In photos: Artistry, activism in full display at UP Lantern Parade 2023
MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus was aglow with creativity and social consciousness on Wednesday as colorful lanterns and floats paraded through its annual Lantern Parade.
The vibrant creations by students, faculty, and staff from various colleges delighted an enthusiastic crowd, with each showcasing unique interpretations of the parade's theme, "Panibagong Lakas" (Renewed Strength), symbolizing the university's resilience and commitment to finding solutions amidst challenges and societal issues.
The College of Architecture secured this year’s grand prize with its 90% sustainably-made ‘Ilaw at Haligi’ lantern, featuring the Filipino Family.
Crafted with recycled materials, bamboo from the college’s backyard, and powered by warm sustainable solar lights, the lantern emphasized the enduring value of things that have always been present and our journey forward, anchored by the strength derived from our family—the ultimate source of resilience.
True to tradition, each lantern in the parade shared a story, while many became platforms for larger messages, tackling relevant national and global issues.
The second prize went to the College of Science, featuring a Philippine Trogon in its lantern, an endemic species found in Philippine forests which highlights the college’s ‘renewed strength’ in finding solutions to address environmental issues.
The lantern, crafted with recycled and woven materials from different indigenous groups in the Philippines, paid tribute to their role in defending the environment.
Several displays also expressed solidarity with Palestine amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The third-placed College of Social Work and Community Development showcased a “Free Palestine” message, addressing issues that inspire new strength and Bayanihan spirit among Filipinos. The Center for International Studies also marched with a giant Palestine Flag, echoing its call for the liberation of Palestine.
Many lanterns, including those of the Asian Institute of Tourism and College of Business Administration, were inspired by Philippine Jeepneys, taking a swipe at the impending jeepney phaseout plan of the government.
Meanwhile, the Hall of Famers U.P College of Fine Arts, which had its own competition, paraded with enormous displays of creativity and consciousness, featuring different species and creatures like Pangolin, Butanding, and Pusit, each with a political message.
Among CFA lanterns was a giant pearl, with students holding a banner, “Perlas ng Silanganan, ‘Di na Muling Pababayaan” ("Pearl of the Orient Seas will not be neglected again") and an “Isquidential Funds,” which pokes at the controversies surrounding Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte’s request for confidential funds.
Winners and honorable mentions from the academic units and College of Fine Arts categories received cash prizes, with each grand prize winner receiving P50,000.
As per UP, the Lantern Parade tradition began in 1922 and was officially institutionalized in 1934, during UP's time in Manila. Initially, the parade started at the University Quadrangle on Padre Faura Street, winding its way through streets before concluding in front of the engineering building, now the site of the Court of Appeals.
In 1969, just before the declaration of Martial Law, the Lantern Parade adopted an activist motif, transforming into a platform for protest. Over the years, the UP community has sustained the dual traditions of militance and artistry, upholding them through the annual parade.
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