PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — The Sta. Lourdes National High School represents the Department of Education (DepEd) of Puerto Princesa City as it competes along with 147 public secondary schools across the country for a “parol” or lantern contest this month.
Mickee Andrea Reyes Arzaga, school coach, said it is the first time for the school’s division to join the competition, which is now in its third year. It is dubbed “Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin” by the Social Secretary’s Office.
Inspired by the beauty of Puerto Princesa’s nature, culture, and tradition, the school’s entry uses indigenous materials like sands.
“First time natin sumali sa pangatlong beses ng Malacañang na nagsagawa ng contest na ito. Parol na dapat ang materials ay indigenous at hindi pwede ang plastic. Niri-require kami na mag-explore ng ibang materials,” she said.
The team is composed of four students from various levels, namely Michelle Love Arante, Karl Vincent Sacopia, Rocky Renolia, and Ruben Lagera. The students dedicate a month to complete the lantern and prepare for the competition by November 5.
The city division’s entry tried to narrate a story by highlighting the wonders of nature like underground river, endemic animals, artifacts, and symbols with historical values.
The lantern is a representation of the unity of nature and humans, Arzaga added.
“Kailangan mapakita namin ‘yong culture and tradition, usual na makikita na nagkukwento ng kabuhayan, pagkakaisa, ‘yong buhay ng Puerto Princesa na makikita natin,” she said.
Online votes will be counted through heart reactions on selected entries. The voters may visit Social Secretary’s Office Facebook page to vote.
The chosen winner based on the number of online votes on November 15 will have a 10-point advantage during the judging of lanterns.
The winner of the online voting will receive a cash prize of P100,000. This year’s judges include artist Vice Ganda, University of the Philippines’ Industrial Design student Neil Felipp San Pedro, and director Jose “Joey” Reyes. (RG/ PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
