Best parol-makers

MANILA, Philippines - Spreading the Christmas cheer in true Pinoy fashion, Payless Instant Mami held its Christmaskwela Giant Parol-Making Contest Grand Finals at the Marquee Mall Activity Center in Angeles City, Pampanga. Sta. Rita Elementary School in Zambales emerged as the top winner and received the grand prize of P100,000 worth of school development projects such as rehabilitation of classrooms and building of playground, computer laboratory, library and similar facilities.

Isabela Cordon’s Cordon South Central School placed second while Isabela Cauayan’s Tumauini North Central School got third place. They were awarded P60,000 and P40,000, respectively.

Taking part in the competition were students from 17 provinces namely Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Baguio, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Tuguegarao, Cauayan and Cordon, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Western Bulacan and Eastern Bulacan.

Guided by passion and pride in representing their schools, students exhibited creativity and innovation in turning Payless Instant Mami wrappers into artistic interpretations of the uniquely Pinoy Christmas lantern. Youngsters were also able to embody the spirit of giving with the Winner ang Batang Payless Talent Contest, as they willingly shared their talents to the merry audience halfway through the program. Cyrelle Joyce Garcia of Dinalupihan Elementary School in Bataan took first place, Maria Mikaela Sta. Cruz of Parulan Elementary School in Western Bulacan came at second, and Almer Bryle Caseja of Sta. Rita Elementary School in Zambales finished at third.

Guest performers were Enrique Gil and Andrea Brillantes.