The gargantuan belen of Moncada

Last Saturday, on my way back to Manila from Baguio City, my eyes were captivated by the lavish display of lights that bedecked the gargantuan belen (Nativity scene) in Moncada, Tarlac. Spellbound, I stepped off my dusty van to take a curious look at the belen and posed for some photo souvenirs in front of the Holy Family. Surprise of surprises, I bumped into old family friends from Moncada. Lola Pinang Aguilar hugged me so tight I saw the star that guided the three kings to the manger. Tita Nelly Aguilar with George Michael Aguilar was also there enjoying the now famous Moncada belen. Barangay Rizal Kapitan Dexter Baldonado Mendoza with some very kind Moncada policemen made it easy for us to have our photos taken in front of the Moncada belen.

The belen is definitely a dazzling visual spectacle. Situated between Moncada’s municipal hall and the public plaza along the national highway, it is now elevated into the Hall of Fame of the province-wide Belenismo competition.

According to http://www.belenismo.com.ph, “The Belenismo sa Tarlac is an annual tradition started in 2007, to promote both the art of Belen-making and the bayanihan spirit among the people of Tarlac.” It is a conscious effort to restore the religious and social importance of the belen as a symbol of Christmas. Through belen-making, the people of Tarlac from 17 municipalities and one city gather together in one friendly competition. They aim to make Tarlac as the Belen Capital of the Philippines. Belenismo showcases various belen from schools, business establishments, municipalities, churches and government agencies that join the yearly event.

Belenismo sa Tarlac was launched by Tarlac Heritage Foundation (THF) president Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, sister of former Amb. Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.

Belenismo begins in November when belen entries are set up and submitted for judging. The awards night is held every December. The belen entries are displayed until early January.

According to Praxy Pontanilla, administrative assistant 5 of the Municipality of Moncada, the town has been joining the festive Belenismo for the past seven years. “Marahil ay kasama na nga sa Hall of Fame kung pagbabatayan ay ang bilang ng pagkapanalo bilang first prize winner. Tatlong beses nang naging No. 1 ang Moncada sa Belenismo province-wide competition. First prize winner in 2010, 2011 and 2012,” she shared.

Despite being a Hall of Famer, the Moncadenians still join the annual tradition. “The Honorable Mayor Benito E. Aquino wants to continue the practice of making belen not for the award anymore but for the enjoyment of his constituents during the Christmas season in Moncada,” said Praxy.

Bong Tongoy is the over-all designer of Moncada’s belen. “Ako po ang nag-execute ng mga stage design para po sa ginaganap na Miss Moncada dito sa amin. Nang magkaroon ng Belenismo, ako rin po ang pinagkatiwalaan ng mayor namin na gumawa ng belen. Wala po talaga akong alam sa paggawa. May mga magagaling na tao na gumagawa ng design. Pinagkakatiwala lang sa akin ang pagbuo nito. Marami akong natutunan sa kanila na siya pong ginagamit ko ngayon sa paggawa ng designs ng belen.” (Bravo Bong, your belen is one of the best I have seen in the world.)

This year, it took Bong three months to create a masterpiece. He explained, “Mga tatlong buwan po simula sa lay-out ng design, fabrication of the  frame, assembly hanggang sa mga final details and electrical works. There were seven of us who made it.”

The belen is made of indigenous materials like cogon grass, coconut shells, bamboo, native sacks, abaca and plastic bottles.

“Pag nakikita ko po iyong tuwa at ngiti ng mga nakakakita sa gawa namin, masaya po kami, nagpapasalamat dahil na-appreciate po nila,” Bong enthused.

Abraham Sales Jr., Municipal Civil registrar, MPDC-OIC invites everyone on behalf of Moncada Mayor Benito Aquino to visit Moncada and to take a look at Moncada’s majestic belen. “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”