With the scent of pine, the frosty chill of December’s Amihan, and the heart of Baguio City all lit up by the warmth of the people, the City has welcomed the holiday season. Along with these, renewed faith, rekindled hope, and overflowing love flickered from the 16th Lantern Parade of Saint Louis University (SLU) and the enchanting lights from the Baguio Christmas Tree on 01 December 2024.
On this jovial night, the Louisian community illuminated the city streets to culminate SLU’s 113th Foundation Anniversary. Stretching from Session Road to the Melvin Jones Grandstand along Harrison Road, the lantern parade showcased a vibrant display of cultural harmony, featuring designs and performances inspired by Christmas traditions around the globe. Among the countries represented were the Philippines, Japan, Norway, Austria, Iceland, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Vatican City, and Venezuela.
Reflecting the theme, “Missio et Excellentia: Championing Sustainability, Promoting Inclusive Education, Pioneering Innovation,” participants from each school held up fully-illuminated eco-lanterns reflecting the theme while highlighting the use of recyclable and eco-friendly materials.
The seven competing schools gave their all in each of their five-minute field performances at the Melvin Jones Grandstand that represented their assigned countries:
- Entry No. 1: School of Law (SOL), Norway
- Entry No. 2: School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), Austria
- Entry No. 3: School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), Iceland
- Entry No. 4: School of Medicine (SOM), United Kingdom
- Entry No. 5: School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), The Netherlands
- Entry No. 6: School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS), Vatican City
- Entry No. 7: Basic Education School (BEdS), Venezuela
16th SLU Lantern Parade ushers in the Season of Hope
This much-anticipated Louisian tradition has become the “Christmas-in-Baguio” trademark and cherished holiday highlight, inviting thousands of visitors to the Mountain City to altogether welcome the Season of Light and Love, of Giving, of Hope.
To instill a sense of holiday cheer, the SLU Marching Band Concert showcased a repertoire of Christmas songs and carols. The symphonic melodies of woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments were executed with precision and harmony under the direction of SLU Marching Band Trainor and Conductor, Ms. Marivic B. Macadaeg.
On the field, they flexed their formation with crowned color guards wielding flags of green, orange, black, pink, and purple color combinations. The band was led by Drum Major Christian Mark Mendez. For their parade showcase, the Sonic Boom of the North covered the pathway with chilly winter frost in their Winter Wonderland costumes, wearing snowflake hats and buttoned snowman attire.
The festivities of the night then began with the opening program for “Faith, Hope, and Love: The City Christmas Tree Lighting and SLU Lantern Parade,” where crowds gathered in Session Road to welcome Baguio’s Enchanting Christmas.
Vice President for Mission and Identity and SLU Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emery Ebumea Mwako, CICM; SLU-Sacred Heart Medical Center Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Emanuel Enjang Pranatal, CICM; Rev. Fr. John Salama; and Rev. Fr. Macwayne Maniwang, CICM led the opening prayer and blessing of the Christmas tree.
In his message, Fr. Mwako encouraged the audience to strive in making Baguio a beacon of love, hope, and compassion. “Together, let us be the light that guides and uplifts one another, illuminating the path of kindness and understanding,” he said.
The Baguio Christmas Tree was then lit up, reminiscent of stained glass cathedral windows as it retold the birth of Jesus. It is deemed to be a place of reflection and visual prayer, transporting passersby to the first Christmas night. Along with the tree lighting was a grand firework display that signaled the beginning of the glowing march along Session Road.
Immediately following the Christmas Tree lighting was the parade proper, which began with the entry of non-competing participants.
First in line during the parade were the SLU Board of Trustees and Government Officials of Baguio, led by SLU’s mascot “NAVI”. The officials held up white and blue star-shaped lanterns in the style of the familiar parols seen around the Philippines during the holiday season.
The SLU Administration and SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center represented the Philippines with the same white and blue star-shaped parols, also carrying glowing green and yellow leaves and paper lanterns in various colors. The SLU Alumni Association and Retirees Association of SLU followed afterward.
The School of Advanced Studies (SAS) displayed the magnificence of Japan through traditional paper lanterns and oil-paper umbrellas that glowed in soft spirals. The lanterns reflected the rich culture of the Japanese, with intricate designs of cherry blossoms on each paper lantern.
The 16th Lantern Parade’s Competing Entries
This year’s Lantern Parade centered on countries with unique Christmas traditions. The theme aims to highlight the festive and diverse Christmas traditions celebrated across the globe, bringing the spirit of cultural unity through vibrant performances and creative displays.
Norway
From the home to the Northern Lights, Vikings, and breathtaking fjords, spectators visited the Land of the Midnight Sun through the illuminating lanterns of the School of Law (SOL). With rectangular prisms and circular lanterns adorned with the country’s flag, trotting Norwegian reindeer, Nordic symbols, and snowy alpine peaks, the captivating spectacle made its way along the path, accompanied by a Norse longship and a geometric backdrop.
With the Louisian flame, SOL summoned the Norse gods as they displayed a resounding choreography to the “How to Train Your Dragon” soundtrack. SOL’s lanterns were monumental, vibrant, breathtaking, similar to what Vikings represent – hope, courage, and ultimate victory.
