Angeles City Promotes its Lanterns and Lubenas

 

Eye-catching lanterns marked the lubenas presentation

The heritage district of Angeles City in Pampanga, scintillated with more than a hundred Christmas lanterns as residents and devotees of eight barangays gathered together for “Ing Lubenas ning Pasku 2024” on December 14, 2024.

            Held before the actual start of lubenas, the special event was a showcase of creativity of local communities as manifested in eye-catching, hand-crafted lanterns, the outstanding feature of the folk Catholic tradition held during the Christmas season. 

The lanterns were all lit up, powered by portable generators or batteries, adding to their attractiveness, as the barangay groups participated in a procession in the early evening, after a mass, starting at the Holy Rosary Parish Church, going around the city proper, and ending at the church, where a program followed.

            The barangay of Cutcut showcased the lanterns created by the family of sixty-six-year-old Renato “Rene” Feliciano Calma, who is considered one of the city’s master lantern makers and who has introduced several ways of making the lanterns, including the intricate designs. While not coming from a lantern-making family, he is able to pass on the knowledge and skill to his children, to his own community and even to other towns, such as Magalang, where the lubenas was recently revived.  

            Most of these lanterns were made of paper with bamboo frames, but other materials were also used such as dried vines in the lanterns of Santa Teresita.

            Aside from Cutcut and Santa Teresita, the other participating barangays were Malabanias, Pampang, Pandan, Pulungbulu, Santo Domingo and Santo Rosario.

Organized by the city government and attended by local politicians, the program was held on Santo Entierro Street, in front of the church, the city’s only cobblestone road that is still existing, where each barangay presented a three- to five-minute performance, including elements of dance, singing, street drama and formation making using the lanterns to the accompaniment of an official song, composed for the event. 

            This part of the event is a very recent addition, more along the line of recently created touristic festivals that pervade the country. A similar event is being held in the neighboring town of Magalang, where a lantern design competition is also held. The Angeles City event did not involve a formal competition, but each participating barangay received a cash incentive of P100,000 and certificate of recognition from the city government, led by its mayor, Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. to the delight of participants. These are efforts in reinvigorating a dying practice that is traditionally sustained by local parishes and communities. 

             Held for nine days before Christmas, from December 16 to 24,  in Pampanga and Tarlac, the lubenasis a devotional procession on the eve of the simbang bengi, the dawn mass. It is a small, usually solemn, event within a barangay and centered around its chapel. It is believed that the ritual started in early 1800s, and the name was derived from the word novena. 

The devotees held lit candles during the novena procession with coverings to prevent the wind from blowing out the flames. Eventually, lanterns were used, first lit by candles and then by gas lamps and electric light bulbs. The lanterns evolved from simple forms into star-shaped ones with designs. The Kapampangans are believed to have pioneered the Christmas lanterns, which have become an icon of Filipino Christmas celebration.

The present format of the lubenas includes a cross-shaped lantern leading the procession, followed by people holding poles with twelve lanterns, arranged in two rows, representing the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, a lantern in the shape a fish, a symbol of Jesus Christ, is included, usually placed behind the twelve lanterns. At the tail of the procession is the image of the barangay’s patron saint, carried on the shoulder or mounted on a carroza, bedecked with flowers and illumined by a giant lantern behind it, and singers singing “Dios te Salve.” 

The final lubenas on the eve of Christmas, in which processions of different barangays converge at the church, is called maitinis in some towns, preceding the Misa de Gallo. 

The lubenas was held in several towns around the foot of Mount Arayat in Pampanga, and in some towns in the neighboring province of Tarlac, but the practice has diminished over the years. Presently, the lubenas is said to be held in Bacolor, Angeles City, San Fernando City, Mabalacat, Mexico, Magalang, Santa Ana and Santo Tomas in Pampanga; and Bamban, Capas and Concepcion in Tarlac. More research are needed to document local history and lore, the extent of present practice and the variations in some barangays.

