BAGUIO CITY – The City of Pines sparkled with joy and wonder as Saint Louis University (SLU) hosted its dazzling 16th Lantern Parade on December 1, 2024. This much-anticipated event not only heralded the start of Baguio’s Christmas season but also served as the grand finale of SLU’s 113th University Foundation Week, themed “Missió et Excellentia: Championing Sustainability, Promoting Inclusive Education, Pioneering Innovation.”
Thousands of residents and visitors filled Session Road, eager to witness the breathtaking display of creativity, artistry, and craftsmanship. The parade showcased an awe-inspiring array of lanterns, each intricately designed to narrate a unique cultural and symbolic story inspired by the theme.
SLU’s various schools and departments brought Christmas celebrations from around the world to life: the SLU Administration and SLU Hospital embodied the festive spirit of the Philippines; the School of Advanced Studies (SAS) dazzled with Japan’s traditions; the School of Law (SOL) highlighted the charm of Norway; the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) captured the elegance of Austria; the School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) transported viewers to Iceland
The School of Medicine (SOM) represented the United Kingdom’s yuletide spirit; the School of Engineering and Architecture mirrored the Netherlands’ holiday warmth; the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) portrayed the timeless appeal of the Vatican; and the SLU Basic Education School (SLU-BEdS) enchanted spectators with the vibrant culture of Venezuela.
Each lantern stood as a testament to the hard work and passion of SLU’s students, faculty, and staff, reflecting the university’s dedication to artistic excellence and community engagement. The vivid colors, intricate patterns, and innovative designs left the audience spellbound, evoking awe and admiration.
More than just a visual treat, the Lantern Parade served as a beacon of hope and a celebration of unity. It paid tribute to the enduring spirit of the CICM missionaries who founded SLU, fostering a shared sense of community and joy that resonated with people of all ages.
During the lantern dance performance, SLU-BEds grabbed the championship and won ₱60,000, SONAHBS wind-up as first runner-up and received ₱40,000, and SOM placed second runner-up and received ₱30,000.
The minor awards were neck and neck from SONAHBS and SLU-BEds. For the minor awards, SONAHBS won in the Field Performance, while SLU-BEds won in the Street Performance. For the special awards, SONAHBS hooked Most Disciplined Group, Most Colorful Group, and Best in Illumination while SLU-BEds obtained EcoLantern Innovation Award and Best Rhythmic Accompaniment.
This year’s Lantern Parade not only lit up Baguio City but also kindled the hearts of everyone who attended, reminding all of the true essence of the season: light, love, and togetherness. By Dana Puspos and Michael Dadd
