel and all the DRRM Coordinators who facilitated the smooth and peaceful flow of the parade from Tapinac Oval up to SM Mall.
This year’s winners in the lantern competitions are: Elementary Category: 1st Place – Asinan Elementary School, 2nd Place – Gordon Heights I Elementary School and 3rd Place- Olongapo City Elementary School; Junior High School Category: First Place- Regional Science High School, 2nd Place- Barretto National High School and 3rd Place- Gordon Heights National High School; Senior High School Category: Mabayuan Senior High school, 2nd Place- Columban College Barretto and Third Place- Columban College Main. For the other special awards, the following emerge as winners: District IV laregts and Most Colorful Delegation and District II, Most Discipline Delegation. Winners receive certificates and cash prizes courtesy of the Office of the City Mayor. Next year, more categories for competitions will be included to increase the chance of schools to win at the same time motivate more students to join the competition.
However, it is more important to remember that the most important message the lanterns symbolize is the spirit of sharing, loving and forgiving for the magic of Christmas resides not in material things but in our hearts.
