Preparations for a 4m-high lantern made out of fibreglass began at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) yesterday.

The lantern, called a parol, is traditionally made in the Philippines from bamboo sticks and covered with coloured pieces of paper.

On Saturday, the parol will be presented to the museum by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Antonio A. Morales, as a gift from the local Filipino community to the people of Singapore.

This is the first time the Philippines is exhibiting a lantern made of fibreglass, and on such a large scale, outside the country.

The giant parol will be showcased as part of ACM's Love, Light and Living Festival that will feature colourful cultural activities.

These include Filipino cultural dances and soapbox tours in English and Mandarin. The festival will be held at the museum from 1pm to 9pm on Saturday and from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is free.