The show went on, however, as units staged mini parades.
In a tersely-worded statement, UPD Chancellor Sergio S. Cao issued a statement cancelling the Lantern Parade in the morning of December 15, following recommendations arrived at during a meeting of the Executive Committee.
Winning lantern and exhibit. The College of Architecture
won two top prizes in the Lantern and Exhibit categories
(above) while photo below show students of the College
of fine Arts working their magic on the spectators who
had gathered to watch the parade.
“I regret to inform the University community that the 2006 Christmas Lantern Parade scheduled this afternoon is cancelled. This decision was made by the UP Diliman Executive Committee - composed of deans and directors of academic units chaired by the Chancellor - in an emergency meeting held this morning.
This decision was arrived at in view of concerns about risks to persons and property.
The Pista ng Pasko sa Oval, however, will remain open. College activities will proceed as scheduled.”
The cancellation came in the wake of student demonstrations earlier in the week protesting the Board of Regents’ (BOR) impending approval of the tuition fee hike.
On the day of the parade, the BOR was scheduled to meet earlier in the afternoon to vote on the proposal to adjust tuition and miscellaneous fees of incoming freshman students. Student organizations had already posted announcements at strategic areas on campus calling for a rally at noon on the same day to protest the impending hike.
News of the last-minute cancellation of the parade did not dampen the Christmas spirit at UPD. Despite the official announcement, many people still lined up along the parade’s traditional route, expecting to see the fabulous works and antics of the different colleges and groups that is the highlight of the Christmas celebrations on campus.
At around 4 p.m., people started to gather around key areas in the Academic Oval—areas that offered an unimpeded view of the the traditional parade. Perhaps in a gesture to cheer the spectators who had come early to witness the annual pageantry, and even maybe to not let their creative efforts go to waste, some units decided to march their lanterns.
At around 4 p.m., a contingent from the College of Fine Arts (CFA), led by the CFA chapter of the university student organization Alay Sining, showed off their creative interpretation of children’s toys around the Academic Oval. Using a clockwise route so as not to confuse the public into thinking that this was the official Lantern Parade, the group treated the crowd to a spectacle of superheroes, full body masks of different animated characters, life-sized spinning tops, walking canned goods, giant jackstones and huge, colorful wooden snakes. Several classes pulled their acts together to create vibrant floats like the Pukpok Palayok, Laruang Lata and Giant Posporo that left the people in awe.
The College of Arts and Letters, together with their resident performing group Kontra-Gapi, also joined the parade to add a touch of music and culture to the impromptu show.
Barrios
Half an hour later came the merry sounds of a brass band commissioned by the School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SOLAIR). The unit showcased their 15-foot lanterns similar to the higantes of Angono, Rizal. Marching behind them in true lantern parade fashion was the float of the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice. And in contrast to the almost solemn air of the contingent before them, the Babaylans regaled the crowd with their energetic behavior, outlandish attires and beauty queen poses.
Sellers of trinkets and lighted gizmos were plenty, lending a festive atmosphere to the cold, night air. Hawkers selling favorite Diliman chows like fishballs, kikiam, “dirty” ice cream, taho and corn freely roamed the area, while vendors of branded foodstuff served the hungry in their rented tents.
Those who waited to experience the Lantern Parade did not wait in vain. This year’s version may not be as grand as expected, but the gesture from these colleges and units who participated was truly appreciated.
Meanwhile, the four competitions held as part of the campus’ Christmas celebrations proceeded as usual. The competitions sought the best lantern, belen, exhibit and choral group.
Of the winners, the College of Architecture (CA) placed prominently in three of the competitions.
For the Lantern Contest, CA was named Most Creative and the Beta Sigma Fraternity Most Resourceful.
In the Carolefest, the first prize went to the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. Two academic units tied for the second place: the College of Engineering and the College of Mass Communication while CA bagged the third prize.
In the Exhibit Contest, CA won first place; the second went to the Institute of Library and Information Science and the third to the College of Home Economics.
In the Belen Contest, Asian Center garnered the first, the College of Law the second and the College of Music the third prizes.
Seven units vied for the lantern prizes, 22 units joined the exhibit, 14 college Student Councils took part in the Belen contest and nine student choirs competed in the Carolefest.
—Shirley S. Arandia and Chi A. Ibay