For subscribers
Letter From Pampanga
In ‘Christmas Capital’ of the Philippines, giant stars bring hope after dark pandemic years
Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments
PAMPANGA – A cool December breeze blew across the sprawling open-air car park of one of the Philippines’ biggest shopping malls, where 10 larger-than-life Christmas lanterns were set to brighten the skies.
Behind a fence, hundreds gathered in anticipation of their lighting, dispelling the darkness not just of the gathering night but also the pain and fear of the last few years.
