NCCA, KCC buildings feature parols, Jinju silk lanterns for Christmas

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

December 10, 2025 | 9:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Korean Cultural Center - Manila (KCC) are joining the holiday spirt in another show of Philippine-Korean cultural relations.

Until the 6th of January 2026, the NCCA and KCC-Manila will observe "Light the Season: A Korea-Philippines Lantern Display" by hanging the iconic Filipino parols and the famous Jinju silk lanterns in their respective buildings.

Parols and Jinju lanterns, which highlight the rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage shared by both countries, decorate the facade and lobby of the NCCA building in Intramuros and the ground floor of the KCC building in Taguig along Bayani Road.

The Korean lanterns were previously the centerpiece of the "Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns" exhibition that ran at the KCC earlier this year as the showcase highlighted Korea’s lantern-making heritage through the captivating interplay of light and color.

Similarly the star-shaped parol is a cherished symbol of Christmas in the Philippines, seen across homes, streets, and communities in vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and handcrafted details.

KCC director Kim Myeong-jin noted the significance of Christmas in the Philippines during a ceremony last December 1 and expressed honor that Jinju silk lanterns would share recognition with parols this season.

"The idea of collaborating the Jinju silk lantern with parol now came to life, and it truly offers us a glimpse of continued partnership between Korea and the Philippines," added NCCA deputy executive director for Operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz.

RELATED: Ayala scales back, 'reimagines' traditional Makati Christmas lights