12 November 2025, Guam - The Consulate General of the Philippines in Guam conducted a parol-making workshop at the Father Duenas Memorial School (FDMS) in Chalan Pago, Guam on 06 November 2025. The said activity had nineteen (19) participants composed of male high school students, including the members of the Filipino-American Club of FDMS, and their teachers.
The workshop gave the participants a meaningful, hands-on experience in creating traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns, or parols. It was designed not only to teach the art of lantern-making but also to help everyone gain a deeper appreciation of the parol as a cherished symbol of hope, light, and togetherness in Filipino Christmas traditions.
Most of the participants were of Filipino descent, while non-Filipino students joined to learn more about Filipino culture. Mrs. Jovita Manzanilla, adviser of the Filipino-American Club, expressed her gratitude to the Consulate General for holding the parol-making workshop with the students. Many shared that the activity was not only a fun and relaxing break from their academic work, but also gave them a deeper appreciation for the parol — realizing how much creativity and effort go into making one.
The Parol-Making Workshop has become an annual activity of the Consulate to encourage the youth on the island, particularly those of Filipino heritage, to take part in preserving and promoting Filipino Christmas traditions by sharing the joy of making parols with their family and friends, and passing on the creativity and spirit of this cherished cultural practice into their homes.
This activity was also held in celebration of Filipino Values Month, observed every November in the Philippines pursuant to Proclamation No. 479 issued on 07 October 1994. The celebration seeks to promote national consciousness and moral awakening on values that are distinct, genuine, and uniquely Filipino.END
