MANILA — The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus was vibrant and full of life as it celebrated the annual Lantern Parade on Wednesday.

The parade began on University Avenue and made its way around the Academic Oval.

Various colleges within the Diliman campus participated, along with students from the College of Fine Arts, who showcased their large, colorful, and intricately designed floats.

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This year’s theme, “Nilay at Sikhay” (Reflection and Resiliency), was evident in the creative designs.

Per tradition, some floats also offered commentary on significant national issues.

"Nakikita po natin dito yung bangka po kasama ng mangingisda, nakasurround din po diyan yung mga panawagan ng mga namamalakaya....lalo na sa issue ng agression ng China pagdating sa West Philippine Sea," Jona Serafica, a student, explained.

(We can see here a boat surrounded by our foisherfolks' calls for action, especially regarding the issue of China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea.)

Another student, Carlos Garcia, shared: "Sini-symbolize niya po yung deck of cards...imbis po na jack, king, queen, makikita po natin yung ibat-ibang constituents ng UP."

(It symbolizes a deck of cards, but instead of the usual Jack, King, and Queen, we see various UP constituents.)

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Meanwhile, Aleia Regoso highlighted cultural representation, saying a flot depicting a bahay kubo was meant to represent Filipino culture.

“May mga katutubong representation...maraming pong challenges as of now...bilang mga taga taguyod ng turismo, sama-sama po naming itataguyod ang rights nila."

(The kubo represents Filipino culture, with indigenous elements. Despite the challenges we face, as tourism advocates, we will collectively uphold their rights.)

University Avenue from Jacinto Street was temporarily closed to make way for the parade.

Additionally, the university suspended the “No UP ID, No UP Sticker, No Entry” policy until midnight.

The UP Lantern Parade, a long-standing university tradition, serves as the culminating event for its Christmas celebrations.