SAN FERNANDO, Philippines (CNN) -- In skeletal form, they look like gargantuan honeycombs, rising 20 feet into the air. They are the largest incarnations of the Philippines' parol, an eye-dazzling electric Christmas lantern that symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem. In action they're truly a sight to behold. Each giant parol features a series of thousands of spinning lights synchronized by seven large steel drums -- the rotors. When the parol spins, the rotor hits a row of hairpins, electrifying the bulbs. Though smaller parols for household use have more latitude in covering, with choices like capiz shells and fiberglass, the giant lanterns usually stick to polyvinyl plastic.
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San Fernando dubbed "Christmas Capital of the Philippines" for its Giant Lantern Festival
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A giant parol -- Christmas lantern -- costs around US$11,300-15,820 to build
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Smaller, mass-produced 'parul sampernandus' can be found hanging outside homes all over the Philippines
For @placeholder at home, the parol's electromagnetic message of triumph over adversity sparkles brightest.