One of the most meaningful Christmas traditions parents can instill in their children is the setting up of a belen. This is a tangible symbol of the Holy Family and a most gentle reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. As this Advent season is one of the most beautifully celebrated events in the biblical calendar, the whole world waits for Christmas Day. However, the Bible reminds us not to be too preoccupied with material preparations alone but use this as vital preparation time for our hearts and souls in order to receive Baby Jesus. Destined to be our Lord and Savior of the world, He holds in His hands the answer to all our prayers, needs and desires, most especially hope and peace that our distressed world so urgently needs.
This is the reason that I go to Tarlac every year in December to celebrate the blessed tradition of the Belenisimo sa Tarlac. Now on its third year, this belen-making event pioneered by the mother-daughter tandem of Tita Isabel Cojuangco Suntay and Dr. Isa C. Suntay has grown more meaningful as the Tarlaqueños messages of hope, love and peace come alive. Through their belens joyfully created in different municipalities, families and various groups are united in the most loving season of all.
This year’s Belenisimo turned out to be a holy pilgrimage enjoyed by our jovial group, which included my sisters Jaqui, Christine, Yvonne, Cito Beltran, Joey Panlilio, Ces Drilon, Johnny Co and Mike Mina. The entrees from Belenisimo 2009 delivered very deep messages reflective of the difficult times. Many showed much emotion wrought by the recent calamities that wreaked havoc on the province. But the spirit was stronger and, to me, more beautiful, more prayerful than ever.
Every belen was created by men and women from Tarlac using natural materials abundant in their town. I also noted that so much recycling was done. What nature discarded was what they put to stunningly beautiful use. After the triple storms that hit their province, much of the debris, foliage, fallen trees, branches and dried up fruits were ingeniously processed and fashioned into works of art. This also resulted in clean, picturesque surroundings.
Two groups were elevated in the Belenisimo hall of fame — the PNP-TPPO belen in the grand non-municipal category; and Albert Dancel’s “Pasko sa Mindanao,” in the diorama category.
The PNP-TPPO belen was designed by Ding Mercado and was a creative joint effort of the police force led by Police Supt. Rudy Lacadin, Police Supt. Florante Torres, Police Senior Inspector Alfredo Miguel, PO3 Rowell Bermudez, PO2 Jesus Michael Valdez, PO1 Gilbert Vigilia. Dr. Isabel Cojuangco Suntay is the executive producer of the PNP belen.
At Belenisimo, every belen was dedicated to our merciful Lord through a poignant prayer, which encouraged us to meditate in silent reverence at the foot of each entry. One of my favorite prayers was posted on the belen in the town of Concepcion. It said: “Dear Lord we praise and thank you for all your blessings, healing and miracles that you shower upon us every day. As we look upon your manger we would like to ask for your continued guidance in every obstacle that comes our way. We know that these trials test the strength of our faith in you. Please shower upon us your mercy and blessings as we work hand in hand to achieve a Christ centered home inspired by the family. Please continue to bless each of us and our beloved country.”
The Belenisimo 2009 is a beautiful tableau of love and hope, a reminder that a Christ-centered family unites in adversity.
I hope that your family would take time out to kneel down together and say a prayer for baby Jesus at the foot of your belen each and every night in the season of Christmas.
(Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com)