Wrapping up its trade promotion campaign for the year, the Philippine Embassy, in cooperation with the City Government of Ottawa mounted an exhibit of Philippine Christmas lanterns at City Hall on 8 December 2012.

The festive Philippine lanterns were lit up during the 12th Annual Christmas Celebration hosted by His Worship, Mayor Jim Watson which was attended by thousands of Ottawa residents.

"The lanterns are a gift to the people of Ottawa from the Embassy of the Philippines with the compliments of Mayor Oscar Rodriguez of San Fernando, Pampanga, the Christmas capital of the Philippines and home of the country's annual Giant Lantern Festival," Philippine Ambassador Gatan explained.

In his speech, Mayor Watson acknowledged the contribution of the Embassy of the Philippines and thanked Ambassador Gatan for his generous initiative.

The lanterns will be on display for the duration of this Christmas season and similarly thereafter. A brief history and description of the Philippine parol accompanies the exhibit.

The parol exhibit comes on the heels of Philippine participation in the Canadian Museum of Civilization's 2012 Christmas Tree Decorating Challenge where hundreds of high-end PHL Christmas ornaments dressed up the Philippine entry.

The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa initiated both activities in line with its economic diplomacy objectives. END