The Prisoner’s Wife – Selling Lanterns on the Street

As soon as “ber” months start, it’s a sign that Christmas is approaching. This is the time of the year when everybody seems to be busy with Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, Christmas gifts and all that Christmas jazz. But for the inmates of Negros Occidental provincial jail, it’s the time to make some money for their family. As early as October, husbands begin to craft their Lanterns or parols to be sold by their wives on the months of November till December. The provincial jail was formerly located at Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City. The parols were on display just outside the jail, but now, the facility was transferred to Bago City to give way for the construction of the expansion of 888 China Town Square.

Every time I passed by the provincial jail, I cant help but be mesmerized by the colorful lanterns which light up magically on display at night. Since the jail is already in Bago city, I wondered where the parols are being displayed. I see lanterns stalls along Burgos-Gatuslao crossing. I stopped by to inquire. There they are. It’s them - the parols of the Inmates of Provincial Jail. I met Leah Tanlugon, 33, whose husband is imprisoned for committing murder. With her are other families of prisoners helping out to sell lanterns. I found them repairing some of the damaged and old lanterns. Leah was only 22 years old when her husband was sent to prison. That was eleven years ago. Since then, she has been selling lanterns. They have no children. The lanterns’ prices depend on the sizes but customers can always ask for discounts. They also accept orders. The stalls serve as their temporary home while there are still parols to sell. For these wives, It’s good business. Days before Christmas, all the parols are usually sold out and they can go back to their own homes with sufficient income to spend for Christmas. Every week she would visit her husband in jail and makes sure that she doesn’t miss to spend Christmas and New Year with him. This November, her husband was moved to Muntinlupa to serve his penalty. For Leah, this is heartbreaking. When I asked her how would it be now that she is far away from him, she gave an uncertain look on her face and a sad smile then said, “We cant do anything about it but to go on with life and try to get use to it.” For both of them, life will never be the same again. Their last conversation was just before her husband left for Muntinlupa. Leah cannot resist not being with her husband for Christmas. She plans to go there on December 26 to spend the holidays with him.  Christmas season is the only time when Leah can have sure income. She doesn’t have a fulltime job. They are able to celebrate Christmas and New Year bountifully because of the Parol. For the rest of the families of the inmates, this project by the province has been a great blessing to them. Even though, these husbands are inside the jail, they can still provide for their family through this noble job.

Leah Tanlugon, 33, a prisoner's wife

Before our conversation ended, I asked Leah the final question, “What is your wish this Christmas?” She answered with the sound of desperation,” I wish for my husband to be out of prison.” Then there’s long resonating silence. Her love and longing for her husband echoed through my ear. Unselfishly, she wishes nothing else but freedom for her husband and a hope for a chance to live life together as couple, free from chains and if God willing, to have their own children someday. No matter how uncertain the fate of her husband in prison, nothing can separate the love they have for each other. Just like the Christmas lantern/Parol, as long as there is Christmas, there will always be light and hope.