By Aurora Carla Loyola-Roebuck | Founder of In2Lifestyle UK & Nortexports PH
Growing up in Baguio City, with my mother’s family roots deeply connected to Pampanga, I have always been proud of my Filipino heritage, our traditions, and the remarkable craftsmanship of our people.
Pampanga has long been celebrated as the Christmas Lantern Capital of the Philippines, renowned for generations of talented artisans creating some of the country’s most beautiful and intricate Christmas Parols.
But my vision went beyond simply bringing traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns to the UK. I dreamed of taking our beautiful Filipino craftsmanship to the international stage, proving that our generations-old traditions could evolve through modern innovation without losing their authenticity.
I wanted to demonstrate that Filipino craftsmanship could achieve more than traditional artistry alone, that through determination, innovation, and continuous product development, our beautiful Capiz Christmas Parols could meet the electrical safety and compliance requirements of the UK and European markets.
My journey wasn’t simply about importing Christmas lanterns and selling them abroad. I wanted to be directly involved in developing and manufacturing our products, improving their electrical systems, understanding international regulations, and ensuring that our lanterns were suitable for the markets we wanted to serve.
Through my businesses, Nortexports PH in the Philippines and In2Lifestyle UK in the United Kingdom, I turned that vision into reality.
After years of hard work, research, product development, and compliance preparations, I am proud that our Capiz Christmas Parols now carry UKCA and CE conformity markings.
I believe this represents a pioneering achievement in bringing traditional Filipino Capiz Christmas lanterns into the regulated UK and European electrical markets.
And for me, this achievement means so much more than business.
It is about showing that Filipino craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation deserve recognition on the international stage.
What Makes Our Capiz Christmas Parols So Special?
Before I share more about our collections, I want to explain something that makes our Christmas lanterns different from ordinary LED Christmas decorations.
Our lanterns are handcrafted using genuine Capiz shells, a beautiful natural material that has been part of Filipino craftsmanship for generations.
What Are Capiz Shells?
Capiz shells come from a marine mollusc scientifically known as Placuna placenta, commonly called the windowpane oyster.
Despite its name, the windowpane oyster is not a true oyster. Its remarkably thin, flat, and naturally translucent shell has traditionally been used in Filipino craftsmanship, including decorative lanterns and even windowpanes in traditional Filipino homes.
The name windowpane oyster comes from the shell’s ability to allow light to pass through it.
Unlike ordinary plastic decorations, genuine Capiz shells have a naturally pearlescent appearance, with delicate textures and subtle variations that give them their distinctive character.
When illuminated, these shells gently diffuse the light, producing a beautiful, soft, shimmering glow.
The LED lights provide the illumination, but the genuine Capiz shells create the beauty.
This is what makes our Christmas Parols more than just ordinary light-up decorations.
Each lantern represents a combination of natural materials, traditional Filipino artistry, and modern lighting technology.
Our skilled Filipino artisans carefully work with these delicate shells to create beautiful Christmas lanterns that celebrate our heritage.
For me, preserving this traditional craftsmanship while introducing modern electrical technology has always been at the heart of our business.
We are not simply selling Christmas lights. We are sharing a piece of Filipino heritage, craftsmanship, and tradition with the world.
From Our First Starlight Collection to Six Beautiful Collections
Our journey began with the Starlight Collection, our very first range of Capiz Christmas Parols.
What started with one collection has grown into six distinctive collections, each celebrating Filipino craftsmanship and the beauty of Christmas.
Today, our collections include:
• Starlight Collection – Our original collection and the beginning of our journey.
• Winter Starlight Collection – Elegant, winter-inspired Capiz Christmas lanterns.
• Philippine Pride Collection – Designs celebrating the colours of the Philippine flag and our national heritage.
• Nativity Starlight Collection – Inspired by the Star of Bethlehem and the religious significance of Christmas.
• Special Starlight Collection – Distinctive designs for customers looking for something extra special.
• Limited Edition Special Starlight Collection – Featuring exclusive designs such as Sampabell, created for those who appreciate something unique.
Each collection reflects our passion for combining traditional Filipino craftsmanship with contemporary designs and lighting technology.
Bringing Filipino Craftsmanship into the UK and European Markets
Our commitment to innovation doesn’t stop at beautiful craftsmanship. We also recognise the importance of electrical safety, product quality, and customer confidence.
Our Capiz Christmas Parols carry UKCA and CE conformity markings, supported by our product compliance work for the applicable UK and European requirements.
Our lanterns feature:
• 10 beautiful lighting modes
• LED lighting technology
• Dual-voltage 110V/230V capability
• UK-compatible power connections
• A one-year electrical warranty, subject to our warranty terms
• UK-based customer service and after-sales support
For me, this represents the meeting of two worlds: traditional Filipino artistry and modern electrical product development.
It is a milestone I am incredibly proud of, not only as a business owner but also as a Filipina.
Proud of Our Roots, Proud of Our Journey
Pampanga is where my mother’s family roots connect me to the Philippines’ celebrated lantern-making heritage. Baguio City is where I was born and raised, and the United Kingdom is where I worked to turn my vision into reality.
Through Nortexports PH and In2Lifestyle UK, I continue to work alongside talented Filipino artisans, preserving the beauty of traditional Capiz Christmas Parols while developing products for international markets.
Every lantern represents more than a Christmas decoration. It reflects the dedication of our artisans, the natural beauty of Capiz shells, the richness of Filipino culture, and my determination to bring our traditions to a wider audience.
I may have started with a vision, but my ambition has always been bigger: to show that Filipino craftsmanship and innovation can proudly reach international markets without losing the traditions that make them special.
And this is only the beginning.
Thank you for supporting our journey and helping us bring a little piece of the Philippines into homes across the United Kingdom.
With pride,
Aurora Carla Loyola-Roebuck
Founder | In2Lifestyle UK & Nortexports PH
"Authentic Filipino Craftsmanship. Pioneering Innovation. Quality You Can Trust."
Discover Our Capiz Christmas Parol Collections
Explore our handcrafted Filipino Capiz Christmas Parols and bring a beautiful piece of Filipino Christmas heritage into your home.
Shop our collections at https://in2lifestyleuk.com/collections/on-hand-24-inches-capiz-christmas-parols-with-1-year-warranty