The Philippines Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ariel Y. Abadilla presented a ‘Parol’ (traditional Filipino Christmas lantern) to Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello.
The lantern shines in the front window of the Mansion House for the Christmas period and is a symbol of home to all Philippinos living in Dublin.
Presenting the parol to the Lord Mayor Ambassador Abadilla said: “As a symbol of the Filipino people’s friendship and gratitude to the City of Dublin and the Irish people, the first resident Embassy of the Philippines in Ireland is delighted to mark the historic significance of its establishment in June of this year by presenting to the Lord Mayor, a ‘parol’ or traditional Philippine Christmas lantern. The lantern that we present to the Lord Mayor is the most recognizable Christmas ornament for Filipinos wherever in the world they may be. The “parol” is intricately designed and handmade with “capiz” or shells. The ‘parol’ reminds Filipinos of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi on their way in search of the Infant Jesus,”
Accepting the Lantern on behalf of the people of Dublin, the Lord Mayor Cllr Emer stated "One of the things I’ve most enjoyed about being Lord Mayor is meeting people from every walk of life and from all parts of the city. People from all over the world now live in Dublin and the Filipino community are very prominent in social, cultural, business and community circles. It’s a pleasure to accept this beautiful lantern which says to the many Filipinos here that although they are far from their birth home this Christmas they have a home here in Dublin,”
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