Philippines glows in the lights of 'The Giant Lantern Festival' before Christmas
Associated Press
People compete with one another to build the biggest lanterns. The festival draws a large number of tourist because of its popularity. In pic: A man stands on scaffolding made to easily work on huge giant lanterns measuring 20 feet in diameter. (Photo| AP)The lanterns stand as tall as 20 feet and illuminated by about 3,500 to 5,000 light bulbs. In pic: A lantern maker works on the wiring of a giant lantern. (Photo| AP)Villagers come together to participate in the competition and these lanterns are a symbol of unity for the villagers. (Photo| AP)The lights are controlled by individual switches that are turned on and off following the beat of the music. In pic: A group of lantern makers turn several steel cylinders by hand to manipulate the thousands of light bulbs in a single giant lantern.(Photo| AP)A giant lantern that reads-'Bangon Marawi,' or Rise Marawi, to honor the southern Philippine city sieged by Islamic State-allied militants this year. (Photo| AP)Lantern maker Teddy Aguilar draws wiring patterns on steel cylinders used to manually manipulate the light in each giant lantern. (Photo| AP)This year ten villages in Pampanga province took part in an annual giant lantern competition, proudly showcasing huge elaborate lanterns for everyone to see. (Photo| AP)The giant lantern creatively led by master lantern maker Teddy Aguilar once again, for the fourth consecutive time, took home the championship trophy. (Photo| AP)Lantern makers work on traditional Christmas lanterns locally known as 'parols' in a side street shop in Manila, Philippines. These small lanterns traditionally decorate many Filipino homes during the Christmas holidays. (Photo | AP)
