LOOK: Lighting up for Christmas, praying for better days amid COVID pandemic | ABS-CBN
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LOOK: Lighting up for Christmas, praying for better days amid COVID pandemic
LOOK: Lighting up for Christmas, praying for better days amid COVID pandemic
Text and photos by Gigie Cruz,
ABS-CBN News
Published Nov 17, 2021 05:48 AM PHT
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Updated Nov 17, 2021 08:38 AM PHT
It's hard to miss the festive feeling navigating Granada street in Quezon City, as sparkling lights displayed outside the lantern shops greet motorists every day.
It's hard to miss the festive feeling navigating Granada street in Quezon City, as sparkling lights displayed outside the lantern shops greet motorists every day.
Sato Laxa, one of the lantern makers and store owners there, started out in the parol business when he was 10 years old, helping his grandmother make the traditional Christmas lanterns out of bamboo sticks covered with colorful Japanese paper. Forty-five years later, he operates his own lantern shop along Granada in Barangay Valencia, as recalled his fondness the sparkling lights gave him.
The shop sells Capiz lanterns and balls, mostly done at workshops in Pampanga then customized in Quezon City, based on clients' preferences. LED-lanterns that come in different Christmas-themed shapes are also available for those who opt for modern designs.
Sato Laxa, one of the lantern makers and store owners there, started out in the parol business when he was 10 years old, helping his grandmother make the traditional Christmas lanterns out of bamboo sticks covered with colorful Japanese paper. Forty-five years later, he operates his own lantern shop along Granada in Barangay Valencia, as recalled his fondness the sparkling lights gave him.
The shop sells Capiz lanterns and balls, mostly done at workshops in Pampanga then customized in Quezon City, based on clients' preferences. LED-lanterns that come in different Christmas-themed shapes are also available for those who opt for modern designs.
Laxa and his partner, Weng, are thankful as business has gradually improved this year. Weng recalls having difficulty providing enough for their families, as sales severely dropped during the pandemic. This year has been better, as they observed an estimated 15-percent increase in sales when the “Ber” months started.
While some customers get new lanterns, some have their old ones refurbished or repaired for practicality. Some buyers say, that despite financial challenges, lighting up their homes for Christmas is as a form of prayer and petition symbolizing God’s presence, as Filipinos endure amid challenging times.
Laxa and his partner, Weng, are thankful as business has gradually improved this year. Weng recalls having difficulty providing enough for their families, as sales severely dropped during the pandemic. This year has been better, as they observed an estimated 15-percent increase in sales when the “Ber” months started.
While some customers get new lanterns, some have their old ones refurbished or repaired for practicality. Some buyers say, that despite financial challenges, lighting up their homes for Christmas is as a form of prayer and petition symbolizing God’s presence, as Filipinos endure amid challenging times.
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