25 plus years now – that’s how long i have been waiting to have one of my dreams come true, to be able walk “proudly” behind something that is a fairly decent showing at the annual UP Diliman Lantern Parade.  Not that the past lanterns were really that bad mind you.  It’s just that knowing the true stature of Jesus as the Lord of the universe, it made me feel quite mystified that we as those who profess to believe in Him could not muster up the funds or concept for a lantern that would bring Him even minor recognition as the truest reason for the December holiday season.

On December 18 last year, my dream finally came true – thanks to the generous giving of UPCCC’s alumni from all over the world.  (You know who you are folks!)  What made it even more special for me was that this was also a collective effort with the rest of the UP Christian Community – an umbrella group of ten recognized university-based Christian organizations.  Truly, behold how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity!

Our lantern showcased how the Christian faith is relevant to UP students as they faced and continue to face the challenges of life: higher tuitions, academic pressure and even the floods of Pepeng and Ondoy.  As we marched all over the academic oval, it was a thrill as we saw so many onlookers wave to our mascots on the lantern who performed several times a short skit showcasing our theme.  Some of the UPCC (UP Christian Community) members distributed Christian materials to bystanders.

When i think about the future, i feel bold and courageous because i have seen that not only a decent but even a GREAT perhaps even award-winning lantern IS POSSIBLE for the UP Christian Community!  After all, we now have 11 months to prepare for it.  Whee!

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