In recent years, renewed interest on the lubenas led to recent endeavors and additions that not only aim at revival and continuity but also are geared towards making it a touristic holiday attraction. Such efforts may bring with it the danger of the tradition becoming pro forma, practiced in form but with diminished or altered meanings among participants; of people mistaking the showcase as heritage, displacing actual practice as in the cases of big festivals in the country; and the practice becoming reliant on local government and thus vulnerable to the fickleness of political landscape.

Traditions, which are products of evolution, will continue to evolve. It is hoped that stakeholders and bearers of cultural heritage may find ways to appropriately safeguard and continue traditions, mindful of its important role in culture, creativity, community and the spirit of the season. 

Participants getting ready for the procession in front of the Holy Rosary Parish Church (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The lubenas participants from the barangay of Cutcut

A lantern in the shape of a fish, a symbol for Jesus Christ, of the barangay of Santo Domingo

A cross-shaped lantern leads the procession

The lanterns of Santa Teresita were made of dried vines

The lubenas contingent from the barangay of Santo Rosario

The carroza carrying the barangay's patron saint is part of the lubenas ptocession  (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Renato F. Calma, widely regarded as one of the best lantern makers of Angeles City, in his home in the barangay of Cutcut.

Giant Lanterns Illuminate San Fernando City

 

The ornate patterns of the giant lantern of Bulaon

Ten giant Christmas lanterns dazzled an audience of locals and visitors with intricate patterns, frenetic bursts of colors and lights that “danced” to music at this year’s Ligligan Parul on December 14, 2024, held at the parking area of the mall Robinsons Starmills on Jose Abad Santos Avenue, San Jose, San Fernando City.

The annual event, popularly called Giant Lantern Festival, is a main factor that makes Pampanga’s capital city and the regional center of Central Luzon the so-called Christmas Capital of the Philippines. The star of this is the giant lanterns made by communities in San Fernando. 

The lanterns are humongous discs that measure to 20 feet in diameter, mostly made of carton paper, and riddled with light bulbs that number from 7,000 to more than 10,000. Mounted on trucks, these lanterns are designed and created by lantern makers, mostly coming from several generations of makers. 

This 116th Ligligan saw the participation of ten barangays—Santo Niño, whose team was led by Janino Padilla (barangay captain), Byron Bondoc (lantern maker), Joseph Salac (head electrician) and Leslie Bondoc (rotor maker); Telabastagan, whose team was led by Elmer Manguerra (barangay captain), Arnel Flores (lantern maker), Ronaldo Aguilar (head electrician) and Jeremiah Balboa (rotor maker); San Juan, whose team was led by Claro Tolentino (barangay captain), Reynald S. Tizon (lantern maker), Ener G. Nicdao (head electrician) and Ariel C. David (rotor maker); Santa Lucia, whose team was led by Roland David (barangay captain), Karl Ernest Quiwa (lantern maker), Lamberto Dungca (head electrician) and Vonne Andrei Quiwa (rotor maker); San Jose, whose team was led by Loreto Tumang (barangay captain), Christopher Doloiras (lantern maker), Jeffrey Balagtas (head electrician) and Juanito Galang (rotor maker); Del Pilar, whose team was led by Jerry Canlas (barangay captain), Florante Parilla (lantern maker), Jun Batac (head electrician) and Eduardo Dizon (rotor maker); San Nicolas, whose team was led by Jerwin Sembrano (barangay captain), Edmar M. David (lantern maker), Edwin M. David (head electrician) and Angelica M. David (rotor maker); Calulut, whose team was led by Jaime Q. Capil (barangay captain), Marcelino Ambrosio (lantern maker), Maricel M. Maglalang (head electrician) and Harold M. Asuncion (rotor maker); Dolores, whose team was led by Allan Patio (barangay captain), Teddy Aguilar (lantern maker), Wesley Marin (head electrician) and Eugene Aguilar (rotor maker); and Bulaon, whose team was led by Lavernie Gopez (barangay captain), Mark Niño Flores (lantern maker), John Luigi Flores (head electrician) and Arnold Flores (rotor maker).

