NEWS

UP Lantern Parade 2012, UP Diliman - At least 36 groups participated the annual Lantern Parade of the university which took place on Friday, December 14, 2012.

Distinct lights and colorful floats—a spaceship with the Men in Black on guard; Ibong Adarna surrounded by the tale’s heroes; a local version of Transformers with a jeepney turning into a super robot traversed the academic oval of the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

Different colleges and organizations displayed their creativity as they interpreted this year’s theme: “Dangal at kahusayan sa paglilingkod ng bayan (Honor and Excellence in the service of country.)”

2000 estimated spectators showed up to see the parade, among other things, the UP Pep Squad perform; the Center for Women’s Studies distribute condoms in support of the RH Bill; and Aurora farmers march for their rights to titled land.

The UP Concert Chorus sang acapella aboard their float. Giant cockroaches trod along the pavement courtesy of Fine Arts students capturing their theme, “Flight. Students from the College of Mass Communication built a robot made of recyclable items such as old reels of film, to symbolize the need for journalists to adapt to new ways of storytelling through digital technology.

The National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) created a huge ballot box that opens to reveal a Christmas tree. The college called for HOPE: Honest, Orderly, and Peaceful Elections. The 60-strong MMDA Band tagged along and played popular hits such as Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” alongside NCPAG’s float.

Highlight of the College of Education’s float is its Padyaklatan project, wherein students doing their National Service Training Program head to communities in their sidecars/libraries on wheels.

The College of Social Work and Community Development paid homage to Andres Bonifacio and Tandang Sora, whose 200th birth anniversary happens this year. The college is advocating for change and tireless service for the country and to serve as inspiration to its students.

After the fanfare, three winners emerged in this year’s successful event. First prize went to College of Mass Communication; 2nd prize was awarded to the College of Arts and Letters; and 3rd prize went to the School of Urban and Regional Planning.

Vendors plying toys with rainbow lights, families watching the parade together, and students cheering and enjoying the start of their holiday break—these scenes contributed to the happy atmosphere.

While the nation continues to confront its burning economic and political concerns, and while the university recently faced another case of fraternity-related violence—something a student was overheard saying remains true: “There is light in Diliman.”

 

 

Source: Interaksyon News, video courtesy of GMA news

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