The Philippine Christmas season is one of the longest in the world, and preparations started as early as mid-September.

The star lantern's charm is multi faceted. It can be simple and elegant or dizzying in its complexity.

The star lantern's charm is multi faceted. It can be simple and elegant or dizzying in its complexity. The materials used range from transparent colored cellophane to lustrous mollusk shells.

But in the face of a worsening global economic crunch, many buyers are reusing old lanterns. This means owners of parol stalls are feeling the pinch.

They used to sell around 8 to 10 colorful lanterns a day. This year they consider themselves lucky if they manage to sell 3 or 4.

Risa Hispano, parol stall operator, said, "We simply can't sell at low prices, because we have to earn a living too. That's what we remind our customers nowadays, the materials aren't cheap."

The lantern is an enduring tradition for Filipinos. It represents the star of Bethlehem which, according to Christian lore, guided three travelling wise men to the baby Jesus Christ.

Despite hard times, the parol remains strong in its foothold in Philippine culture.

Ester Bernos, parol buyer, said, "It's always customary for us to hang parols during this season. Not necessarily the very expensive ones, but just enough to show that we can spread good cheer during Christmas despite the global crisis."

For many Filipinos, making a parol and decorating it is not simply producing a disposable trinket, but also a statement of hope a guiding star in its own right.

(CCTV November 13, 2008)