            These lanterns competed in three rounds—Round 1, in which they were given seven minutes to display their lanterns individually with music of their choice; Round 2, in which the lanterns were divided into three groups, with each group given five minutes for a lantern showdown to the accompaniment of music that was to be revealed; and Round 3, in which all lanterns participated in a grand showdown, in accordance to the traditional ligligan parul, accompanied by a live band, the Lumanog Band 48, under the baton of Edwin Lumanog, from Betis, Guagua. 

The lanterns were judged according to interplays of lights and color with music in the first round, and interplays of lights and music in the second and third rounds. They were also appraised for their designs, which included harmony, organization and beauty; color combination; and the so-called “X factor” that included uniqueness, appeal to crowd, special features and “proper decorum.”

            After exuberant displays, the barangay of San Nicolas was declared as this year’s champion, followed by Santo Niño (first runner-up), Bulaon (second runner-up), and Telabastagan (third runner-up).

            The 10 giant lanterns are still on display at Robinsons Starmills putting up nightly shows from December 15 to 23 and 25 to 30 and on January 1, 2025.

During the Liligan, the lantern makers are also aptly considered the stars of the show. Part of the program is dedicated to paying tribute to master craftsmen. This year, the San Fernando local government awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to one of the oldest living lantern makers in the city, Edwin Pineda David, Sr. 

            David is honored “as one of the giant lantern makers who ensure the survival of San Fernando's longstanding tradition,” and for “unparalleled dedication and outstanding contributions in the field.”

“A protege of his uncle, Maning David of Barangay San Nicolas, Edwin Pineda David, Sr., now 78 years old and a second-generation lantern maker, started making Lanterns in 1965,” San Fernando tourism officer Ching Pangilinan shared. “Popularly known as Bapang Potpot, he made his debut as a giant lantern maker in the 1980s. Ang magaling dito (what is great here), he passed the craft to three of his sons, Edwin, Edmar, and Marwin, and daughter Angelica. Edmar David, with his more than 15 years of lantern-making experience, is leading their home Barangay San Nicolas this year as they vie for the championship.”

San Fernando City is known for its cottage industry of Christmas lanterns and has the longest existing tradition of the craft, passed down to several generations within families. At the Ligligan, members of lantern making families from different generations worked together, with young lantern makers trying their hand on making lanterns and continually learn from senior members.

The Ligligan Parul, which literally means “lantern competition,” has been held more than a century now, tracing its roots to the lubenas. 

“Ing particular a tradition a gagawan ming a ini, meg-umpisa ya anyang, sasabyan da ring matwa, anyang minuna panaun da pa reng Kastila. Atin tamung awsan dang “lubenas”. Ing kasing San Fernando balamu tutukyan ne itang plaza complex, nung nukarin atin ta’ng pisamban a maragul kayarapan na ning munisipyu at ating mga bisitas, o malalating kapilya na atsu ka ring barrios. Dening barrio nga reni, melagyu la karing miaaliwang santo o patron. At potang magpasku, itang siyam a aldo bayu ing pasku, dening malalating bisitas dadala do ring patron da reng barrio kening maragul a pisamban. At, kayabe da reni ring linternas or parul. Karin megumpisa itang pamiligligan da ring miaaliwang barrio. Anyang mumuna kanu ing lubenas atin lang twelve pairs of lanterns, dose paris a parul na pare-parehu ing itsura ampong metung a parul na makahugis o esken na apin ing krus na magrepresenta o bilang iyang tatalakad bilang simbolo ng Kristo. Uling ping religious ya in nature itang maging praktis da. Pero, kayari na nita at meg-umpisa na lang gawang miaaliwang disenyu ding Fernandinos, miaaliwa na la kule at aliwaliwang materyalis (This particular tradition that we practice started, according to the elders, during the Spanish times. We had what we call lubenas. San Fernando followed the plaza complex design, in which they had a big church fronting the municipal hall, and they also had the visitas, or the little chapels in the barangays. These barangays were named after different patron saints. During the Christmas season, the nine days before Christmas, these small churches brought their patron saints to the big church. They were accompanied by lanterns. This was how the contest among barrios started. In the early years, the lubenas had twelve pairs of lanterns, which looked the same, and one lantern in the shape of the cross representing or symbolizing the Christ. Because this was religious in nature, their tradition. But then, the Fernandinos started making lanterns of different designs, different colors and different materials),” Pangilinan explained.  