Austria
The School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) represented the serene country of Austria. A key element in their lantern design was the “adventkranz,” or advent wreath, an Austrian tradition made from pine branches and four candles symbolizing the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
STELA also reflected the nativity scene that highlighted the hand-carved figures of the Holy Family in a wooden stable, which are traditionally admired by Austrian townsfolk.
Completing STELA’s Austrian Christmas was the inclusion of elements representing the Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf, the birthplace of the world’s most beloved carol. This creative choice reflected the Christian spirit of spreading love and light even on the coldest nights – a sentiment that STELA wished to embody through their lanterns.
Iceland
The School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) represented Iceland with a focus on the country’s national animal, the gyrfalcon, its famous sun voyager, and a trail of northern lights. With these elements, SONAHBS sought to represent togetherness, resilience, and hope– the embodiment of the Christmas tradition in the land of fire and ice.
Iceland’s diverse landscapes make it vulnerable to natural hazards, yet its people remain resilient. Through their challenges, Christmas has become a symbol of hope for Icelanders, who believe that the Yule lads—similar to Santa Claus—visit during the holidays to bring mischief, joy, and gifts.
SONAHBS showcased Iceland’s Christmas tradition with their upcycled lanterns through the use of plastic wrappers. Their heartwarming performance began with a “once-upon-a-time” tale and concluded with a “happily-ever-after” story, embodying the spirit of perseverance and celebration that defines Icelandic culture.
United Kingdom
Guided by the image of Father Christmas and the Queen of the United Kingdom (UK), the School of Medicine (SOM) took the lantern parade journey through the Tudor, Victorian, and Modern eras of the British Christmas tradition.
Their voyage started in the Tudor era, highlighting the solemn tradition of Boxing Day that reflects the generosity and compassion among the less fortunate. The festive Victorian era followed afterwards, where SOM explored the beginning of Christmas carols and crackers in the country. Finally, they arrived at the present time wherein modern Christmas traditions intertwine with the historical holiday customs of the UK.
With lanterns displaying intricate designs that showcase familiar Christmas and UK motifs, their performance underscored the joy, warmth, and unity that Christmas brings.
The Netherlands
At the heart of the Netherlands, a beautiful and magical way to celebrate Christmas awaits. The School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) bringing “Lichtjes van Sinterklaas” or “The Lights of Sinterklaas” to the City of Pines.
The lanterns created by the SEA community drew inspiration from the unique elements of Dutch landscapes and culture, emphasizing the connection between light and the country’s iconic landmarks, particularly its coat of arms featuring two lions. Floral clogs accompanied maiden lanterns dressed in traditional “Volendamse klederdracht.”
The path was adorned with color-changing tulip-shaped lanterns, red presents, and striped candies, paying homage to the famous flavor festival. Traditional Dutch windmills cast soft, spinning lights, while lanterns shaped like native animals, such as ladybugs and Dutch bunnies, added a touch of local wildlife.
SEA’s field demonstration concluded with a horse-riding Father Christmas, with colorful jesters in tow – and a formed view of Amsterdam’s cityscape and grand bridge.
Vatican City
From the home of the world’s famous museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the residence of the Pope, the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS) graced the streets with their European lanterns, inspired by the holy city of Rome – the Vatican.
Carefully constructed by the departments’ Rated Production Guild (RPG) and Multimedia Arts (MMA) students, bearers carried large, lit-up cuboids, with each face referencing the grand Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter’s Basilica). SAMCIS carried tall cathedral windows with large letters spelling out their represented city and their department, patrolled by an army of marching Swiss Guard lanterns.
Venezuela
As Christmas in Venezuela is one of the most colorful in Latin America, the Basic Education School (BEdS) incorporated the vibrancy and liveliness in their colorful lanterns. Showcasing the festive and optimistic hearts of Venezuelans during the yuletide season, the BEds performed rhythmic moves that created an energetic atmosphere.
The lantern designs featured elements from a Venezuelan Christmas – crowns, masks, and the Nativity scene. These designs were incorporated and were made out of yema paper and other recycled materials.
SLU BEdS reminded everyone of togetherness during the season of love and family, reflecting the jubilant praise of the Good Lord for His marvelous deeds as well.
16th SLU Lantern Parade Competition Winners
The following were the major, minor, and special awards presented:
Major Awards
- Champion: BEdS (Venezuela)
- 1st Runner Up: SONAHBS (Iceland)
- 2nd Runner Up: SOM (United Kingdom)
Minor Awards
- Best Street Performance: SONAHBS (Iceland)
- 1st Runner Up: STELA (Austria)
- 2nd Runner Up: BEdS (Venezuela)
- Best Field Performance: BEdS (Venezuela)
- 1st Runner Up: SONAHBS (Iceland)
- 2nd Runner Up: SOM (United Kingdom)
Special Awards
- Eco-Lantern Innovation: BEdS (Venezuela)
- Most Disciplined Group: SONAHBS (Iceland)
- Most Colorful Group: SONAHBS (Iceland)
- Best in Illumination: SONAHBS (Iceland)
- Best in Rhythmic Accompaniment: BEdS (Venezuela)
As a grand gesture for the season, the field performances concluded with a final performance of all competing schools, showcasing the paramount harmony and solidarity within the University.
Indeed, the culmination of SLU’s 113th Foundation Anniversary brought fun and awe not only within the University’s walls but also to the rest of the City. This has become an annual tradition and commitment of the University: to light up the City and to rekindle hope this season and beyond.
