Philippine Consulate, Magalang Mayor Explore Partnership to Promote Pampanga’s Lantern Heritage in the U.S.
Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon (second from right), Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil (center), and Consul Glaiza Quarteros (rightmost) meet with Mayor Maria Lourdes “Malu” Lacson (leftmost) to discuss opportunities to promote Pampanga’s lantern-making heritage, including the Magalang lubenas tradition, through cultural initiatives in San Francisco. (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and Hon. Maria Lourdes “Malu” Lacson, Municipal Mayor of Magalang, Pampanga, explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in promoting Pampanga’s renowned lantern-making tradition and cultural heritage in the United States during the Mayor’s courtesy call on Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon at the Philippine Center on 30 June 2026.
The discussions centered on expanding the visibility of Pampanga’s Christmas traditions through cultural programming and community engagement initiatives in Northern California. Both sides highlighted the role of lantern-making not only as an enduring symbol of Filipino creativity and craftsmanship but also as a meaningful expression of faith, identity, and shared heritage that resonates across generations.
The Consulate expressed its appreciation to Mayor Lacson for her invaluable support in helping bring the iconic Pampanga giant parol to San Francisco in 2023. Since then, the giant lantern has become a cherished annual Christmas centerpiece at the Philippine Center, welcoming visitors each holiday season while showcasing Filipino artistry and tradition in downtown San Francisco.
Building on this successful collaboration, the Consulate and the Municipality of Magalang discussed plans to bring a Magalang-made lubenas parol set to San Francisco. Once transported, the lanterns are envisioned to be featured during the annual Parol Lantern Festival, the first Filipino Christmas lantern festival in the United States.
Mayor Lacson shared the rich history of the lubenas tradition, a longstanding Christmas custom unique to Magalang that brings communities together through illuminated cross and star lanterns during the Simbang Gabi season. She explained how the annual celebration continues to unite all 27 barangays in a lantern parade and friendly competition that preserves local craftsmanship while passing the tradition on to younger generations. She also shared Magalang’s aspiration to secure broader international recognition for the lubenas tradition as an important expression of Filipino intangible cultural heritage.
The meeting also underscored the value of storytelling in cultural diplomacy. Both sides noted that sharing the historical and spiritual significance of the lubenas tradition alongside the lanterns themselves would enrich audiences’ appreciation of Philippine culture and create stronger connections with Filipino Americans and the wider public. Opportunities to promote Magalang’s lantern-making craftsmanship alongside other local products as part of broader tourism and cultural promotion initiatives were also discussed. The Philippine Consulate General reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Municipality of Magalang in preserving and promoting Pampanga’s unique cultural traditions while fostering stronger people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the Filipino community in the United States. END
Mayor Maria Lourdes “Malu” Lacson of Magalang, Pampanga (second from left) presents a token of appreciation to Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon (center) during her courtesy call.
(San Francisco PCG photo)