            While the lubenas is still being practiced in San Fernando, the Ligligan, which may be considered an offshoot of the lubenas, developed to be its own practice, requiring specialized skills and knowledge. 

The giant lantern making is an intangible cultural heritage element that has undergone substantial evolution, and incorporation of modern elements and technology. For example, the candlelight that illumined the lanterns were replaced by lamps powered by car batteries using switchboard technology. Then, the rotor was invented and introduced in 1950s, becoming one of the most important developments, changing the looks of the lanterns by enabling the play of lights. This year,  the more durable and environment-friendly LED technology was used for the first time. The giant lanterns remain, however, as a spiritual expression of the community and a impressive showcase of creativity.

Makers and workers worked on their giant lantern in San Nicolas, San Fernando City, on 9 November (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Lantern maker and designer Marcelino Ambrosio worked on the rotor of  Calulut's giant lantern in early November (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Workers installing the bulbs and wiring on the giant lantern of the barangay of Del Pilar (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The 20-foot lanterns, mounted on trucks, were set up for the Ligligan Parul (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Lanterns show their mesmerizing lights and patterns during a showdown of Ligligan Parul (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The giant lantern of the barangay of  San Jose (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

People take pictures with the lantern of the barangay of Santo Niño (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The rotor, the lantern, determines the way the lantern lights up its intricate patterns (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The barangay of San Nicolas was declared champion of the Ligligan Parul 2024 (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Magalang’s Christmas Event Features Lubenas Tradition, Dazzling Lanterns and Orchestra Concert

 

Procession particpants gathered at San Bartolome Church for mass and ‘Ing Banal a Batuin ning Magalang' (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

More than 400 bright Christmas lanterns, in the shape of stars, crosses and fish, and bearing intricate embellishments, lit up the streets in the town proper of Magalang on December 13 for “Ing Banal a Batuin ning Magalang: Lubenas Ning Pasku 2024” (The Holy Star of Magalang: The Christmas Lubenas). 

Organized by the municipal government of the town in the northern part of the province of Pampanga, the Christmas event aimed to promote the Pampangan Christmas tradition of lubenas, which would start in a couple of days on December 16, and to celebrate the 161^st founding anniversary of the town, the Aldo ning Magalang (Day of Magalang). It was able to gather 26 groups from almost all of its barangays for a grand procession and lantern competition.  

 

The Lubenas Tradition

            Among Filipinos, Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, is the most beloved festivity. It was introduced by the Spaniards during the Spanish colonization of the archipelago and more practices were introduced by the Americans, but Filipinos also added their own flavors to the celebration, particularly the Kapampangans, who introduced the lubenas most likely in the early 1800s. 

            The lubenas, whose name is said to be derived from the word novena, is a procession held in different barangays on eve of the simbang bengi, the dawn mass, for nine days before Christmas. The final lubenas on December 24 is called maitinis in some towns. 

The procession, a land-based kind called limbun, is led by a cross-shaped lantern, followed by people holding poles with twelve parul or Christmas lanterns, arranged in two rows, representing the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. It also includes lanterns in the shape a fish, a symbol of Christ, or other animals such as lamb, dove and those that usually figure in the Nativity scene; the image of the barangay’s patron saint, carried on the shoulder or mounted on a carroza, illumined by a giant lantern behind it; and singers singing “Dios te Salve.” Early paruls were simple, made of paper and lit by candle flames. Over the years, lanterns became bigger and more elaborate. Additionally, carbide lamps and then electric light bulbs were used.

            The lubenas were practiced in several towns around the foot of Mount Arayat in Pampanga, and in some towns in the neighboring province of Tarlac. The devotional practice though has diminished over the years. The towns and cities with existing lubenas include Bacolor, Angeles City, San Fernando City, Mabalacat, Mexico, Magalang, Santa Ana and Santo Tomas in Pampanga; and Bamban, Capas and Concepcion in Tarlac. Santa Ana also practiced making the majigangga, giant scary puppets symbolizing evil, which danced on the streets of the town from December 16 to 24 and would be banished by the coming of Christ. The last known practice was held in 2021. 

