CONNECTION. The suspension-type 25 de Abril Bridge of Portugal as seen in Garang. (Photo by Ted Madamba)
MANEUVERED by pulleys on both sides of the squared pillars, the drawbridges descend from their suspension belts.
As the two equal halves of the structure reach the middle and conjoin into a full-length lane, three cars jostle through.
Tangub City, the Christmas Symbols Capital of the Philippines, in Misamis Occidental cradles her children according to the strength they’re born to possess.
And like any other Filipino matriarchs, she entertains her guests with a talent show of her descendants within her household as in the case of the 28 barangays contending for the top recognition.
DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL. It is also called the “festival of lights” among Hindus in Little India in Singapore as interpreted by the residents of Sumirap. (Photo by Ted Madamba)
The residents have built arches embellished with Christmas decorations drawn from prominent landmarks of the world.
In three judging periods, beginning last November 29, the designers must incorporate the elements of the holiday seasons such as “parols,” Santa Claus, and the nativity among others, utilizing indigenous materials their community is abundant with.
These beautifications are erected in both main and interior roads that serve as portals to neighboring towns and cities in Mindanao such as Uroquieta, Pagadian, Zamboanga, Ozamiz, and Dipolog.
It is the pride of place, mothering future innovators.
COLOR GEMS. Another version of the Deepavali light-up is
designed in Aquino. (Photo by Ted Madamba)
One of the most prominent attractions is the Tower Bridge of London, which the people of Maloro have imitated the engineering of the structures in miniature renditions, including battery-operated toy cars that traversed from end to end.
Only lit by streaks of tiny, oval bulbs in vibrant complementary and neon colors, the two lanes of bridge unite together at the center.
KINGDOM OF CHILDHOOD.
The Walt Disney World in San Apolinario. (Photo by Ted Madamba)
The immaculate proportions of Bahrain World Trade Center are the focal point seen in the town of Lorenzo Tan, influenced by the rich Arabesque architecture. It features the heights of the twin towers, the sky bridges, and the wind turbines.
In Garang, last year’s winner, I witnessed excellent material delivery that comprised its version of the 25 de Abril Bridge of Portugal.
Detailed with curved hanging suspensions and lampposts at the topmost, the arch is margined with white stars thread in linear paths, curving upward past the main borders.
Meanwhile, Mantic’s version of the Galaxy in Macau–a luxurious resort hotel–sent out a whole ensemble of drum and bugle musicians (plus the majorettes, yes) as a welcome treat.
(Photo by Ted Madamba)
But instead of copying the metallic gold ornamentals of the original building, the contestants transformed them into solid, geometric shapes awash in white light.
Composed of neat life-size cut-outs of Mickey Mouse, Disney World is showcased in San Apolinario while the Golden State Bridge comes in full view in Manga.
Sumirap and Aquino are twinning in their concepts: the spirit of the Deepavali streetlights–purple, magenta, rust–of Little India in Singapore.
Another competition for the giant star lanterns was also launched and exhibited at the courtyard of St. Michael the Archangel parish.
From corn husks, seashells, wood, and recycled plastics, the exhaustion of possible art composition was considered the selling point in making these.
The tasteful blend of the lights is also a hit mark, but one must also consider its artistry without the sparkles–would it be as stunning in broad daylight, too?
These displays will run until the first week of January 2018, culminated by the announcement of winners.