Barangay East Timawa of the Molo district of Iloilo City was recently named the winner of the first Iloilo City Giant Lantern Festival, winning P50,000.

“I was really impressed to see how creative Ilonggos [are],” said Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III. “Through [the] parol, or star lanterns, that all of you created, we can really feel the true meaning of Christ’s birth [and], at the same time, we can showcase the beauty of Iloilo River at night.”

The entries were displayed along Muelle Loney Street, which hugs the Iloilo River in the City Proper district.

“I congratulate all participants,” the mayor added.

Meanwhile, Barangay Banuyao of the La Paz district took second place and won P40,000; while Barangay Sto. Domingo of the Arevalo district won P30,000 after coming in third place.

The lanterns will be on display until January 6./WDJ