The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), together with the President’s Committee for Culture and the Arts (PCCA) of the University of the Philippines, will award the PHP 50,000 cash prize to three entries that stood out and fit most with the theme “Culture Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Lanterns.”
Kung Papayag Ang Mga Tala (Digital Lantern)
UPOU students, Mynw Zamora and Rhod Ezekiel DS. Vallo showed off their creativity in creating their digital lantern by producing a short film, showcasing a 3D rendition of the lantern, and creating an Instagram filter of their digital lantern. They went beyond the traditional meaning of Christmas by having their lantern serve as a tribute to the hardworking Filipino people. The unique take of Zamora’s team in presenting their lantern through the Instagram filters made it more personal and it made the experience accessible to anyone with just one click.
The design of their lantern is inspired by the stained glass windows of churches which are appreciated more during this season. The lantern’s kaleidoscope style and its vibrant colors represent the Filipino’s resilience despite the challenges they face. The lantern symbolizes the true spirit of Christmas for every Filipino: a hope for a better future.
NINGNING: Star Lantern Mixed With Augmented Reality
Another UPOU student shared the triumph with her star lantern mixed with augmented reality (AR). Joinne Sherry Mae Alcano’s “NINGNING” star lantern is her special way of embodying the phrase “pagtangkilik sa sariling atin.” Her lantern is made of completely recycled materials, all of which represent the livelihood of Filipinos. The bamboo sticks symbolizes Blaan and Suludnon Tribe’s agriculture; T’boli and Yakan tribe’s weave and textile are represented through crocheted paper yarn; the bilao represents Igorot and Kalinga Tribe’s craftsmanship (Bilao); and Bajao tribe’s fisheries are shown through the seashells.
Alcano innovated her lantern through an AR platform, Artivive, where an animation plays when the user scans the lantern.
Aside from the representation of the native Filipino livelihood, this lantern is also a protest for Alcano to stand against the jeepney phaseout since this also affects the livelihood of many Filipinos. For Alcano, making art pieces like this lantern is both a reflection of her talent and values.
BukasKo Lantern
UPOU staff members, Shaira Tanay, Ammanessi Joy Lapitan, and Maelyn Pisueña, got inspiration from UPOU’s core value of pushing for open education for all. Their lantern serves to boost open and inclusive perspectives in celebrating the Christmas season in the country by highlighting our cultural diversity. Their lantern serves as a light for a progressive future for ethnic groups in the country while still maintaining the rich culture of Filipinos.
Their team’s lantern is made up of recycled materials such as recycled boxes/karton, chipboards, bamboo sticks, japanese papers, and burlap jute. Their design is a hexagonal lamp head style where the panels are also inspired by the classic stained glass design of Catholic churches. Each panel has a story of a specific place in the country. The first panel pertains to Belenismo sa Tarlac, the second panel tells the story of Bicol’s Pastores, the third panel represents the Pasko sa Sugbo, the fourth panel shows Cagayan de Oro’s Paskorela, the fifth panel symbolizes Pamantasang Bukas or UPOU’s commitment to providing quality education anytime and anywhere, and the last panel aims to embrace all cultures, customs, religions, and belief systems in order to transcend barriers in the celebration of Christmas.
The artists produced a work of art that reflects the diversity that highlights their personal experiences, especially given their varied backgrounds.
Check out Tanay and her team’s BukasKo Lantern through this link.
These contestants have truly shown their creativity and innovation in creating lanterns that celebrate the cultural diversity of our country. On top of being an artwork, every lantern is a tribute to the varied customs and rich history that make up the vibrant identity of our country. These lanterns go beyond being lights that brighten our night during this holiday season as it symbolizes the unified Filipino identity where cultural barriers are broken down and our diverse culture is embraced.
Written by Zyrene Edrei Villanueva ♦ Edited by Diego Maranan, Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Graphics by Lovelyn P. Petrasanta
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