TALA Award Submissions

Passing the Torch, Forward in Light

The TALA Awards will continue the tradition of judging parols submitted based on festival theme, craftsmanship, concept execution & creativity, and exhibition presentation.

The awards honor the best overall contingent in each category, recognizing the most inspirational parol lanterns and their impactful presentations. Each award winner will receive a cash prize of $800.

Celebrate Filipino Holiday Tradition with a magical gallery of handmade parol lanterns, performances, and a Taste of Christmas

Craftmanship

This criteria assesses how effectively the concept and design are translated into the parol through fine structural construction, neat craftsmanship, and compliance with specifications.

Concept and Execution

This criteria evaluates the aesthetics and coherence of the design, along with the application of colors, shapes, lines, texture, and other artistic elements to express the theme.

Presentation

This criterion considers the overall appearance and appeal of the parol, including a 30-second to 1-minute group performance.

Submissions

Padayon

by FEC Galing Bata

Our parol symbolizes the enduring journey of FEC Galing Bata, reflecting Filipino values of “kapwa”, “pakikisama”, and “malasakit” alongside our mission of providing “gabay, lingap at bantay”. Designed as a water lantern, it represents the flow of knowledge and care across generations, illuminating the path forward. Pictures of Galing Bata leaders on torches honor 23 years of community leadership, guiding the next generation with their wisdom. Rooted in the spirit of “padayon” — a Visayan word embodying resilience, determination, and perseverance — our parol inspires us to persist in the face of challenges and keep moving forward. It shines as a beacon of hope, unity, and shared responsibility, lighting the way for years to come.

☆ TALA AWARD WINNER

Ibong Adarna

by Ibong Adarna

This Parol is inspired by the Philippine folklore about the colorful and magical bird Ibong Adarna. The story teaches that through perseverance, generosity and kindness, we can achieve our dreams and triumph over the struggles of human frailty and evil. As the Parol symbolizes a guiding light, our goal is to pass down the lessons, Filipino values and quality traits depicted in the Philippine folklore, Ibong Adarna through the Parol.

“PAMANA NG WIKA (Legacy of Language)”

by Advocates of Filipino Language Programs in San Francisco Unified School District

Our parol symbolizes the passing of the Filipino language and linguistic pride to future generations of Filipino/a/x Americans, connecting them to their roots. The adult hand represents the history and legacy of the Filipino Language within the SFUSD, which has thrived for over 50 years. Filipino classes are offered from Kindergarten through 5th grade at Bessie Carmichael/Filipino Education Center and Longfellow and as electives at Bessie Carmichael Middle School and Balboa High School. The smaller hand reaching upward symbolizes the next generation, eager to continue this legacy and ensure the Filipino language thrives for years to come.

☆ TALA AWARD WINNER

“Rekindling Hope”
by Masagca Family

In our family, the legacy of hope is woven into the very fabric of our stories. Each point of our Parol displays moments of hope that remind us that there is always a reason to believe in a brighter tomorrow. The colorful art pieces, strong bamboo sticks, and bright lights represent how powerful hope can be and that it can never be broken or dimmed down throughout generations. This unwavering spirit has been passed down through many generations, inspiring us to face challenges with courage and determination, always carrying the hope that we can make a positive difference.

“Sinag Tala”

by Filipino American Counseling and Treatment Team (FACT)

Passing the Torch, Forward in Light. This Philippine lantern is our symbol of hope that we want to pass on to our community. We all need to take part in mental wellness to for our next generation to thrive. We, the members of the Filipino American Counseling Team light the path for those who struggle through life of poverty in many levels. Despite all the mental health challenges our clients face, they strive to inspire others with their ability to overcome internal adversities. Our light symbolizes courage, faith, clarity, wellness, and care. Mabuhay tayo, at maligayang pasko sa ating lahat!

AnceSTAR

by Luminary Rebels

The AnceSTAR - The design incorporates interlaced materials- a nod to the weaving traditions of Indigenous Filipino communities, and twinkling lights to inspire viewers to find light within themselves. As torchbearers, we honor the values and traditions passed down by our elders while reimagining them for the next generation. By weaving these materials and our stories together, we’re bridging generations through art. The AnceSTAR embraces a familiar framework with design elements reflective of our vibrant Fil-Am community that’s pushing boundaries and lighting the way as a beacon of hope.