            In recent years, there is renewed interest on the lubenas and its revival. A recent development of the practice is additions made to be a holiday attraction such as lantern competitions and touristic spectacles such as a grand gathering, like the “Ing Banal a Batuin ning Magalang,” which is considered as an introduction to the lubenas.

 

Reinvigorating the Lubenas 

            For the reinvigoration of the lubenas and lantern-making in Magalang, master lantern maker Renato “Rene” Calma from Cutcut, Angeles City, was tapped to teach younger Magaleños how to make the parul, including techniques and decorative features that he himself devised.    

The local government granted subsidies for the barangays for the making their lubenas lanterns, adding to the resources that residents were able to pool together.   

            At the “Ing Banal a Batuin” event, 26 contingents of procession participants converged at Magalang’s San Bartolome Church, many in costumes inspired by traditional Filipino or old attires, and religious imagery, bearing the lanterns they made in the past weeks. 

            A mass was held in the early evening, followed by the lantern parade and a mini concert featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the vocal group The Nightingales, presented in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines. 

The event, led by Magalang mayor Maria Lourdes Paras Lacson and tourism officer Ryan Miranda, was graced by local and national government officials and representatives as well as tourists, who were afforded a glimpse of the lubenas in a grand manner.

            The night culminated with announcement of the winners of the lantern competition. The barangay of San Jose was again declared as the champion. The contingent was also judged champion in the last two years of the competition. The designer of the lanterns is Syrus Feliciano, who learned the craft from Calma. The lanterns were made by residents and young people led by the Sangguniang Kabataan of the barangay. 

            The other winners are contingents from the barangays of Santa Maria (second place), Santa Lucia (third), San Isidro (fourth), and San Ildefonso (fifth).

            The San Jose group was invited to participate at the country’s biggest multi-arts festival, Pasinaya: The CCP Open House Festival, on February 4 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City, promoting the Pampanga Christmas lanterns. 

 

From Magalang to Milan

The local government of Magalang was able to promote the lubenas and the craftmanship in latern-making abroad. With the support of the Consulate General of the Philippines, led by consul general Elmer Cato, and the Filipino community in northern Italy, Pampanga lanterns made an appearance at the Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore in Milan during a simbang gabi on December 15. The lanterns were designed and made by Calma, commissioned by the Magalang government. 

The lanterns again appeared at the Duomo di Milano or the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary for the second day of simbang gabi. 

The giant parul Sampernandu, which traces its roots to the lubenas tradition, has been showcased internationally several times in the past. The Milan events are said to mark the first time for lubenas lanterns to be shown internationally, bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home and their heritage in Christmas celebration.

Early forms of Pampanga's lanterns were lit by candlelight (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Procession particpants gathered at San Bartolome Church for mass and ‘Ing Banal a Batuin ning Magalang' (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The 12 paruls represent the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The fish-shaped lanterns of the Santa Lucia group (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The residents of Camias gathered at the Virgen Delos Remedios Chapel to make their lanterns in early November (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

A contingent from San Pedro II (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The eye-catching lanterns of the San Isidro group (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The group from San Jose was declared champion for third time (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Baguio Lights Up for Christmas

Baguio City's Christmas tree is made of stained-glass windows showing Chrstmas images (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Visitors and vacationers flocked to Baguio City during the last weekend of November and as December arrived. The commercial hub in the mountainous Cordillera Region has been a favorite getaway of Filipinos, especially during the dry, hot months and holiday, including the Christmas season. Perhaps the nippy weather is closely associated with the one of most beloved holidays, perhaps making the air of Christmas much more intense. And Baguio City has prepared events and attractions to delight holiday excursionists.

            Last December 1, the city government unveiled its own Christmas tree in a well-attended lighting ceremony at the upper portion of the city’s busiest and most historic stretch, Session Road. The program, graced by local government officials and employees, included performances by the SLU (Saint Louis University) Marching Band, University of Baguio Voices and the University of the Cordillera Dance Company.

