Papercutting - Filipino

Filipino

There are a number of Philippine crafts outlets that utilize paper cutting. During Filipino Christmas, the parol (a traditional star-shaped lantern) is embellished with coloured paper cut into various decorative forms to create floral designs, pom-poms and “tails”.

There is also the art of pabalat (sweet wrappers), where coloured paper is elaborately cut paper and used to sheathe pastillas de leche (carabao milk pastilles) and other traditional sweets. Paper cutting is also involved in the creation of banderitas that feature prominently in fiesta décor; these are elaborate and plain-cut paper streamers strung over streets.