Chicago Filipino-Americans flock to ‘parol lantern’ workshop
The much-awaited 2008 Parol Workshop, facilitated by renowned international Fil-Am artist, Arts Commissioner of Arlington Heights Fred DeAsis, was held last Nov 15 at the Radmacher Auditorium in Skokie, Illinois.
“The workshop is targeted to Filipino-American youth’s appreciation of their Filipino arts and culture and to the elderly kababayans who missed the joyous moments and camaraderie in making parol,” DeAsis said. ” Filipino Christmas is not complete without parol.”
On its 3rd year, the Free Parol workshop is DeAsis’ way of “giving back to our country.” Many Fil-Ams arrived hours early at the auditorium to get the prime seat of the famous workshop, the only one of its kind in the USA.
About a hundred participated in the fun filled half-day session. They used the original basic parol materials like bamboo stick, papel-de-hapon, and glitters. The workshop also included a presentation of the history and significance of parol in our culture.
Members of the Philippine-American Cultural Foundation (PACF) and Asian-American Arts and Cultural Foundation (AAACF) assisted in various chores at the workshop. It made the workshop’s “tulungan” (helping each other) concept materialize.
“Fred is an outstanding artist kababayan here in the U.S. A true Filipino to his heart, someone we should be proud of. This Free Cultural Workshop was all his idea. I remember the first year’s workshop expenses came all from his own pocket. It was so much fun and culturally educational that made PACF and AAACF fully support him,” affirmed Dr. Evelyn Natividad, 2nd vice President of PACF in Illinois.
The session produced many colorful parol of various designs from participants ages ranging from 4 to 74 years old. Friends, individuals, couples and families worked on their masterpieces. There were awards given for best parols. All children received gifts simply by participating.
“The kakanin were the best. We enjoyed puto, kutsinta, sapin-sapin, turon saging, cassava cake, lumpia, egg rolls and a lot more,” said Chicago participant Mario Ortis. “Free things are a joy forever” he teased, while applying glitters to his red and green parol.
“The best feeling I get is when I see parents and grandparents helping their enthusiastic child decorate their family parol. That is one of the essence of the workshop, preserving our Filipino family tradition of working together and at the same time cultivating the Fil-Am youth of our arts and culture especially this Christmas season, ” explained DeAsis as he moved around the room to thank everyone and ensure that every one is having fun.
“This is my family’s second year. My two kids love it. My husband and I are big fan and follower of DeAsis’ arts and workshops. He does it like nobody else could, very relaxed but rigid. Participants finished their parol almost at the same time, no one left behind, while enjoying the carols and of course the kakanin. We could feel his sincerity and passion. It was mesmerizing. Best of all, the main agenda of having fun prevailed,” said Theresa Macalinao from Oakbrook while showing her daughter Ana how to make the parol tassels.
At the end of the session, best parols were awarded, everyone left with their own winning parol and a big happy smile ready to celebrate the coming Filipino Christmas away from the Philippines one more time.