            Erected on a central island of a roundabout, Baguio City’s Christmas tree is of modern design by architect Nikki Monica Perez—an assemblage depicting stained-glass cathedral windows that show classic Christmas images—visible even from the end of Session Road and Burnham Park. It is described as “a fusion of art and faith that is meant to be more than just decoration. It aims to reflect the values of our city charter and the aspirations of our city as we continue to move forward and celebrate our milestones and cherish our learnings this year with faith, love and hope. The tree is deemed to be a place of reflection and also as a visual prayer. As we gather around it, we are transported to the first Christmas night, experiencing anew the wonder and joy of that sacred moment. The tree is envisioned to become a symbol of hope, reminding us of the promise of salvation and the enduring power of love. In a world often filled with chaos and uncertainty, this stained-glass nativity tree would stand as a testament to the enduring light of Christmas, a beacon of faith and hope for all who behold it.”

“It truly tells us the story of Christmas and the characters and events that surround it,” Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong enthused. “This year's design will remind us right away of the real reason for the season, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

In his speech during the lighting ceremony, he explained: “As we light this sacred edifice tonight, may it serve as a reminder of the values of faith, hope, and love. Faith in the goodness of humanity and the divine plan that guides us even in uncertain times. Faith in each other and faith in our city's leaders. Hope amidst all the challenges that we face today—climate change, diseases, pandemics, political instability and corruption. Just as these lanterns illuminate our path tonight, may hope light our way as we rebuild, renew, and aspire for a better tomorrow for the city and the whole Filipino nation. And above all, love, the greatest gift of all. It is love that drives us, our acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity. It is this season of giving and let us embrace the spirit of love, not only for our families and friends, but for those in need, for our environment, and for the generations that will follow.”

            The lighting ceremony was followed by another annual city attraction, the 16th SLU Lantern Parade. This year, the lanterns were in the shape of cultural icons of different countries. The parade went down Session Road, which sparkled with Christmas lights and lanterns. 

            The Christmas tree lighting ceremony and the lantern parade are part of An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024, a series of events and attractions prepared by the city government and the Baguio Tourism Council. 

            Last November 28, the Baguio Christmas Market was opened at the Rose Garden of Burnham Park. Inspired by the Christmas fairs of Europe, it features stores in thematic designs, rides and regular shows. Baguio Botanical Garden was also spruced up for Botanical Christmas Garden with Faith, Hope and Love. Another popular attraction is the Baguio Country Club Christmas Village.

            Every weekend, the city mounts free shows together with the city’s academic institutions and performing arts groups. Notable ones include The Nutcracker Suite by the Ballet Baguio; the “University of Baguio Christmas Cantata: A Journey to Bethlehem;” the “YesUCan Concert” by the University of the Cordilleras; and a drag show, “Frost and Fierce: An Enchanting Christmas Drag Race” on December 21.

The Simbang Gabi (Anticipated Mass) tradition will be held at Rose Garden from December 15 to 23.

For local communities, different contests and activities are also lined up. 

            An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024 will culminate with New Year’s countdown event at the Melvin Jones Grandstand on December 31 and An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024 Closing Ceremony on January 5, 2025.

The Baguio Christmas Market at the Rose Garden of Burnham Park (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

A water fountain and light show at the Baguio Christmas Market  (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The SLU Lantern Parade, another annual attraction, followed after the Christmas tree lighting ceremony (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Historic Session Road is lit up for the holidays (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Speculating as Form of Resistance: The 12th Active Vista Human Rights Festival

The opening of 12th Active Vista Human Rights Festival at University of the Philippines Diliman (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

With members of the Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino or Kontra-GaPi playing the kulintang and performing traditional Moro dances, and booths by artists and advocacy groups offering books, artworks, stickers, etc. to attendees, the twelfth staging of Active Vista Human Rights Festival (AVHRF) opened on September 19, 2024, at the UPFI (University of the Philippines Film Institute) Film Center of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

