Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue dresses up for Christmas

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Two large capiz lanterns welcome guests to the Philippine Center. Photos by NYPCG

Two large capiz lanterns welcome guests to the Philippine Center. Photos by NYPCG

Christmas celebration the Filipino way is in full swing in New York as the lobby and glass windows of the Philippine Center along the bustling Fifth Avenue in mid-town Manhattan showcase a colorful collection of traditional parol (Christmas lanterns) and the nativity scene.

Thousands of New Yorkers and tourists pass by the Philippine Center every day and admire the colorful display that depicts the rich Christmas traditions of the Philippines.

The “Feel Pinas” display is an undertaking of the Philippine Consulate General, the Department of Tourism-New York Office, and the Philippine Center Management Board. It brings together elements of the Filipino Christmas that make Filipinos feel at home and foreigners want to visit the Philippines. The launch of the “Feel Pinas” on December 6 was highlighted by the debut of the nativity scene display by the two glass windows of the Philippine Center. The nativity scene is made of images and decors from the Philippines and is complemented by large LED screens showing videos of lanterns and snippets of Filipino Christmas celebrations.

As guests enter the Center, they are welcomed by two white capiz lanterns from Sorsogon. The lobby is adorned with bright and colorful lanterns from Pampanga. This year, nine lanterns from the FilAm community, each one symbolizing a Filipino virtue add to the festive air.
One of the lanterns is lighted every day starting from the first night of the Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado on December 6, until all the lanterns are lighted on the last evening of the traditional nine-day mass on December 14.

Consul General Claro S. Cristobal said that it is heartwarming that the Filipino American community in New York has preserved Filipino Christmas traditions.

“Our sense of community, bolstered by faith, has given us the inspiration to be here, despite the busyness of our holiday schedules, to devote our time and resources in nine days of prayer and praise,” he said.

Tourism Attaché Susana Del Mundo said she is hopeful that the “Feel Pinas” project will further promote tourism in the Philippines as thousands see the “beauty of our country and the richness of our culture and traditions.”

The display runs until January 6, 2019. — Philippine Consulate General

The large window  showcases the nativity scene.

The large window showcases the nativity scene.

The lobby is adorned with lanterns from Pampanga.

The lobby is adorned with lanterns from Pampanga.



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