☆ TALA AWARD WINNER

Woven Together, Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

by Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Kapamiliya CCC

Our parol embodies “Passing the Torch, Forward in Light” by illuminating the connection between generations and cultures. Featuring images, old and new, of our Kapamilya club’s family in the Philippines and San Francisco, it highlights how tradition lights the path for the next generation. The student-painted sections depict different stages of migration to America; from boating voyages to farming, this shows how our people stay connected despite obstacles or challenges. We chose to use fabric on our parol, to symbolize strength and the enduring thread of familial bonds, reflecting the interwoven histories of the Philippines and the U.S.

☆ TALA AWARD WINNER

“Keeping The
Legacy Alive”

by Barkada Club

The parol uniquely designed to reflect the values and contributions of our heroes. Lapu-Lapu represents bravery and resistance. Rizal embodies intellect and freedom. Bonifacio stands for courage and revolutionary spirit. Tandang Sora symbolizes resilience and nurturing, and Mabini highlights wisdom and determination. As we illuminate the lantern, we not only honor their sacrifices and struggles but also inspire the next generation to carry forward their torch of hope, courage, and legacy. This is a reminder that the light of our heroes continues to shine, guiding us as we navigate the challenges of today and reminding us that we all have a role to play in shaping our future.

☆ TALA AWARD WINNER

The Fire of Our Resistance

by Malaya Movement San Francisco

Our parol is “The Fire of Our Resistance,” honoring the history of movements of resistance that inspire organizers today and generations to come. The parol is in black, red, and white, and hangs above a torch. Phrases from movements (laban, huelga, isang bagsak, malaya, and land is life) are on the 5 points with the “ka” symbol in the middle representing “past and present” in baybayin. The torch is lined with a collage of movements. The photos highlight the efforts of the Katipunan, Delano farmworkers, Indigenous Cordillera Peoples, and striking hotel workers. Both have motifs inspired by Filipino culture.

LIYAB

by Doble Bara

The Parol stands as a symbol of both tradition and hope. Its light shines through the darkest of times, much like the Filipino Immigrant experience. When thinking about the theme “ Passing The Torch” we think about the music that we write and how it moves people. Our Parol symbolizes the musical instrument that our band uses. Through these instruments every member can connect to people. Music is a universal language, it has been used to pass on messages, History, and knowledge. The title of our Parol is “LIYAB” because music lasts forever and it will continue to be used by People/Artist to pass the torch. When Filipino Immigrants pass their musical legacy to their children, they are not only sharing notes and rhythms; they are also passing on Stories, values, and the strength to endure. Filipino immigrant music is merely about melodies; it is a form of storytelling, a declaration of resilience, and a way of forging an unbreakable bond between past and future.

☆ TALA AWARD WINNER

Our Light and Home

by St. Patrick Church Group

As we celebrate this holiday season, we craft our lantern by infusing it with radiant light that symbolizes the light of Christ and serves as a beacon of Hope. By illuminating the lives of others, we embody the celestial guidance of the stars that led the Three Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus Christ, spreading love, hope, joy and light to everyone.

May our lantern inspire the genuine spirit of Christmas, bringing luminescence to the darkness aspect of life and rekindling hope in the hearts of the despairing.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

“Sulo Ng Kabataan”

by Kabataan SF (KBT)

Our parol pays tribute to the fighting spirit of youth and the 3 core values guiding Kabataan and FCC these past 20 years: Kapamilya, Kamalayan, and Katarungan. The bahay kubo represents Kapamilya and always supporting each other. The mind represents Kamalayan and enriching our understanding of culture through our lived experiences and hardship. The fist represents Katarungan and our willingness to rise for collective liberation. We used recycled materials to honor how parols are made in the Philippines. To us, our parol symbolizes the enduring flame of hope and passion of the youth. In this time when Filipino immigrants in the US are being threatened with deportations, our PH government’s leaders are just fighting with each other. Instead, we rely on Filipino migrant youth to be the guiding light for our community - illuminating the path toward a brighter and more united future.

☆ TALA AWARD WINNER

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