By Julienne Patricia A. Delgado

Lanterns crafted by 40 CPU organizations illuminated the Alumni Promenade Concert Park during ParoLandra 2025: Be The Light, celebrating creativity, unity, and the vibrant Christmas spirit of the Centralian community on December 5, 2025.

Last December 5, 2025, the Central Philippine University community witnessed another unforgettable celebration of unity, creativity, and Christmas spirit at the annual ParoLandra: Be The Light event. Held at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park, the vibrant evening brought together 40 recognized organizations and fraternities from across the university, each showcasing their artistry through the tradition of parol making.

Spearheaded by the CPU Republic Ministry for Organizations and Fraternities, this year’s ParoLandra was led by Chairperson Representative Julienne Patricia Delgado and Co-Chair Senator Ma. Theresa Magbanua, who both worked to ensure the event highlighted not only creativity but also camaraderie among Centralians.

The program began at 4 PM with a festive parade of lanterns. Participants assembled at Half Moon Drive, proudly carrying their handcrafted parols as they marched through Anahaw Road and onward to the main venue. The parade set the tone—colorful, bright, and full of Christmas cheer.

Upon arrival at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park, the crowd was formally welcomed by Pastor Alfred Morales, Director of the Spiritual Development Program, who delivered the opening remarks. His message emphasized light, hope, and the spirit of community, values at the heart of ParoLandra.

The judging period followed, as each organization’s parol was evaluated for creativity, craftsmanship, and overall concept. With 40 entries, the competition was tight, each lantern telling its own story and illuminating the venue with unique designs and interpretations of the theme “Be The Light.”

The evening concluded with the much-anticipated awarding ceremony. This year’s winners stood out for their exceptional artistry and originality:

ParoLandra 2025 Winners:

1. 1st Place: Association of Collegiate Entrepreneurs
2. 2nd Place: Association of Political Science and Public Administration Students
3. 3rd Place: Centralian Visual Artist Society
4. 4th Place: Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers
5. 5th Place: Junior Institute of Electronics Engineers

Special Awards:

1. People’s Choice Award: Association of Collegiate Entrepreneurs
2. Most Creative Description: Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers

This year’s ParoLandra once again proved to be more than just a competition. It was a celebration of unity, tradition, and the enduring brilliance of the CPU community. As the campus lit up with the glow of handcrafted lanterns, one message shone through clearly: Centralians continue to be the light, not only during the Christmas season but in every endeavor they take on.