SM Clark’s Parul Kapampangan Lights Up for Hope Amidst Pandemic, Typhoons

Inspired by this year’s theme, Sama Sama Tayo Ngayon Pasko at SM, SM City Clark turned on last week its iconic Christmas centerpiece at the Event Center 1 to mark their holiday season welcoming as one of the country’s leading shopping centers. 

Bragging a 28-foot Christmas tree which stood on a 45-feet in diameter Parul Kapampangan (Kapampangan lantern) as its base. The centerpiece comprises 1,680 bulbs, 20 smaller lanterns, and a four-feet parul as tree topper. According to SM City Clark manager Jerwin Jalandoni, the giant Parul was handcrafted by traditional lantern makers from the City of San Fernando, where the annual Giant Lantern festival is celebrated.

Present at the lighting ceremony were SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Operations in North Luzon, Engineer Junias M. Eusebio; Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, Department of Tourism Central Luzon Chief Carolina Uy, and Clark Development Corporation President Mariza Mandocdoc.

“This year Christmas may be far from how we imagined it to be but if we continue to help and uplift each other, we hope to bounce forward, stronger together,” shared Engineer Junias M. Eusebio. 

The initiative is to remind people the hope Christmas gives especially in these times of pandemic and onslaught of strong typhoons. SM City Clark along with its other SM malls offered their facilities for car parking and charging stations during the recent strike of disasters.

Furthermore, SM City Clark expands it advocacy for the season through their #ShareHopeWithSM campaign; where one can nominate a front liner and give his/her modern day hero a chance to win SM gift certificates. Another is their Bears of Joy project; buy a pair of bears for only P200, with the spare to be given to charity.

“Even as it is a challenging year, we want to bring you joy – from beautiful Christmas centerpieces, to holiday discounts and new online shopping experiences, because in our malls and in your homes, SM wants to be a part of your Christmas joy,”  added Eusebio.

Shoppers and visitors may visit the Parul Kapampangan located in front of SM Foodcourt from 10am to 9pm. SM management do request that social distancing must be observed and wearing of face mask and face shield is required.

 Source: sunstar.com.ph
Photo Courtesy: SM City Clark