LOS ANGELES, 21 December 2024 — North Hills, California became the center of Filipino Christmas celebrations as Seafood City hosted the Biggest Parol Lighting Event in California. In partnership with the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, the San Fernando Pampanga Tourism Office and the Philippine Department of Trade & Industry, this milestone event brought Filipino culture to life, celebrating the heritage and unity of the Filipino-American community.
The event featured a stunning 16-foot parol (Christmas lantern), crafted by homegrown Pampanga artist Arwin Quiwa and his team. As Mayor Vilma Caluag of San Fernando shared, “This is a move towards celebrating Filipino craftsmanship and culture, sponsoring a deeper connection between the City of San Fernando and its overseas Filipino communities. Tonight, we light up this masterpiece—a piece of Fernandino heritage, arts, and culture.”
A Night to Remember
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Eric Elnar, Trade Commissioner of the Philippine Trade & Investment Center LA, and Consul Marie Cris Chieng, Cultural Officer of the Philippine Consulate in LA, who shared: “We are delighted to support this meaningful initiative, especially here in California, home to the largest concentration of the Filipino diaspora.”
The program was a celebration of Filipino artistry and talent. Amanda Basco opened with a heartfelt rendition of the Philippine National Anthem and performed “Pasko Na Naman” during the ceremonial parol lighting. Guests were treated to captivating Pandango sa Ilaw dances by the Malayan Dance Company and stirring performances by Kenneth Laurente and Kevin Hermogenes.
Seafood City EVP and SFC+ President & CEO Elewin Rebaya highlighted the company’s dedication to the Filipino community:
“At Seafood City, we bring a sense of home to Global Filipinos living abroad. Whether through our stores, food, or events, we keep vibrant Filipino traditions alive. Our SFC+ app takes this further, connecting Filipinos to loved ones in the Philippines with digital gift vouchers, remittances, SMDC investments, and PAL discounted flights. Plus, you can convert your Suki Points to Mabuhay Miles—and vice versa—making travel back home even more rewarding and accessible.”
The SFC+ App: Bringing Filipinos Closer to Home
While the event celebrated the vibrant traditions of Paskong Pinoy, it also provided a platform to share the SFC+ app with the Filipino community. As the official app of Seafood City, the SFC+ app is designed to serve Filipinos better by bridging connections between families abroad and their loved ones back home, offering four unique benefits that enhance the Filipino experience:
1. Shop for Exclusive Items: Unlock special deals and purchase digital gift vouchers for iconic Filipino brands like SM Jollibee, Red Ribbon, Penshoppe, Ideal Vision and more. Plus, invest in SMDC condos and send money securely with zero fees through BayaniPay in the app.
2. Save More: Enjoy exclusive discounts while earning Suki Points on purchases at Seafood City, Grill City, Bakers Avenue, and more—all through the app.
3. Earn Suki Points: Collect Suki Points every time you shop, giving you more rewards to use for your next purchases.
4. Pay with Suki Points: Use the Suki Points you’ve earned to pay for groceries at Seafood City, combining savings and convenience for a seamless shopping experience.
Celebrating Culture Through Food and Art
The event was complemented by a Pop-Up Holiday Market featuring products flown in from Pampanga, traditional clothing, and artisanal crafts. Guests indulged in a festive Filipino buffet prepared by Grill City and sweet treats from Bakers Avenue.
The grand lighting of the parol symbolized Filipino creativity and resilience, leaving attendees with feelings of nostalgia and pride. The lantern will remain on display at Seafood City North Hills until December 25, allowing more visitors to experience its magic.
Seafood City’s Biggest Parol Lighting Event was more than a celebration of Christmas—it was a tribute to Filipino culture, innovation, and the enduring spirit of home.
ABOUT SEAFOOD CITY SUPERMARKET
Seafood City Supermarket is the leading Filipino-American grocery chain in North America, offering a wide range of Filipino and Asian products. More than a grocery store, Seafood City serves as a cultural hub for the Filipino community, hosting events and introducing services that celebrate Filipino heritage and traditions.
ABOUT SFC+ APP
The SFC+ app is the official mobile platform of Seafood City, connecting Global Filipinos to their roots. The app offers exclusive deals, Suki Points rewards, digital gift vouchers, secure remittances, and discounted flights. It is your all-in-one solution for shopping, saving, and staying connected to home.
