Inmates' Christmas lanterns spectacle
"Lift little souls and make them feel how to shine this Christmas"
The judges Eli Tajanlangit and Laarni
Aguilar.
Indeed they shone during the night of the official lighting of Giant Parols at the Robinsons Place - Bacolod main entrance canopy, adding attraction to the mall and causing passers-by to stop. Suddenly, all eyes were on the glimmering lanterns that were proudly made by the inmates of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Negros Occidental.
Seventeen city and municipal jails all over Negros participated in the contest. They proved their craftsmanship with their artistic creations using different kinds of indigenous materials that are mostly prevalent or things that are abundant from their native places. Bamboos, bolos, shells, wood trimmings, corn hulls, rattan, dried grass stalks, etc… were among the materials used by the inmates to create various designs.
Unique to this Giant Parols is the concept being used. The stirring emotions only the inmates can demonstrate through their artwork. Looking closely at their creations, one can feel the agony of being behind bars and their longing for the free world.
Robinsons Place Bacolod together with BJMP Negros Occidental fully supports this activity with a positive outlook of promoting inmates' exceptional talents, regaining their confidence thus making them more upright and dynamic individuals. Because of its remarkability, The BJMP Parol making Contest has been featured via National Television recently.
The entries were from Bacolod City District Jail, Male and female sector, Talisay, Silay, Victorias, Cadiz, Sagay, Escalante, San Carlos, Bago, La Carlota, Himamaylan, Binalbagan, Kabankalan, Isabela and La Castellana.