Tahanan

Home Is Where Your Paról Is

Tahanan,” the Tagalog word for “home,” can be anywhere for millions of Filipinos around the world: whether in the Philippines, the United States, or the many other countries to which they have immigrated. With immigration comes feelings of fear and displacement, and immigrants often embrace old traditions to help overcome adversity and feel closer to their heritage. For many Filipinos, one of those traditions is the paról—ornamental stars that are hung near the front of the home, to be seen by visitors and passers-by. Not only have they become a symbol for the Christmas season, but also a symbol of solidarity in the Filipino community. The paról connects them through shared experience and signals, “A Filipino lives here.”

This installation was funded by the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, and shown at their Neighborhood Interpretive Center in LA from November 2023 – January 2024.

A daytime view of the installation.
A night view of the installation with the lanterns turned on.
Filipino folk arts group Kayamanan Ng Lahi performs during the opening reception of Tahanan at the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles.
Artist Jaana Baker talks about her work at the opening reception of Tahanan at the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles.
Filipino folk arts group Kayamanan Ng Lahi performs during the opening reception of Tahanan at the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles.
Children marvel at their lanterns during a St. Martin’s Day workshop held during Tahanan at the Goethe-Institut LA.
Children pose with their lanterns during a St. Martin’s Day workshop held during Tahanan at the Goethe-Institut LA.
Friends pose with their paróls during a paról-making workshop led by artist Jaana Baker, held during Tahanan at the Goethe-Institut LA.
A family poses with their paróls during a paról-making workshop led by artist Jaana Baker, held during Tahanan at the Goethe-Institut LA.

An Instagram Reel documenting the Christmas celebration held during Tahanan at the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles.

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