Filipino Families Come Together in New York for Annual Parol-Making Tradition

The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in collaboration with The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey and the Helping Stars Foundation, successfully hosted its annual Parol-Making Workshop at the Philippine Center. More than 50 Filipino families participated in the workshop to mark World Children’s Day and Filipino Values Month.

In his remarks on behalf of Consul General Senen Mangalile, Consul Juan Carlos C. Borromeo encouraged the participants to rediscover their heritage, strengthen bonds within their families, and look to the coming year with renewed hope.

Before the workshop, Ms. Venessa Manzano of The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey discussed the history and cultural significance of the parol. This was followed by a book reading of Lin Acacio-Flores and Annette Flores Garcia’s A Child’s Treasure of Philippine Christmas Stories by Miss New York USA 2024, Marizza Delgado.

The activity was warmly received by participants. Tala Guy, a Filipino-American child, remarked, “I was having fun making parol, and I hope I can come again next time.”

Some of the parols crafted during the workshop will be displayed at the Philippine Center during the Consulate’s Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado celebrations, which will be held from 04 to 12 December. Now in its seventh year, the Parol-Making Workshop has become a cherished annual tradition at the Consulate.