
Lubenas Ning Pasku: Keeping Christmas Light Alive in Pampanga
Lubenas in Magalang, Pampanga is a deeply rooted Christmas tradition where faith, light, and community come together during the days leading up to Christmas. Each night, residents walk in prayer toward the church, some even barefoot as a personal act of devotion, carrying handmade lanterns shaped like stars, crosses, and fish. More than 400 of these lanterns—now created by younger generations trained in the craft by local artisans—fill the town with light, showing how the tradition continues to be passed on.