            Stationed by near the driveway of the UPFI Film Center was the Courageous Hope Van, bringing in splashes of color against the backdrop of the gloomy and rainy weather and the brutalist venue. The Courageous Hope Van is one of the mobile cafes of Silingan Coffee, a livelihood and educational project of Redemptorist Brother Jun Santiago established in 2021 with the help of Respond and Break the Silence Against the Killings or RESBAK, a group of artists and media practitioners. Based at the Cubao Expo, Silingan Coffee is manned by families affected by former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody and misguided war on drugs and other human rights violations. Aside from being a café, it also has an exhibit on the extrajudicial killings and is a venue where people can hear the stories of the victims and learn about human rights. The cafe also has three vans—the Justice Van, the Pananagutan Van and the Courageous Hope Van—bringing coffee, drinks and snacks as well as advocating for human rights. Artists collaborated to paint the Courageous Hope Van, which was unveiled at the AVHRF opening.  

Organized by non-governmental organization DAKILA and its Active Vista Center, AVHRF has been held annually on the week of the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, to put a spotlight on human rights, freedoms and dignity.  

“What began as a humble film festival in 2008, the Active Vista Human Rights Festival, 16 years later, is still striving to reach the broadest and widest audience possible in our pursuit of sustaining a movement that respects, upholds and values the dignity, rights and freedoms of all,” said festival director Alex Poblete during the opening program. 

AVHRF has mounted film screenings, art exhibits, talks, fora and performances to bring “attention to stories of human struggles” and to aim “at engaging the public in conversations on important social issues toward developing a critical citizenry that supports initiatives for the promotion of human rights and democracy in the Philippines.”

            Running from September19 to October 6 this year, AVHRF carries the theme “Espekulasyon” (Speculation).

“It has been said time and again that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. But what is vigilance if not an act of speculation? And to speculate, to be vigilant is to imagine alternatives, question the status quo, and ask the simplest yet most radical question. What if things were different?” said Poblete.

She deplored how the state of and respect for human rights have deteriorated. 

“In recent years, human rights have taken a severe hit around the world. In the Philippines, the previous government significantly undermined human rights, painting advocates in a bad light, which paved the way for authoritarianism to grow, deepen social divides, and fuel the culture of violence and intolerance,” she said.“Globally, the rise of populist and authoritarian leaders has led to shrinking civic spaces, setbacks for democracy, widespread disinformation, attacks on fundamental rights and freedoms, silencing of dissent, and harsh crackdowns on human rights defenders and activists.” 

She further said, “The Philippines, dubbed as Patient Zero of the populist and authoritarian playbook, made a monumental leap from being a bastion of people power and democracy in Asia to repeating its history of being under the authoritarian rule of Duterte, and now, the Marcos administration.”

She explained that attacks “on the rights and freedoms of the people continue to escalate and worsen, resulting in a climate of fear that silences dissent and expression, and affects the already declining state of the civil society movement,” and that “worsening economic conditions further dehumanize people's lives, forcing us into a perpetual state of survival, exhaustion, and hopelessness in a nation with a seemingly bleak future.”

Poblete said that spotlighting stories from the margins, the festival aims to invite audiences “to examine the truth in a world shaped by the narratives of those in power,” recognizing that narratives play a crucial role in shaping culture, and to take “its viewers to see the world not as it is, but as what it could be, opening conversation through films, performances, art, and music, ushering them in a critical discourse through forums and talks that encourage in-depth reflection on a future beyond what it is.” 

With the theme, the festival “invites audiences to wander together into the world of possibilities, to imagine a future where gripping into hope does not bleed and a better reality is within reach.” 

“For in this world of uncertainties, where the future is bleak, to speculate is to resist,” she emphasized.

The festival opening featured the Ukrainian film The Editorial Office, directed by Roman Bondarchuk, which had its world premiere at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival in Germany. Set in pre-invasion Ukraine, it shows “the plight of a journalist in his journey to expose the truth amid a storm of fake news and political shenanigans,” Poblete said.

