Jemlyn and Melita Demegillo have been making traditional Filipino lanterns called parols since their first Christmas in Canada as a way to stay connected to their roots. Making parols for others has turned into a years-long tradition that gave the Ottawa couple hope during tough times, especially after each one of them battled cancer.
“When we migrated here in 2012 it was the first time I made two parols and now it’s still hung there on our porch,” Jemlyn Demegillo told CTVNews.ca in a video interview. Parols are traditionally made with Filipino bamboo which is often larger and stronger than other types of bamboo found in Canadians hardware stores.
The Demegillos often make 10 parols a year but in 2017 they had to take a break after Jemlyn was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. To make matters worse, just as he was recovering, Melita was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer the very next year. After their surgeries and with the support of their family, the Demegillos were back on their feet, but only to be faced with another challenge: the pandemic.