“Much like their experience, the Philippines is no stranger to populist rule. Time and again, individuals and political dynasties have risen to power through rampant historical distortion and widespread disinformation, challenges that we still grapple with today,” she explained. “We hope that the film may serve as a poignant reminder that in a world where power dictates the narrative, to seek the truth is itself an act of resistance.” 

The screening was preluded by the solidarity message of Rebecca Mason from the International Programs and Operations and Stakeholders Relations of Journalists for Human Rights and followed by a talkback with Pochoy Pinzon Labog, human rights lawyer, artist and member of the Active Vista Board of Trustees; Carmela Fonbuena, executive director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism; Patricia Aquino, podcast producer of Journalists for Human Rights; and Jonathan de Santos, chairperson of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines tackling challenges on pursuing journalism, media freedom, and the spread of disinformation.

“As documented annually by Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index and by Amnesty International, media freedoms and human rights are increasingly under attack around the world, and the risk to journalists and human rights defenders are real. Myths and disinformation campaigns against democracies or regional powers pose challenges for good governance,” Mason explained. “With the upcoming elections, the role of the media has never been greater to promote and protect human rights and to work collaboratively to enhance and protect the participation of all citizens in democratic politics. Red-tagging, intimidation tactics, the suppression of and attack on truth-tellers, journalists, media groups, and activists continue.”

“Media development is one of the earliest and efficient ways to intervene, to help stabilize conflict and fragile state situations, allowing journalists to remain in their communities, carrying out their critical work safely to support their country's growth and development,” the officer from the Canada-based NGO further said.

“I encourage us all to continue to dream, to challenge, to question and to create, so together we can realize a world where press freedom and human rights come to live by all,” she said. 

Several other films are screened in the festival’s 20/20 Film Screenings, aimed at bringing “focus to narratives of different stories at the margins of our sight to see the world in 20/20— with an awareness of those in the peripherals, with sharpness and clarity of vision, with a depth of perception, and hopefully, through the lens of humanity.” This year’s slate includes Alipato at Muog, 11 Days in August, Ghosts of Kalantiaw, Balota, 11,103 and Tumandok.

Another festival component is the Panorama: Festival Events which includes a public gig (“Delulu Night: Manifesting Our Vision of a Better Nation,” featuring Leanne & Naara, Autotelic, Any Name's Okay, Uncle Bob’s Funky Seven Club, Shanne Dandan, and AIIZ), an art market, cartooning workshops and exhibit (PAK DEM! Political Cartooning for Democracy and Human Rights), a staged reading, and the awarding of the Frames, the AVHRF Short Films Competition.

Complementing the film screenings are the Viewpoints Festival Forums, which tackle the different issues. This year, the forums will focus on critical thinking and democracy in anticipation of the 2025 Philippine Midterm Elections. 

A new addition to this year’s festival is Perspective: Weaving Narratives for Change, a by-invitation-only series of talks, workshops and other activities that brings together storytellers, creatives, filmmakers, artists, journalists, civil society organizations, activists and human rights advocates “to foster collaboration for the human rights cause and to weave the power of narratives with social movement strategies in driving positive social change and in shaping progressive democratic futures.” The lineup includes Cross-Culture Program: Synergy with “Holy Shit! Can Poop Save The World?” Screening; Storytelling for Social Impact: Creating Art That Matters; Plot Twist: Creative Storytellers for Change; Climate Story Lab; Kwento Namin ‘To; and Climate Story Lab Pitching.

Not confined to Metro Manila, AVHRF has satellite events happening simultaneously in select areas around the country such as Cebu, Bacolod City, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro City, Dumaguete City and Laguna. 

Poblete said that festival also “pays homage to filmmakers and artists who have catalyzed change in the audience's perspective through their compelling storytelling and artistry.” This year, it is paying tribute to filmmaker and screenwriter, Armando “Bing” Lao, who passed away on 18 June. 

For more details and festival schedule, one may visit the Active Vista Facebook page or their website (http://avhumanrightsfestival.ph).

The Courageous Hope Van of Silingan Cafe (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

The Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino  performing at the opening (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)

Talkback after the screening of 'The Editorial Office' with journalists and human rights advocates (Photo by Roel Hoang Manipon)